Harvard Independent: A Feast for the Senses
"Vitale, a member of several other prestigious orchestras, said that playing in the Boston Philharmonic Orchestra, specifically under the direction of Zander, is an extraordinary experience. Zander’s curation of the orchestra includes three groups of musicians: professional unionized players, talented conservatory or college students, and enthusiastic volunteers. Such a composition of musicians, beyond solely professionals, is unheard of in orchestras of this caliber; yet, it bodes for a strong orchestral loyalty, mentorship between more and less experienced players, and a “hybrid of musical abilities,” said Vitale...The Planets was incontestably the highlight, or rather, the star, of the Boston Philharmonic Orchestra and Radcliffe Choral Society show." -Gauri Sood. Read the full review at Harvardindependent.com.
Boston Musical Intelligencer: Zander, Baillie, & the BPO Storm, Skitter, and Solace
"“Saturn” felt like a personal struggle between pleasant and painful memories. Zander lingered in all the right moments but allowed the music to build naturally to its fervent heights. Powerful brass conveyed the sheer verve of “Jupiter,” while the hymn mid-movement shone brightly in the strings and woodwinds. The icy dissonances of “Neptune” provided the framework for Zander and the Radcliffe Choral Society, prepared by Hana Cai, to hang lines that glowed distantly. Harmonies shimmered in the strings, while singers let their phrases hover freely, all eventually fading into the blackness of space and silence...On Sunday, organist Heinrich Christensen made his brief parts felt as much as heard." Aaron Keebaugh. Read the full article on Classical-scene.com.
"The reflective movements delivered strong contrasts and, when applicable, delicate beauty. Solos in “Venus”—particularly those from principal horn Kevin Owen, principal oboe Peggy Pearson, and concertmaster Gregory Vitale—were spot-on. The regal processional in “Saturn” was at once mysterious and unostentatiously defiant, its syncopated apex gleaming like a torch." -Jonathan Blumhofer. Read the full review on Boston Classical Review.com.
Violinist.com: The Week in Reviews, Op. 472: Patricia Kopatchinskaja; Paul Huang; Augustin Hadelich
"Guy Braunstein performed Brahms’ Violin Concerto with Benjamin Zander conducting the Boston Philharmonic Orchestra.
Boston Classical Review: Zander, Boston Phil bring fresh insights to Bartok, Brahms and Beethoven
"in sharing the Symphony Hall stage with violinist Guy Braunstein, Zander had an ideal partner with whom to explore all of the score’s ebbs and flows. Back exactly one year after his debut with the BPO last year, the former Berlin Philharmonic concertmaster brought warmth and flexibility to his big first-movement solos...the Adagio sang with enchanting sweetness, Peggy Pearson’s oboe solos twining alluringly with Braunstein’s soaring lines. The finale, though a touch heavy-footed, brought the proceedings to a romping, zesty close." -Jonathan Blumhofer. Read the full article on Boston Classical Review
Boston Globe: This week's free, cheap things to do in Boston
"WAITING FOR THIS MOMENT TO ARISE Former Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra concertmaster Guy Braunstein will host a master class before he performs with the Boston Philharmonic Orchestra for its season opener on Oct. 20. Braunstein made his Boston debut at the orchestra’s opener last year, where he performed his rendition of “Blackbird” by the Beatles in response to the murder of George Floyd. At the master class, he will coach five violin students from the Boston Philharmonic Youth Orchestra; the public is invited to sit in. Oct. 16, 6-8 p.m. Free. First Church of Cambridge, 11 Garden St., Cambridge. bostonphil.org"
Boston Herald: Classical music thrives this fall in Boston
"Boston Philharmonic Orchestra, Symphony Hall, Nov. 3
Conductor Benjamin Zander invites you to be carried away by Stravinsky’s “The Rite of Spring.” But please don’t be quite as carried away as the audience at its debut performance — the Parisians in 1913 nearly rioted. The Boston Philharmonic pairs Stravinsky with a couple other thrillers in Verdi’s La Forza Del Destino and Dvořák’s “From the New World” (Symphony No. 9). bostonphil.org" -Jed Gottleib, Read the full article on Boston Herald.com.
WBUR: A sweeping guide to Greater Boston's fall classical music performances
While the rest of us are getting older, the beloved conductor Benjamin Zander, who celebrated his 85th birthday this past March, seems to be getting younger. This fall, he’s leading his Boston Philharmonic — the orchestra of student, amateur and professional musicians he founded in 1979 — in two ambitious and thoughtful programs. Violinist Guy Braunstein (former concertmaster of the Berlin Philharmonic) returns in the Brahms Violin Concerto, after which Zander leads the Bartók Concerto for Orchestra (Oct. 20). The following concert will belong to British composers and will include Benjamin Britten’s arrangement of Purcell’s Chacony, the Elgar Cello Concerto with the great Alexander Baillie (the English cellist making his eighth appearance with the Boston Phil) and Holst’s awe-filled “The Planets” (Nov. 17).
Zander’s amazing Youth Orchestra will return to Symphony Hall for a concert beginning with Verdi’s thrilling Overture to “La Forza del Destino,” Dvořák’s “New World” Symphony and — a hair-raising Zander specialty — Stravinsky’s “Rite of Spring” (Nov. 3)." -Lloyd Schwartz, Read the full article on WBUR.org
Symphony: Boston’s Hyperactive Classical Music Scene Kicks into Gear for Fall
"In Tuesday’s (9/17) WBUR (Boston), Lloyd Schwartz writes, “Autumn in New England: If there’s anything more beautiful than the foliage, it’s the richly colorful season of classical music. Here are some of the concerts and productions about which I’m most excited. And some that … you should know about and consider for yourself…. I don’t know where else you’d find a more impressive variety…. There are numerous terrific, often free programs at Boston’s schools and conservatories, and please be on the lookout for other performances.” The article highlights upcoming concerts by, among others, the Boston Symphony Orchestra, Bach, Beethoven, & Brahms Society, Boston Baroque, Boston Modern Orchestra Project, Handel + Haydn Society, A Far Cry, Boston Camerata, New England Philharmonic, New England Conservatory, Boston Philharmonic Orchestra and Youth Orchestra, Celebrity Series of Boston (artists include Emanuel Ax, cellist Alisa Weilerstein and pianist Inon Barnatan, Australian Chamber Orchestra, and the Berlin Philharmonic), as well as opera companies and chamber and vocal ensembles." Read it on Symphony.org.
The Boston Globe: Fall Arts Preview: 90 Fun Things to Do in and Around Boston this Fall
BOSTON PHILHARMONIC At the first concert of the season, the letter of the day is “B,” as in Beethoven, Bartók, Brahms, — and also Braunstein, as in former Berliner Philharmoniker concertmaster and featured soloist Guy Braunstein (Oct. 20). The next month, there’s an all-British program of Purcell’s Chacony in G Minor, Elgar’s Cello Concerto with soloist Alexander Bailly, and Holst’s “The Planets”, with the Radcliffe Choral Society. The Boston Philharmonic Youth Orchestra’s fall program pairs two large works from the turn of the 20th century; Dvořák’s “New World” Symphony, and Stravinsky’s “The Rite of
Spring” (Nov. 3). Benjamin Zander conducts all concerts. 617-236-0999, bostonphil.org -AZM.
Boston Classical Review: Critic's Choice 2024-25
"Music by Brahms and Bartók. Boston Philharmonic Orchestra/Benjamin Zander with Guy Braunstein. October 20.
Following his successful debut last year, violinist Guy Braunstein returns to the BPO, this time taking a solo turn in Brahms’s Violin Concerto. Benjamin Zander also conducts Bartók’s Concerto for Orchestra. bostonphil.org" -Jonathan Blumhofer. Read the full review at Boston Classical Review.com
Symphony.org: Boston Philharmonic Promotes Derek Beckvold to Managing Director
"The Boston Philharmonic, comprising the Boston Philharmonic Orchestra (BPO) and the Boston Philharmonic Youth Orchestra (BPYO), has appointed Derek Beckvold as managing director. He succeeds Elisabeth Christensen, who was hired twelve years ago to help create the Boston Philharmonic Youth Orchestra. The Boston Philharmonic was founded in 1979 by conductor Benjamin Zander, who continues as the organization’s artistic leader. Beckvold has been with the organization for nearly eight years, most recently as development officer and previously as education and community engagement manager. Beckvold is an arts administrator and musician who graduated from the New England Conservatory, plays several instruments, and has performed widely. At the Boston Philharmonic, he will oversee both orchestras, working with Zander and the Board of Directors. Members of the BPO include professionals, students, and amateur musicians. The BPYO, which is entering its 13th season, offers year-long, tuition-free orchestral and leadership training for musicians between the ages of 12 and 21, as well as the opportunity to go on tours and cultural exchanges." -Read the article on Symphony.org.
Boston Philharmonic has released the details of its 46th season.
This article only features vocal performances. Performances are led by Boston Philharmonic’s Founder and Conductor Benjamin Zander.
The Radcliffe Choral Society will be featured in a performance of Holst’s “The Planets.”
Performance Date: November 17, 2024
Soprano Claire Booth performs Strauss’ “Four Last Songs” and is a soloist in Mahler’s “Symphony” No. 4.
Performance Date: February 16, 2025
Mezzo-soprano Dame Sarah Connolly, soprano Miah Persson, and Chorus Pro Musica present Mahler’s “Symphony” No. 2.
Performance Date: April 18, 2025" -Afton Wooten. Read the article on Operawire.com.
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