Gifts Expanding the BSYO’ s Dedicated Instrument Collection
There is something very special about knowing that a violin I have cherished is now in the hands of a talented young musician. I hope it brings Mazzin, and the many BSYO students who will follow, the same joy and inspiration that music has brought to my life.
Brenda Bodian, instrument donor
DONOR SPOTLIGHT
Gifts Expanding the BSYO’ s Dedicated Instrument Collection
Through generous underwriting and meaningful instrument donations, the BSYO continued to strengthen its collection of high-quality instruments, ensuring that talented young musicians have access to the tools that match their advancing skills and artistic potential. This season, the BSYO acquired a timpani set from the BSO and launched a new BSYO String Collection, providing select students with instruments on a season-long loan.
The Collection was established through the generosity of donors Brenda Bodian and BSO Concertmaster Jonathan Carney, who each donated violins to support the next generation of musicians. One of the first recipients, Mazzin Al-Bustani, a tenth-grade member of the Philharmonia Orchestra, was selected to perform on Ms. Bodian’ s instrument throughout the season. As winner of the Philharmonia Orchestra’ s annual concerto competition, Mazzin performed the first movement of the Bruch Violin Concerto on the donated violin at the BSYO’ s May season finale concerts, bringing the impact of this gift to life on stage.
Mazzin Al-Bustani( age 15) performing the first movement of the Bruch Violin Concerto at the BSYO Season Finale Concert on May 17th 2026.
Photo Credit: Sabah Nesreen