New Concertmaster, New Era

In the past 100 years, there have been 17 U.S. Presidents, 79 Best Actress Academy Award winners, but only four BSO Concertmasters. It was only a few weeks ago at Tanglewood that violinist Nathan Cole took the prestigious Charles Munch chair, marking a new era of artistry and innovation. The role of BSO Concertmaster has long been one of the most coveted positions in the orchestral world, and we are thrilled to have found an outstanding leader who will carry the orchestra to even higher levels of achievement. Similarly, BSO supporters also provide resources and commitment needed to explore ideas, amplify voices, and nurture new talent across the globe. 

To appreciate the gravity of Nathan’s arrival, we’re going back in time to learn about his three predecessors. Plus, we share some details on Nathan’s impressive background.

Richard Burgin (Concertmaster 1920-1962) was born in Warsaw in 1892 and served as concertmaster with the Helsingfors and Oslo symphony orchestras before arriving in Boston.  Working with Pierre Monteux, Serge Koussevitzky, and Charles Munch, he came to define the BSO concertmaster position for a generation.  As concertmaster, soloist, or conductor, Burgin participated in more than 250 U.S. and world premiere performances.

Joseph Silverstein (Concertmaster, 1962-1984) was born in Detroit in 1932, and trained with Efrem Zimbalist at the Curtis Institute of Music. Initially hired as a section violinist for the BSO, Silverstein gradually moved his way up from the last chair of the second violins to being chosen by Erich Leinsdorf to be concertmaster in 1962.

Malcolm Lowe (Concertmaster, 1984-2019) was born in Canada and attended the Regina Conservatory of Music in Saskatchewan, before continuing his studies at the Meadowmount School of Music and the Curtis Institute of Music. Prior to his appointment in Boston, he served as concertmaster for the Orchestre Symphonique de Quebec. Lowe is a passionate teacher, serving on the faculty at Boston University, and is involved with the New England Conservatory and the Tanglewood Music Center.

Nathan Cole has been first associate concertmaster with the Los Angeles Philharmonic since 2011, and was a member of the Chicago Symphony and principal second violin of the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra. As BSO Concertmaster, Cole will play a central role in focusing the ensemble, achieving unity of artistic approach, and developing the unique qualities of the string section. Additionally, Cole will be artistic director of the Boston Symphony Chamber Players (BSCP), one of the world’s most distinguished chamber music ensembles sponsored by a major orchestra. As only the fourth BSO concertmaster in the past 100 years, Nathan Cole will become part of a distinguished legacy of violinists to put their stamps on this exceptional institution. In this exciting time of transition, your support ensures that the artistry of the BSO will continue to flourish, thanks in large part to the leadership of our new Concertmaster.