Quarter Notes

Hello, fellow BSO Volunteers,

In springtime we often see business annual reports and elected leaders present “state of the city/state/union” remarks. In that spirit, I am pleased to report that the state of the BSAV is vibrant and encouraging. If you have not seen the BSO Annual Report, I suggest you spend a few minutes with it at annualreport.bso.org to see how Board Chair Barbara Hostetter and Eunice and Julian Cohen President and CEO Gail Samuel acknowledge the importance of volunteers.

In our last QN issue and again in this issue, you will meet several new Symphony Hall volunteers. You’ll also read about the likelihood of dozens of new volunteers joining us at Tanglewood this summer. The past two pandemic years were exceedingly stressful—curtailed BSO seasons, fewer volunteer projects, numerous personal losses. This summer has other changes in store for us and a different mix of volunteer projects. Through all of this, you have embraced change and overcome challenges.

On Sunday, February 13 at Symphony Hall, we held this season’s BSAV Named Concert. For those who could not attend, conductor Philippe Jordan led an inspired program of Borodin, Rachmaninoff, and Prokofiev. The highlight certainly was Yefim Bronfman’s presentation of the Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto. The extremely enthusiastic audience provided a standing ovation that lasted many minutes and the evening ended with several curtain calls. Many attendees sent emails to Erin, thanking her for scheduling the event and expressing joy at having attended.

The event’s program book included an overview of the BSAV and described the volunteer efforts at both Symphony Hall and Tanglewood. Volunteers were named in the program, and a description of the Hessie Sargent Award with a list of recipients was also included.

Before the concert, we gathered for a reception, allowing friends who hadn’t seen each other for some time to visit and reacquaint. BSO President and CEO Gail Samuel joined us, introducing herself and chatting with almost everyone who was there. She thanked all the volunteers for our time and effort on behalf of the BSO.

I hope to see you at the next Named Concert on Sunday, July 31 – these events are a special recognition by the BSO of your dedication.

We have all lost a friend. Jerry Dreher suddenly and unexpectedly passed away. Jerry (and Joanne) have been an inspiration to hundreds of BSO volunteers. Their commitment to the orchestra, both at Symphony Hall and Tanglewood, has been extraordinary. They set the standard for those who would consider volunteering at both campuses. In his leadership positions, Jerry was a mentor to so many.

For several years, I worked with Jerry in a couple of different capacities on the BSAV Executive Committee. His counsel was always timely and spot-on. With Jerry and Joanne, Carol and I also participated in the same Tanglewood volunteer project. His enthusiasm was evident every day.

We are saddened by his passing.