InTune

The Boston Symphony Orchestra’s history with Assistant Conductors stretches back to 1943, and many of the orchestra’s former assistants have gone on to musical success leading ensembles around the world. Recently, the BSO welcomed Earl Lee as the new assistant conductor for a two-year term, joining Anna Rakitina, Anna E. Finnerty chair, whose tenure runs through 2023. Lee’s first scheduled appearance will take place during the 2022 Tanglewood season, and during the 2022-2023 BSO season, he will appear in concerts at Symphony Hall. In addition to preparing to cover concerts if necessary, Lee will also assist Ray and Maria Stata Music Director Andris Nelsons and guest conductors, in their work preparing the orchestra for local, national, and international performances.

Before joining the organization, Lee served as associate conductor of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra from September 2018 until August 2021, and previously was resident conductor of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra from 2015 to 2018. In addition to conducting, he is also an accomplished cellist, and has performed in both roles for audiences around the world.

InTune recently spoke with Lee to learn more about him and his new position.

What was your first experience with the Boston Symphony Orchestra?

The first BSO concert I attended was around the mid-2000s. I think it was one of the Bruckner Symphonies with Kurt Masur. It was very memorable. I was particularly taken away by the rich and warm brass sound. When I became a conducting student at the New England Conservatory in 2013, I came to see the BSO in rehearsal whenever I had a chance.

What drew you to the world of music?

My father loves classical music. He was the guy who collected recordings—wall full of LPs. He used to sit me down on his lap to listen to recordings. My mother taught piano to local kids so I naturally started piano at a very young age. I absolutely hated it. I would beg my parents to quit playing the piano…with no success. They would always say “it will be useful one day”. I think they were right.

My elementary school had a full-size orchestra. I thought that maybe I could pick another instrument to use it as an excuse to quit the piano. I picked the cello and I was finally able to quit practicing the piano.

My father one day brought home two laser discs (the granddaddy of the DVD) called Yo-Yo Ma at Tanglewood, and a Tchaikovsky Gala Concert that also had Yo-Yo Ma performing Tchaikovsky’s Rococo Variations. I was blown away by him. I told my parents soon after that I want to take cello seriously and be just like Yo-Yo Ma.

What are some experiences that have had lasting impacts on or shaped you as a musician and as a conductor?

I loved playing in chamber music. I played in multiple chamber groups per semester when I was a student at the Curtis Institute of Music. Pretty much as many groups as I could handle because I loved the concept of making music with friends. I think this was the most valuable experience that shaped me into who I am as a musician to this day.

What do you hope to bring to the organization? Similarly, what do you hope to learn from the organization?

I am very grateful to be a part of this amazing organization. Hearing music-making at such a high level teaches me a lot as a conductor. I am looking forward to growing further as a musician with the BSO.

For more information about Earl Lee, visit https://earlleeconductor.com.