Boston Symphony Orchestra

Concert Review: Boston Symphony Orchestra Plays Dello Joio, Stenhammar, Boulanger, and Dvořák

January 13, 2023
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Justin Dello Joio’s Concerto for Piano and Orchestra, written especially for pianist Garrick Ohlsson, creates an emotionally satisfying canvas out of thorny harmonies and astringent lyricism.

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Classical Album Review: Conductor Andris Nelsons’s Over-Sweetened “Strauss”

August 12, 2022
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This is a release that showcases many of Andris Nelsons’ strengths, including his strong sensitivity for instrumental colors, blends, and balances. At the same time, it also demonstrates the conductor’s hit-or-miss nature with the core repertoire.

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Classical Concert Review: Boston Symphony Orchestra plays Strauss and Mozart

October 12, 2021
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Andris Nelsons’s conception of Strauss’s Tod und Verklärung was impressive, marked by strong contrasts of character, flexibility of phrasing, and a commendable grasp of musical space.

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Concert Preview/Interview: Anne-Sophie Mutter Plays John Williams’s Violin Concerto no. 2

September 29, 2021
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A packed, wide-ranging conversation with violinist Anne-Sophie Mutter that touches on several subjects, from a lifelong love of jazz to her verdict on John Williams’ Violin Concerto no. 2.

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Concert Review: John Williams’s Violin Concerto no. 2 at Tanglewood

July 25, 2021
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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.

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Concert Review: The Boston Symphony Orchestra Performs Carlos Simon, Sibelius, and Dvorak

July 13, 2021
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The orchestra’s summer home is operating at reduced capacity this season, but it’s wonderful to have the BSO and its public reunited.

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Cultural Commentary: Arts Institutions, Unions, and the Pandemic

March 11, 2021
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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.

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Concert Music Review: Andris Nelsons returns to the Boston Symphony

February 20, 2021
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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.

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Classical Music Commentary: The Boston Symphony Orchestra’s 2020-21 Season Announcement

April 30, 2020
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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.

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Concert Review: Boston Symphony Orchestra plays Jolas, Ravel, and Shostakovich

November 14, 2019
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In the right hands, Shostakovich’s Twelfth can come off as nothing less than an intriguing, lively symphonic essay.

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