2021-2022 Annual Report
Escape to Extraordinary
Orchestral Brilliance at Symphony Hall
Under the direction of Andris Nelsons, the extraordinary artistry of the BSO continued to reach new heights. His monumental, multi-season focus on the music of Richard Strauss culminated in two weeks of stirring performances at the close of the season. At the same time, Nelsons has continued the BSO’s long tradition of championing contemporary music, dating back to Serge Koussevitzky’s visionary tenure. “Putting great works of the past together with great works of the future is very interesting for me to explore and, hopefully, for the audience to accept,” explains Nelsons. Works by Sofia Gubaidulina, Kaija Saariaho, Unsuk Chin, Augusta Read Thomas, and many other living composers were prominently featured in 2021-2022. As we look ahead to future seasons, these striking works symbolize hope and renewal in artistic innovation.
Concert for Our City
In October 2021, we welcomed concertgoers back with Concert for Our City: Reunited at Symphony Hall. The free public concert featured four of the BSO’s title conductors: Andris Nelsons, Ray and Maria Stata Music Director, Thomas Wilkins, Germeshausen Youth and Family Concerts Conductor, Keith Lockhart, Julian and Eunice Cohen Boston Pops Conductor and John Williams, George and Roberta Berry Boston Pops Conductor Laureate. The wide-ranging program began with Beethoven’s “Consecration of the House Overture”—the first piece performed at Symphony Hall’s opening in 1881—and included works by Béla Bartók, William Grant Still, Mark Cumberland, Rachel Bruerville, W.C. Handy, and John Williams himself.
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Concert for Our City
In October 2021, we welcomed concertgoers back with Concert for Our City: Reunited at Symphony Hall. The free public concert featured four of the BSO’s title conductors: Andris Nelsons, Ray and Maria Stata Music Director, Thomas Wilkins, Germeshausen Youth and Family Concerts Conductor, Keith Lockhart, Julian and Eunice Cohen Boston Pops Conductor and John Williams, George and Roberta Berry Boston Pops Conductor Laureate. The wide-ranging program began with Beethoven’s “Consecration of the House Overture”—the first piece performed at Symphony Hall’s opening in 1881—and included works by Béla Bartók, William Grant Still, Mark Cumberland, Rachel Bruerville, W.C. Handy, and John Williams himself.
View Video HighlightElectrifying the Berkshires
The 2022 Tanglewood season electrified the Berkshires with an eclectic summer of programming, including eight world and American premieres, 28 works by living composers, and 21 artists making their Tanglewood or BSO debuts. From Joshua Bell and Yo-Yo Ma to Bonnie Raitt and James Taylor, the season was an energetic celebration at the BSO’s summer home, where family favorite events like Tanglewood on Parade returned with gusto. Visitors heard from Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Tony Kushner as part of the Spotlight Series and honored the life and legacy of Stephen Sondheim with Keith Lockhart and the Boston Pops. The summer also featured a special 90th birthday celebration for John Williams, during which conductor Ken-David Masur led the BSO and special guests in a thrilling tour of Williams’ concert and film music.
Holiday Pops for All
Within our beautifully decked hall, the Boston Pops was in fine, festive form as Holiday Pops returned with 34 in-person performances featuring many of the classic holiday favorites and sing-alongs that have defined this Boston tradition since 1973. 2021 also featured our first Holiday Pops sensory-friendly concert, a modified program that allows listeners of all ages with sensory sensitivities to experience the joy of live music. The performance included relaxed house rules, reduced volume and lighting levels, extra space for movement, available noise-reduction headphones, designated quiet room and support spaces, and credentialed autism therapist volunteers on site.
View Video Highlight
Holiday Pops for All
Within our beautifully decked hall, the Boston Pops was in fine, festive form as Holiday Pops returned with 34 in-person performances featuring many of the classic holiday favorites and sing-alongs that have defined this Boston tradition since 1973. 2021 also featured our first Holiday Pops sensory-friendly concert, a modified program that allows listeners of all ages with sensory sensitivities to experience the joy of live music. The performance included relaxed house rules, reduced volume and lighting levels, extra space for movement, available noise-reduction headphones, designated quiet room and support spaces, and credentialed autism therapist volunteers on site.
View Video Highlight
