Meet Nicholas Brown | Clarinetist & Creative Entrepreneur

We had the good fortune of connecting with Nicholas Brown and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nicholas, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
I was born and raised in Portland, Maine as a small part of a large family. I have one older brother, Dan, but my parents have 15 siblings between the two of them, leaving Dan and me with almost 50 first cousins! Growing up, we gathered regularly for birthdays, holidays, graduations, weddings – there was no shortage of celebrating. In a relatively small city, it seemed that I was surrounded by relatives everywhere I went. (Even this weekend I ran into two of my aunts at the farmers’ market!) Back then, it just felt like the norm. Now, though, I realize how uncommon it is to have such a large family, and how fortunate I am to be so close with them.

Most importantly, my upbringing demonstrated the value of community support. Just like my grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins were showing up to my concerts, I was going to football and baseball games, dance recitals, plays, and more to support my relatives. I learned to never underestimate the power of showing up and showing support – a belief that I still hold close today.

What should our readers know about your business?
I am Co-Founder and Executive Director of the Boston Festival Orchestra, an organization that was established to fill a cultural void during the summer months in Boston. While nearly all of Boston’s professional orchestras relocate for the summer or take a break from presenting concerts, the BFO boasts a summer season that provides employment to the city’s incredible professional musicians, concert experiences for local audiences, and a welcoming community for all.

This journey has surely not been easy. In addition to creating and growing the organization amidst a global pandemic, my studies in school focused on classical music. I held a handful of small administrative roles across a few different non-profit organizations, but the BFO really emerged from my complete vision, willingness to learn, and application of that knowledge.

If you take anything away from my story, please have it be the merit in resourcefulness and creative problem-solving, and how far a good idea and your own passion can take you.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Boston is great for visits! Whenever I show people the city or go on vacations myself, I tend to walk around as much as possible (Boston is very walkable!).

A day walking around Jamaica Pond, onto Centre Street, and ending with Arnold Arboretum is definitely a day well spent. Checking out downtown Boston and the Seaport District is a great change of pace – be sure to stop into Trillium Brewing and Flour Bakery. Walking around the South End, Fenway, and Allston will also give you a great mix of city/nature with great restaurants, bars, and coffee shops – Tatte (!!), Render, Time Out Market, Barcelona, Bootleg Special, LuLu’s, and so much more!

Honorable mention: Blossom Bar in Brookline!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There are so many people who deserve shoutouts:

My family – Mom, Dad, Dan, Sam, and all members of the Brown/Veroneau family;
My amazing boyfriend – Matt;
My business partner – Alyssa; and
All my friends, colleagues, and supporters.

Website: www.nbclar.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brick_nown/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nbclar/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NBrown1123

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJvO_X00Bmur29ZdmcHhQBA

Image Credits
Robert Torres