2022-2023 BSO Annual Report
Inspire
New Masterpieces & Enduring Classics
Generous support from our donors helped the BSO deliver fresh interpretations of crowd-pleasing classics, collaborate with emerging voices, and spotlight lesser known, but equally deserving, gems. Rooted in the timeless beauty of music, many of this season’s programs touched on universal themes, including the struggle for social change and the human cost of war. In addition to masterpieces from Mahler, Beethoven, Britten, Mozart, and Ravel, we commemorated bright works by composers Margaret Bonds, Lilli Boulanger, William Grant Still, Samuel Coleridge-Taylor, and William Dawson, all of whom forged important paths in times of resistance. World premieres included works by Imam Habibi, Steven Mackey, and Carlos Simon (pictured, right), whose “knock-your-socks-off” (Julie Ingelfinger, Boston Music Intelligencer) Four Black American Dances explores the dynamic and evolving role of dance as celebration, ritual, and worship.
New Masterpieces & Enduring Classics
Generous support from our donors helped the BSO deliver fresh interpretations of crowd-pleasing classics, collaborate with emerging voices, and spotlight lesser known, but equally deserving, gems. Rooted in the timeless beauty of music, many of this season’s programs touched on universal themes, including the struggle for social change and the human cost of war. In addition to masterpieces from Mahler, Beethoven, Britten, Mozart, and Ravel, we commemorated bright works by composers Margaret Bonds, Lilli Boulanger, William Grant Still, Samuel Coleridge-Taylor, and William Dawson, all of whom forged important paths in times of resistance. World premieres included works by Imam Habibi, Steven Mackey, and Carlos Simon (pictured, right), whose “knock-your-socks-off” (Julie Ingelfinger, Boston Music Intelligencer) Four Black American Dances explores the dynamic and evolving role of dance as celebration, ritual, and worship.
A Triumphant Return to the World Stage
After almost five years, the BSO returned to our beloved tradition of international touring, thanks in part to contributions from our committed supporters. Guided by Ray and Maria Stata Music Director Andris Nelsons, the orchestra graced legendary stages during the summer of 2023 in Switzerland, Austria, Slovenia, Germany, and France, and performed at the Royal Albert Hall in England as part of the BBC Proms 2023. One of the preeminent pianists of our time, Jean-Yves Thibaudet, captivated audiences with his performances of Camille Saint-Saëns’ Piano Concerto No. 5 in F and George Gershwin’s Piano Concerto in F.
Critical Conversations at a Crucial Moment
In March 2023 our three-week Voices of Loss, Reckoning, and Hope festival explored critical themes of discrimination, gender disparities, and identity in historical and contemporary works. Under the direction of BSO Germeshausen Youth and Family Concerts Conductor Thomas Wilkins and guest conductors Giancarlo Guerrero and André Raphel, three thought-provoking programs at Symphony Hall were anchored by works from living composers: Uri Caine’s gospel-based oratorio The Passion of Octavius Catto; Anthony Davis’s concerto You Have the Right to Remain Silent, inspired by an encounter between the composer and law enforcement involving mistaken identity; and Julia Wolfe’s Her Story, co-commissioned by the BSO (Julia Wolfe, pictured right). Invoking historical figures like Abigail Adams and Sojourner Truth, Wolfe’s piece pays tribute to the ongoing struggle of women for equal access to democracy in America. The festival was supported by the generosity of the Elinor V. Crawford Living Trust, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the Richard Saltonstall Charitable Foundation. These thoughtful contributions also allowed for free programs from the Tanglewood Learning Institute, including Community Chamber Concerts and panel discussions with local community leaders, educators, and professionals.
Critical Conversations at a Crucial Moment
In March 2023 our three-week Voices of Loss, Reckoning, and Hope festival explored critical themes of discrimination, gender disparities, and identity in historical and contemporary works. Under the direction of BSO Germeshausen Youth and Family Concerts Conductor Thomas Wilkins and guest conductors Giancarlo Guerrero and André Raphel, three thought-provoking programs at Symphony Hall were anchored by works from living composers: Uri Caine’s gospel-based oratorio The Passion of Octavius Catto; Anthony Davis’s concerto You Have the Right to Remain Silent, inspired by an encounter between the composer and law enforcement involving mistaken identity; and Julia Wolfe’s Her Story, co-commissioned by the BSO (Julia Wolfe, pictured right). Invoking historical figures like Abigail Adams and Sojourner Truth, Wolfe’s piece pays tribute to the ongoing struggle of women for equal access to democracy in America. The festival was supported by the generosity of the Elinor V. Crawford Living Trust, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the Richard Saltonstall Charitable Foundation. These thoughtful contributions also allowed for free programs from the Tanglewood Learning Institute, including Community Chamber Concerts and panel discussions with local community leaders, educators, and professionals.
"The Voices festival brought together a number of works that take as their inspiration the struggle to preserve and strengthen both musical and social identity."
- Anthony Fogg, William I. Bernell Vice President, Artistic Planning
Inspiring the Next Generation of Talent
The 2023 cohort of Tanglewood Music Center (TMC) Fellows not only formed a tight-knit community united by their shared passion for music, but also found an enriching platform for artistic growth and creative collaboration. Mentored by esteemed faculty—including guest artists Jonathan Biss (piano), Marc-André Hamelin (piano), Håkan Hardenberger (trumpet), Yo-Yo Ma (cello), Tai Murray (violin), and CarlaMaria Rodrigues (viola)—the young musicians became part of more than 80 years of tradition developing their artistry and finding their voice in the Berkshires.
Performances by the TMC Orchestra in the Shed garnered enthusiastic responses from critics, including The Berkshire Edge’s Larry Wallach, who called their rendition of Mahler’s Symphony No. 4 under the direction of Andris Nelsons “a powerful experience [...] shared by players and audience alike.” The TMC Orchestra also stepped in for the BSO (on tour in Europe at the time) to continue the longstanding tradition of performing Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 at the end of the summer. The synergy between up-and-coming talents and established musical icons contributed to a transformative creative journey, reinforcing the BSO’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of musicians. “I had to pinch myself sometimes this summer,” said composition fellow Daniel Zlatkin. “It was like a dream.”
Eclectic Array of Popular Artists
The idyllic grounds of Tanglewood swirled with music last summer, and our robust Popular Artist Series further encouraged audiences to make musical connections. We were incredibly fortunate to have an eclectic array of performers grace our stages, including James Taylor, Elvis Costello, Robert Plant & Alison Krauss, Train (pictured here), Jackson Browne, and Guster. Audiences flocked from all over to attend these concerts, attracting new faces and those already familiar with Tanglewood. As our Popular Artist Series continues to grow, so too does the much-desired opportunity to broaden our audiences and the Tanglewood community.
Eclectic Array of Popular Artists
The idyllic grounds of Tanglewood swirled with music last summer, and our robust Popular Artist Series further encouraged audiences to make musical connections. We were incredibly fortunate to have an eclectic array of performers grace our stages, including James Taylor, Elvis Costello, Robert Plant & Alison Krauss, Train (pictured here), Jackson Browne, and Guster. Audiences flocked from all over to attend these concerts, attracting new faces and those already familiar with Tanglewood. As our Popular Artist Series continues to grow, so too does the much-desired opportunity to broaden our audiences and the Tanglewood community.
