Boston Conservatory's Soire Breaks Records to Fund Student Scholarships

Boston Conservatory's Soir e Breaks Records to Fund Student Scholarships The event achieved 127 percent of its fundraising goal in an evening celebrating student artistry.

June 30, 2026

By

Tara Bellucci

Rhapsody in Blue performed by Elvis Pietrzak (BFA 27, contemporary dance) and Colette Walsh (BFA 27, contemporary dance)

All photos by Matt Teuten

Boston Conservatory at Berklee's eighth annual Soir e on April 6 achieved an unprecedented milestone, reaching a stunning 127 percent of its fundraising goal for student scholarships-the most successful result in the event's history. One hundred percent of Soir e funds raised will go towards Boston Conservatory student scholarships, securing vital resources for the next generation of world-class performing artists. Driven by incredible community momentum, the historic evening ultimately brought in close to $1 million.

This years Soir e set out to maximize the visibility of our students incredible talents, and the response from our community was nothing short of incredible, says Michael Shinn, Boston Conservatory at Berklee vice president and executive director. I am profoundly grateful to our trustees, sponsors, and supporters who stepped up to make this our most successful Soir e yet. To shatter our previous fundraising records ensures that we can continue to recruit and support world-class artists, regardless of their financial circumstances.

Showcasing ArtistryThis year's event was held at the Mandarin Oriental in Boston, where the venue's intimate environment prioritized meaningful conversation, deeper connectivity, and close interaction between supporters and the campus community.

The 2026 Soir e program minimized formal speeches and maximized the visibility of student and alumni excellence. By focusing heavily on live performance, the evening drew guests' attention directly to the elite training and diverse artistry fostered within Boston Conservatory.

Since the night was about supporting the next generation of artists as they use their creativity to positively impact the world, donors and attendees got a glimpse into the bold artistry, boundless creativity, and fierce dedication of Boston Conservatory's students and alumni.

The showcase included student performances of Rhapsody in Blue, conducted by Matthew Marsit, chair of Instrumental Studies, and choreographed by professors Daniel Pelzig, Gianni Di Marco, and Leah Abbott; Our Time from Merrily We Roll Along; I'm Here from The Color Purple; and Addio, dolce svegliare from La Boh me. Alum Francesca Mehrotra (MM 21, opera) also performed two songs, Think of Me from The Phantom of the Opera and With So Little to Be Sure Of from Anyone Can Whistle, accompanied by associate professor Andrew Bisantz on piano.

To close out the formal programming before the evening's traditional dance party, Berklee India Exchange (BIX) took the stage to represent Berklee College of Music and the many artistic collaborations between the College and Conservatory. Led by artistic director Zahara (Annette Philip) BM '09, the ensemble delivered a spectacular, high-energy performance that highlighted the global reach and collaborative spirit of the broader Berklee community.

The Berklee India Exchange performs Taraana.

Boston Conservatory Orchestra bows after Rhapsody in Blue conducted by Matthew Marsit, Chair of Instrumental Studies

Zahara (Annette Philip), artistic director of Berklee India Exchange and alum Nishant Shekar performing with Berklee India Exchange

Conservatory Cabaret performs Our Time from Merrily We Roll Along.

Alum vocal artist Francesca Mehrotra (MM 21, opera), who is currently starring as Christine Daae in the off-Broadway production of Phantom of the Opera-Masquerade, performs alongside accompanist Andrew Bisantz, associate professor of music.

Vocalist Cortlandt Barrett (BFA 27, musical theater) and pianist Jack Terbush (BFA 28, musical theater) perform I'm Here from The Color Purple.

The Transformative Impact of ScholarshipsIn addition to the spectacular live performances, the evening premiered an impact video, which followed the personal journeys of Boston Conservatory students Scotty Atienza (BFA 26, musical theater), Demetris Michaelides (BFA 27, contemporary dance), and Isabella Yee (BM 26, violin)-each representing a different division as they shared how scholarship support enabled them to pursue their artistic dreams at Boston Conservatory.

The impact of these philanthropic efforts was further echoed by past scholarship recipient Mehrotra-who is currently performing in Masquerade-sharing what donor support means for the future of the performing arts:

I chose Boston Conservatory at Berklee because I had a strong sense that it was here-and only here-that I would become not just the best singer I could be but the best human being and artist I could possibly be. My education-and the generous scholarship that allowed me to make what I look back on as the single greatest decision of my artistic journey so far-gave me the tools to be successful, not solely by industry standards of the moment but to imagine, step into, and pioneer new forms of artistic storytelling that are defining and expanding the theatrical landscape of our generation.

By reaching 127 percent of this year's scholarship fundraising goal, the 2026 Soir e has equipped Boston Conservatory to continue dismantling financial barriers, so that future innovators and culture-shapers can bring their unique artistic visions to life.

Learn more about how to support Boston Conservatory student scholarship at bostonconservatory.edu/giving.

Tara Bellucci is Berklees director of content strategy. She has been a writer, editor, and digital media consultant for over a decade.

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