Boston Modern Orchestra Project, Inc.

The Boston Modern Orchestra Project (BMOP) is a nonprofit organization founded in 1996 by Artistic Director Gil Rose. It is a professional orchestra based in Boston, Massachusetts, and is recognized as the leading ensemble in the United States dedicated exclusively to commissioning, performing, and recording contemporary music of the 20th and 21st centuries.

Mission

BMOP's mission is to illuminate the connections between contemporary music and society by connecting composers with audiences through shared concert experiences. The organization focuses on performing modern orchestral music, often presenting works that have been overlooked or forgotten in the classical repertoire.

Achievements

In its first twelve seasons, BMOP performed over 80 concerts of contemporary orchestral music, commissioned more than 20 new works, presented over 70 world premieres, and released numerous CDs. The orchestra collaborates with artists and organizations internationally and frequently performs at major venues across the United States, including Tanglewood and the Festival of New American Music in Sacramento.

BMOP has received several awards for its innovative programming, including the ASCAP Award for Adventurous Programming of Orchestral Music and the John S. Edwards Award for Strongest Commitment to New American Music. In 2016, BMOP was named Musical America's Ensemble of the Year, marking the first time a symphony orchestra received this honor.

BMOP/sound

In 2008, BMOP launched its independent record label, BMOP/sound. This label is devoted to preserving modern orchestral music through high-quality recordings. BMOP/sound has garnered two Grammy Award nominations for its outstanding contributions to the genre.

Community Engagement and Diversity

BMOP is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion within classical music. The organization actively seeks to revive and record works by underrepresented composers, helping to correct imbalances in the classical canon. Recent initiatives include a five-year project focusing on operas by black composers, supported by outreach programs designed to engage underserved communities.

BMOP also collaborates with organizations like Odyssey Opera to champion overlooked works and support new compositions, furthering its mission to expand the repertoire and celebrate diverse artistic voices.