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2021-2022 Annual Report

Musicians

In 2021-2022, our musicians adapted to extraordinary circumstances with the same sense of gusto and élan they bring to every performance. We appreciate not only their flexibility, but also their solidarity and commitment to the BSO’s continued artistry.

Conductors

Meet Suzanne Nelsen

Suzanne Nelsen’s journey to the Boston Symphony Orchestra began in a household filled with music. Raised by opera singer parents on a pig farm in Canada, she credits the lessons learned from farm life with developing the work ethic needed to succeed in classical music. Suzanne began her studies in Edmonton and fell in love with the bassoon’s unique voice and character. She earned a bachelor's degree from McGill University and a UM degree from the Hague Conservatory in Holland. Suzanne joined the BSO in 2000, bringing her warmth and passion for performing and teaching to Boston. Suzanne has taught bassoon and chamber music at McGill University, Longy School of Music, Boston Conservatory, Boston University Tanglewood Institute (BUTI), and New England Conservatory of Music. Beyond the typical advice to practice regularly, she counsels her students to talk to themselves with kindness. She points out that learning is a lifetime’s work, whether you are a first-year band student or a BSO chair. Suzanne reflected on the joy of returning to live performance and shared what excites her about the BSO’s future.

Read Suzanne’s Interview

Boston Symphony Orchestra

* = participating in a system of rotating seating

Tanglewood Festival Chorus