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"You might have saved a life with this concert!"

–CASPAR Shelter Guest

What We Do

Shelter Music Boston provides transformative chamber music concerts that promote community, creative interaction, respect, and therapeutic benefit to those experiencing homelessness and undergoing substance use recovery.

Julie Leven (photo by Tatiana Daubek at Lifebridge in Salem 2016).jpg

We provide 100+ concerts a year at 13 program sites that serve adults and families.

Our Story

Shelter Music Boston was founded in 2010 by Boston Pops violinist Julie Leven, who saw a need for classical music provided as a social service in the Boston area. Since Julie’s first concerts at Shattuck Shelter and Kitty Dukakis Treatment Center in Jamaica Plain, MA, the organization has grown over the last 15 years to now serve 13 program sites, with more than 80 musicians on roster.   

Shattuck 2011 From back of room.jpg

Julie, violin, and Rebecca, viola, played the first concerts at Shattuck Shelter in 2010

Moira Smiley Southampton 2024.jpg

“Performing in environments of great need is a natural evolution of the role classical music should fill in modern society. To have a positive impact on the life of a homeless individual by playing my violin is to honor classical music and the dignity of all people.”

Julie Leven, SMB Founder, Executive and Artistic Director Emeritus

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