The Arts Fuse: Concert Review: Boston Philharmonic Orchestra play Mahler
"Much the same followed in the fourth movement’s “Ulricht” setting, which Dame Sarah Connolly delivered with exquisite warmth and introspection. Here, too, the BPO managed an accompaniment of touching discretion, highlighted by principal oboe Peggy Pearson’s limpid solos...The result was a Resurrection Symphony for today: urgent and unsettled, yes, but also searching, persevering, and, ultimately, triumphant. Friday’s sold-out house responded to it, aptly, with thunder. If the weekend turns out to have marked Zander’s last go-around with this masterpiece, what a way to finish. This was a Mahler performance of the rarest kind — one fully worthy of the music itself." -Jonathan Blumhofer, Read the full article on Artsfuse.org.
The Boston Musical Intelligencer: An Apocalyptic Good Friday “Resurrection"
"“Urlicht” opened with a glowing “O Röschen rot” from Connolly, who stood and sang with disarming warmth and unaffectedness, attending to the text without overenunciating. She put me in mind of the penitent from the fifth movement of Mahler’s Third Symphony. Audible closing contrabassoon (Stephanie Busby) anchored the brass and wind chorale that followed “O Röschen rot”; Pearson and concertmaster Gregory Vitale contributed searing solos, and between them Zander and Connolly nailed Mahler’s dramatic molto ritenuto marking at the point where God’s light is given and the song must relax. " -Jeffrey Gantz, Read the article on Classical-Scene.com.
Boston Classical Review:Zander, Boston Philharmonic soar with a transcendent Mahler “Resurrection
"Mezzo-soprano Dame Sarah Connolly unfolded the “Urlicht” solo with the intimacy of the lied it originated as, her warm tone richly communicative even as it easily filled the hall. The orchestra supported her sensitively, with sparse instrument parts adding gentle commentary in colors that seemed drawn directly from the text. From hushed mystery to blazing affirmation in the final movement, Zander guided the massive forces with assurance and a deep understanding of Mahler’s architectural vision. Brass playing was uniformly strong, whether in the gentle chorale, mysterious offstage echoes, or the apocalyptic outbursts that punctuate the score." -Lani Lee, Read the article on Boston Classical Review.com
"World-renowned mezzo-soprano Dame Sarah Connolly has performed on stages around the world, and lucky for Boston-area opera and classical music fans, she will bring her talents to Symphony Hall on April 18 for the Boston Philharmonic Orchestra's final concert of the 2024-25 season." -Juliet Pennington, Read the article on The Boston Globe.com
The Patch: Boston Philharmonic Orchestra Perform's Mahler's Symphony No. 2 ("Resurrection")
"The concert reunites Swedish soprano Miah Persson and British mezzo-soprano Dame Sarah Connolly with Conductor Benjamin Zander for the first time since their Grammy-nominated recording of Mahler’s Symphony No. 2 with London’s famed Philharmonia Orchestra in 2013. The soloists will be joined by Chorus Pro Musica, under the direction of Jamie Kirsch, adding a powerful choral dimension to Mahler’s transcendent masterpiece." -Ellen Gitelman View it on the Patch.
WBUR Talking symphony strings for the season of spring with Lloyd Schwartz
"The Boston Philharmonic Orchestra and 86-year-old conductor Benjamin Zander will perform Mahler's Symphony No. 2, also known as “Resurrection.” (Here's a performance featuring the Boston Philharmonic Youth Orchestra.) Lloyd says "if anyone is going to do a good job with this symphony, it's Benjamin Zander and the Boston Philharmonic." The show will take place on April 18 at Symphony Hall and also will feature Swedish soprano Miah Persson and British mezzo-soprano Dame Sarah Connolly." Listen or read the transcript at WBUR.org.
WBUR Spring Arts Preview: A guide to Greater Boston's bounty of spring classical music events
"Symphony Hall | April 18 & May 1
This past February, Benjamin Zander, celebrating his 85th birthday, delivered one of the most expressive and beautiful of his legendary Mahler performances, the enchanting Symphony No. 4, which ends with a child’s view of heaven (British soprano Claire Booth gave that wide-eyed child an infinitely touching presence). This spring, Zander offers Mahler’s overwhelming Symphony No. 2 (“Resurrection”), with Swedish soprano Miah Persson and the heartbreaking British mezzo-soprano Dame Sarah Connolly, who made an extraordinary appearance in 2022’s Mahler, “Das Lied von der Erde.” Boston’s Chorus pro Musica plays another crucial role in this apocalyptic masterpiece (April 18)...Zander’s remarkable Youth Philharmonic offers a varied program of Debussy’s seductive “Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun,” Walton’s Cello Concerto with recent Montreal competition winner (and YPO graduate) Leland Ko, and Rachmaninoff’s long-winded Symphony No. 2 (May 1)." -Lloyd Schwartz, Read the full article on WBUR.org.
The Harvard Crimson: BPO Performs Strauss and Mahler A Picturesque Retrospective of Life and Death
"In “Beim Schlafengehen” (“At Bedtime”), her [Claire Booth] voice blended more seamlessly with the orchestra, creating an ethereal experience that enveloped the audience in a starry, dream-like soundscape." - Dailan Xu. Read the review on The Crimson.com.
Boston Musical Intelligencer: BPO Illuminates Strauss and Mahler
"Strauss’s Four Last Songs, with Claire Booth as the soprano soloist. Calm and resignation pervade throughout the valedictory set. In Frühling’s powerful longing, Booth’s soaring soprano line evoked the trees and sky described in the text. Chord progressions that slow through repeated half steps convey the lingering end of summer in September. The lower part of her mezzo-soprano range showed Booth at her best with a warm and mellow sound. The closing horn solo was unforgettable, as was the orchestra’s subtle lingering over the closing notes." -Dinah Bodkin, Read the full review at classical-scene.com.
"Tempos unfolded just as they should. The scherzo—led by concertmaster Gregory Vitale’s acerbic, scordatura solos—tripped with impressively light feet and the finale moved with purpose...“Wir geniessen die himmlischen Freuden,” was delivered by soprano Claire Booth with alluringly pure tone." -Jonathan Blumhofer, Read the full review at Boston Classical Review.
Boston Musical Intelligencer: Zander, Booth, BPO Excel in Strauss and Mahler
"I wouldn’t describe Booth’s soprano as lush, but it’s bright and glittering and she uses it intelligently. Sunday she sang the Strauss without a score, pointing every syllable with her hands as well as her voice. Zander’s dark, overripe accompaniment, at tempos very close to what’s suggested in the score, supplied the opulence without overwhelming her. “Vogelsang” (“Birdsong”) warbled; “Sommer lächelt” smiled wryly; toward the end of “September,” Booth let summer slowly closes its tired eyes, to the accompaniment of a superb horn solo from Kevin Owen." -Jeffrey Gantz, Read the full review at classical-scene.com.
"Boston Philharmonic Orchestra Opening Concert The Boston Philharmonic Orchestra opens its 2025 season at Symphony Hall on Sunday with nine BU students and alums performing in the mix. The concert includes Strauss' Four Last Songs and Mahler's Symphony No. 4 and features the famed English soprano Claire Booth. There is also a pre-show talk with conductor Benjamin Zander at 1:45 pm. Sunday, February 16, 3 pm, Symphony Hall, 301 Massachusetts Ave., Boston. Tickets start at $35; purchase here. "
Boston Globe: Things to do around Boston this weekend and beyond
"BOSTON PHILHARMONIC Soprano Claire Booth joins the Philharmonic and conductor Benjamin Zander for two monumental pieces of music: Strauss’s “Four Last Songs” and Mahler’s Symphony No. 4, the last movement of which illustrates a young child’s vision of heaven. Feb. 16, 3 p.m. Symphony Hall. 617-236-0999, www.bostonphil.org"
WBUR: At 85, conductor Benjamin Zander is the prime of life
"Zander has been educating musicians and audiences about classical music for five decades...He turns to the audience to explain why he holds these monthly master classes. "Its to enable young musicians to understand their role in life, which is to get people off their butts, into the concert hall, to enjoy and experience the great works of classical music. And what we do is we break down barriers to do that." -Josie Guarino Read the article on WBUR.org.
The Boston Globe: 50 fun things to do in and around Boston this winter
"BOSTON PHILHARMONIC British soprano Claire Booth joins the Philharmonic and conductor Benjamin Zander for Strauss’s pensive “Four Last Songs” and Mahler’s Symphony No. 4, with its final movement depicting a child’s vision of heaven (Feb. 16). Then, the Boston Philharmonic Youth Orchestra takes its own run at a monumental Mahler symphony, the tragic and towering Symphony No. 6 (March 2). Symphony Hall. 617-236-0999, www.bostonphil.org" -A. Z. Madonna Read the article on The Boston Globe.com
WBUR: A guide to Greater Boston's numerous winter classical music events
Boston Philharmonic Orchestra & Youth Orchestra
Symphony Hall | Feb. 16 & March 2
Benjamin Zander returns to his beloved Mahler with the most intimate and touching of Mahler’s symphonies, the Fourth, which concludes with one of the most literally heavenly pieces of music for soprano — a song describing everyday life in heaven. The wide-ranging British soprano Claire Booth is the vocal soloist, who will begin the concert with Richard Strauss’ late “Four Last Songs” — also heavenly, though in a more earthly way (Feb. 16). Zander leads more Mahler with the Boston Philharmonic Youth Symphony, this time the powerful and tragic Symphony No. 6 — a huge challenge for any player, but if any youth orchestra can pull it off, it’s this one (March 2)." -Lloyd Schwartz, Read the full article on WBUR.org.
Musical America: Best of Boston 2024
"Benjamin Zander successfully led his Boston Philharmonic in almost the opposite kind of Bruckner—the unfinished Ninth—in a richly-textured, slowly-evolving, and inward-turning performance. One shouldn’t expect any orchestra to play on the Berlin level, but the Berlin Phil doesn’t have the Boston Phil’s sublime oboist, Peggy Pearson." -Lloyd Schwartz Read it on MusicalAmercia.com
Boston Classical Review: Top Ten Performances of 2024
5. Holst’s The Planets. Benjamin Zander/Boston Philharmonic Orchestra
"Benjamin Zander is especially known for his Mahler, Bruckner, and Beethoven interpretations. This fall, however, the conductor has been reminding all and sundry just how good he is in the (non-Mahler) 20th-century canon, too. There was stirring Bartók in October and, in November, a terrific performance of Holst’s great orchestral suite. Though familiar fare, on this afternoon its seven movements were packed with the wonder and excitement of fresh discovery." -Jonathan Blumhofer, Boston Classical Review
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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