Boston Symphony Orchestra

 The Boston Symphony Orchestra (BSO), founded in 1881 by Henry Lee Higginson, is one of the oldest and most prestigious orchestras in the United States, known for its rich history and significant contributions to classical music.

Founding and Early Years

• Inaugural Concert: The BSO gave its first concert on October 22, 1881, under the direction of conductor George Henschel. The program included works by Beethoven, Haydn, and Schubert. 

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• Visionary Founder: Henry Lee Higginson, a Civil War veteran and philanthropist, envisioned a permanent orchestra for Boston, which led to the establishment of the BSO. 

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Notable Conductors

• Over the years, the BSO has had several prominent music directors, including Serge Koussevitzky, Charles Munch, Seiji Ozawa, and the current music director, Andris Nelsons, who began his tenure in the 2014-15 season. 

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• The orchestra has also been known for its innovative programming and commitment to contemporary music, commissioning works from modern composers. 

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Major Milestones

• Symphony Hall: In 1900, the BSO moved to Symphony Hall, which is renowned for its exceptional acoustics and has been the orchestra's home ever since. 

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• Tanglewood: The BSO established its summer home at Tanglewood in the Berkshire mountains in 1936, which has become one of the most important music festivals in the world. 

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• Recording History: The BSO has been making recordings since 1917 and has contributed to film soundtracks, enhancing its reach and influence. 

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Community Engagement and Education

• The BSO is committed to community outreach and education, offering various programs to engage young audiences and promote classical music. 

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• The Boston Pops Orchestra, a lighter music ensemble formed from BSO musicians, has also played a significant role in making classical music accessible to broader audiences. 

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Conclusion

The Boston Symphony Orchestra has a storied history marked by artistic excellence, community engagement, and a commitment to innovation in classical music. Its contributions to the cultural landscape of Boston and beyond continue to resonate through its performances and educational initiatives. For more detailed information, you can visit the official BSO website here. 

I just look this up, because I got BBC Radio 3 on, talking about - 

Justin Webb (presenter of Today and Americast, and former BBC North America Editor) explores the surprising relationship between classical music and American politics. From the days of the Founding Fathers, music was used to assert an American identity, distinct from a European musical tradition. And evolving political and social ideals, dreams and struggles have been mirrored in the music being created - from Manifest Destiny to #MeToo, from Civil War to Civil Rights. In today's episode: we explore how the rise of the city orchestra and opera house fed American music-making and the development of an American sound. Producer Emma Harding, BBC Audio Wales Leonard Bernstein On The Town: Three Dances New York Philharmonic, conductor Leonard Bernstein John Adams Short Ride in a Fast Machine Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, conductor Marin Alsop Ludwig van Beethoven Symphony No.3 Eroica, Marcia Funebre (extract) New York Philharmonic, conductor Leonard Bernstein Gaetano Donizetti Ah! mes amis, quel jour de fête! from La Fille du Regiment Luciano Pavarotti, Orchestra and Chorus of the Royal Opera House, conductor Richard Bonynge Giuseppe Verdi Preludio from Macbeth La Scala Philharmonic Orchestra, conductor Riccardo Chailly William Henry Fry Santa Claus Symphony (excerpt) Royal Scottish National Orchestra, conductor Tony Rowe George Frederick Bristow Symphony No. 2 ‘Jullien’ ii Allegretto (excerpt) Royal Northern Sinfonia, conductor Rebecca Miller Benny Goodman Don’t Be That Way, Live at Carnegie Hall Benny Goodman Big Band Amy Beach Gaelic Symphony Opus 32, Second movement Nashville Symphony Orchestra, conductor Kenneth Schermerhorn Roy Harris Symphony No. 3 (excerpt) Boston Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Serge Koussevitzky Antonín Dvořák Going Home Paul Robeson

Programme Website