Sheep Island Ensemble Music Director James Blachly will be assisting celebrated conductor and speaker Benjamin Zander as his assistant with the Boston Philharmonic Orchestra and the Boston Philharmonic Youth Orchestra for the 2013-14 season. The prestigious position enables a young conductor to gain valuable experience not only with a conducting assistantship, but with a broader vision of the role of music in society that Mr. Zander demonstrates. The year includes plans for a trip to Venezuela to assist Mr. Zander as he works with the Simon Bolivar Youth Orchestra on Mahler’s Sixth Symphony, and an expanded role with the BPO. More information about the Boston Philharmonic and Ben here and here.