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BSO, Pops, Tanglewood, and Symphony Hall Logos

Quarter Notes

Secretary’s Notes

Read the notes from the March 18, 2022 and May 18, 2022 BSAV Executive Committee meetings.

March 18, 2022 BSAV Executive Committee Meeting Highlights

  • The BSAV Executive Committee met and heard from the new Chief Development Officer for the Boston Symphony Orchestra, Maureen Flores. Maureen gave an overview of BSO news including the fact that the BSO had its first-ever million-dollar ticket sales day online when we began ticketing for Tanglewood.
  • Maureen announced that Asadour Santourian has joined the BSO as Vice President, Tanglewood Music Center and Learning
  • BSAV Executive Committee Member Nancy Finn is working on a comprehensive BSAV history project which includes numerous volunteer interviews and research in archives. At the conclusion of the project we hope to have a video archive, a timeline, and also written history.
  • It was determined that Boston Volunteers should have a uniform of all black, along with their lanyard and badge for any front-facing role. This would begin in Fall of 2022.
  • There have been many changes with projects, and many projects for Tanglewood are still uncertain. Updated organizational charts will be posted to the portal as we learn of what is happening, vs what is not happening.

May 18, 2022 BSAV Executive Committee Meeting Highlights

  • Chief Development Officer Maureen Flores reported that ticket sales for the Spring Pops season are already at about 70% of the total forecast. The Harry Potter and Star Wars concerts are looking strong and the four college nights — Tufts, BU, MIT, and Harvard — are also strong revenue sources. The Tanglewood season is doing well with a full complement of concerts this year. A highlight of the BSO spring season was Britten’s War Requiem. Unfortunately, a COVID breakout lead to the cancelation of the orchestra’s European tour.
  • Fundraising is ahead for BSO, Pops, and Tanglewood. The Tanglewood Summer Soiree will be on Saturday, July 16 with a performance of Don Giovanni. The $500,000 goal for that event is already halfway met. In all of the celebrations and galas, the goal is to broaden the BSO message as a reflection of times and trends as well as traditions.
  • Ellen Mayo presented the Nominating Committee’s recommendations for the BSAV Executive Committee commencing September 1, 2022. These recommendations were unanimously approved.
  • At Tanglewood, Lynne Harding is preparing self-guided tour material for new Tanglewood ushers. Coffee Talk invitations will be sent out for June sessions. Crossbody bags with the label “Ask Me” will be used by hosts and ticketing people to give more visibility for patron help.
  • Judy Levin reported there have been about 50 Zoom interviews with new applicants and that applications have increased from 22 in 2014 to 50 in 2022.
  • Glass House liaison Peter Geller reported that there will be a recorded Zoom training event for volunteers including Marc Stachurski, the new Director of Retail Strategy. Externally, the Glass Houses will now be called the Main Gate Gift Shop and the Highwood Gate Gift Shop. The Visitor Center will be referred to as the Tappan House.
  • The Days in the Arts Program (DARTS) will hold a one-week day program in Boston and in the Berkshires with about 35 students in each. About 8-10 qualified volunteers are needed for the program at Tanglewood. Erin is also seeking two or three volunteers to help staff the press porch.
  • Requests are being made for volunteers with specific skill sets and the BSAV staff will be reaching out to volunteers to obtain their career and former career backgrounds in addition to their BSAV profiles.