On first impression, John Williams’ second violin concerto didn’t strike me as an instant classic, but there’s more than a little here to warrant repeated listening.
Boston Symphony Orchestra
Concert Review: The Boston Symphony Orchestra Performs Carlos Simon, Sibelius, and Dvorak
The orchestra’s summer home is operating at reduced capacity this season, but it’s wonderful to have the BSO and its public reunited.
Cultural Commentary: Arts Institutions, Unions, and the Pandemic
It behooves audiences to be aware of how workers in the arts organizations they frequent are treated and whether management is operating in good faith.
Concert Music Review: Andris Nelsons returns to the Boston Symphony
One can only hope that Gail Samuel’s hiring means that the BSO’s welcome-but-fitful efforts at expanding its repertoire and engaging the community of late will become central to its post-pandemic mission.
Classical Music Commentary: The Boston Symphony Orchestra’s 2020-21 Season Announcement
If ever there was a season the BSO needed to put its right foot forward — balancing the core repertory with some strong steps outside of it — this is the one.
Concert Review: Boston Symphony Orchestra plays Jolas, Ravel, and Shostakovich
In the right hands, Shostakovich’s Twelfth can come off as nothing less than an intriguing, lively symphonic essay.
Concert Review: Boston Symphony Orchestra’s Opening Night
That rarest of Opening Nights: a program that was mostly fun and entertaining, but also substantive and artistically satisfying.
Arts Commentary: 2019-20 Classical Music Preview
I’ve compiled a list of twelve concerts (or concert series) that I think will stand among the future season’s highlights.
Classical CD Reviews: Andris Nelsons conducts Shostakovich, Esa-Pekka Salonen’s Cello Concerto, Project W
Arguably, the strongest entry in the BSO’s complete Shostakovich symphony cycle thus far; Esa-Pekka Salonen’s 2016 Cello Concerto is emotionally direct and, at times, simply gorgeous; the resurgence of interest in the music of Boston-educated composer Florence Price is a good thing.
Classical Music Reviews: The Boston Symphony’s 2018-19 Season-closing Concerts
The final two concerts of the BSO’s season were in the orchestra’s sweet spot.