Expanded collaboration will strengthen music education, mentorship, and performance opportunities for young musicians across Whatcom County
The Bellingham Symphony Orchestra (BSO) and North Sound Youth Symphony (NSYS) are embarking on an expanded partnership designed to strengthen the future of orchestral music in Whatcom County. This will create more opportunities for young musicians to learn, perform, and connect with the region’s professional music community.
The 2026–2027 season will serve as a transition year as the two organizations work together to build a shared future. A full merger is planned to take effect in July 2027, ahead of the 2027–2028 season.
“A shared vision board and space was the starting point and really set the tone for this partnership,” said Gail Ridenour, executive director of the Bellingham Symphony Orchestra. “BSO and NSYS have similar values when it comes to investing in our community and youth so that we can share the joy of music with all ages for generations to come.”
The partnership brings together two organizations with a shared commitment to musical excellence, accessible music education, and the transformative power of making music together. NSYS provides young musicians with opportunities to develop their skills, perform challenging orchestral repertoire, and grow through collaboration with their peers. Through this expanded relationship, BSO and NSYS aim to build on that foundation while connecting students more directly with professional musicians and the broader musical life of the community.
Students are already benefiting from the collaboration. This season, young musicians will have two side-by-side playing opportunities with BSO musicians, giving students the chance to experience orchestral performance alongside professional players, learn through shared rehearsal experiences, and see firsthand what it means to make music at the next level.
"North Sound Youth Symphony has been the musical home for thousands of local families over our 33 years,” said Desiree Kane, current NSYS board president. “The collaboration this year and upcoming merger for next season will continue our mission to provide musical excellence through performance of a repertoire of the highest educational and artistic quality, provide equal opportunities for all aspiring young musicians, encourage leadership, and support our community through access to free public concerts. Our goal is that the upcoming merger with BSO will allow us to improve access to music education for generations to come.”
The transition year will allow both organizations to continue their existing programs while laying the groundwork for a unified structure that supports students, families, educators, and musicians.
The planned July 2027 merger represents an opportunity to align resources, deepen educational opportunities, and strengthen the long-term sustainability of youth orchestral music in the region. By bringing the organizations together, BSO and NSYS hope to create a more connected musical community in which young musicians can develop their talents, learn from experienced performers, and envision a future that includes music.
“I’m excited about what this partnership will make possible for young musicians in our community,” says BSO Music Director Yaniv Attar. “Bringing the BSO and North Sound Youth Symphony together will create new opportunities for students to grow, be inspired, and experience the joy of making music alongside our orchestra musicians.”
The Bellingham Symphony Orchestra is the resident orchestra of the historic Mount Baker Theatre. Now in its 51st season, the BSO presents orchestral concerts, educational performances, and community programs that connect people of all ages with the power of live music. The organization is committed to making meaningful musical experiences accessible throughout the region.
Learn more at bellinghamsymphony.org.
North Sound Youth Symphony provides young musicians in Northwest Washington with a fun, inspirational, and challenging orchestral experience. Through its Symphony and Philharmonia ensembles, students develop musical skills, explore orchestral repertoire, and build confidence, teamwork, and community through performance.
Learn more at bellinghamsymphony.org/nsys-home.
