Boston Symphony Orchestra
An American symphony orchestra based in Boston, Massachusetts, and one of the five orchestras traditionally known as the Big Five.
Last updated August 21, 2026
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Overview
The Boston Symphony Orchestra (BSO) is a major American symphony orchestra headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts. Founded in 1881 by philanthropist Henry Lee Higginson, it is the second-oldest symphony orchestra in the United States and has developed an international reputation for orchestral performance, commissioning, recording, broadcasting, and music education. Its principal concert venue is Symphony Hall in Boston, while its summer activities are centered at Tanglewood in the Berkshires, the orchestra's long-standing summer home and the site of the Tanglewood Music Center. The BSO's first concert took place on October 22, 1881, under its founding conductor, George Henschel. Higginson sought to establish a permanent orchestra for Boston, and the institution gradually became one of the leading cultural organizations in the United States. Its early artistic identity was shaped by a succession of conductors trained in the Austro-German tradition, including Wilhelm Gericke, Arthur Nikisch, Karl Muck, and Max Fiedler. The orchestra's history also reflects the political pressures surrounding cultural institutions: in 1918, Karl Muck was arrested and interned during the First World War after a public controversy concerning performance of the United States national anthem. He was later deported. Pierre Monteux's tenure after the war helped alter the ensemble's sound and strengthened its association with French repertoire. The orchestra's profile expanded dramatically under Serge Koussevitzky, who served as music director from 1924 to 1949. Koussevitzky promoted contemporary music, commissioned important works, developed the orchestra's radio presence, and established the Berkshire Music Center at Tanglewood. The BSO became the first orchestra to present a live concert on NBC radio in 1926, helping bring symphonic music to a national audience. Its commissioning tradition has continued through anniversary projects and collaborations with leading composers. Charles Munch led the orchestra from 1949 to 1962, taking it on its first overseas tour and overseeing its first stereo recording. During his tenure, flutist Doriot Anthony Dwyer became the first woman to occupy a principal chair in a major United States orchestra. Later music directors included Erich Leinsdorf, William Steinberg, and Seiji Ozawa. Ozawa served from 1973 to 2002, the longest tenure by a BSO music director, and led the orchestra's 1979 visit to the People's Republic of China during the period of renewed United States-China cultural relations. His tenure was artistically prominent but also involved public criticism of musical leadership and disputes concerning governance and faculty at Tanglewood. James Levine became the first American-born music director in 2004. His tenure was associated with expanded contemporary repertoire, new commissions, and an artistic initiative fund intended to support ambitious programming. Health problems eventually led to his resignation. Andris Nelsons subsequently became music director and has led the orchestra in concerts, recordings, tours, and major repertoire projects. The BSO also maintains a close relationship with the Boston Pops, an affiliated ensemble founded by Higginson in 1885 for lighter programming and composed largely of BSO musicians. Together, the organizations operate across subscription concerts, summer festivals, education, broadcasts, recordings, and community activities.
History
The Boston Symphony Orchestra was founded in 1881 by Henry Lee Higginson, a Boston financier and patron who wanted the city to have a permanent professional orchestra. George Henschel served as the first conductor, leading the inaugural concert on October 22, 1881. The initial program included works by Beethoven, Haydn, Gluck, Schubert, and Weber. Higginson's organizational model emphasized regular seasons, stable institutional support, and high artistic standards. During its early decades, the BSO was led largely by conductors associated with Central European musical traditions. Wilhelm Gericke served two terms, while Arthur Nikisch, Karl Muck, and Max Fiedler helped establish the orchestra's early identity. The First World War produced one of the most difficult episodes in the institution's history. Karl Muck, who was German-born and had Swiss citizenship, became the target of a press campaign alleging that he had refused to conduct the United States national anthem. The allegation was not supported by the orchestra's actual arrangements, but Muck was arrested in 1918 and interned with German nationals. He was later deported, and Henri Rabaud briefly succeeded him before Pierre Monteux became music director in 1919. Monteux's replacement of many players during a musicians' strike contributed to a noticeable change in the orchestra's sound and to its later reputation for French repertoire. Serge Koussevitzky's directorship from 1924 to 1949 was a decisive period. He expanded the orchestra's national profile through radio, including the BSO's landmark 1926 NBC broadcast, and promoted the performance of new music. He also founded the Berkshire Music Center at Tanglewood, creating a durable connection between the orchestra and advanced musical training. Koussevitzky supported commissions and premieres by major composers, including works associated with Prokofiev, Gershwin, Stravinsky, and Bartok. Tanglewood subsequently became the BSO's summer base and one of the best-known American venues for orchestral performance and music education. Charles Munch followed Koussevitzky in 1949 and led the orchestra until 1962. He took it on its first overseas tour and supervised its first stereo recording for RCA Victor. In 1952, he appointed Doriot Anthony Dwyer as principal flute, marking an important milestone for women in the leadership ranks of major American orchestras. Erich Leinsdorf and William Steinberg directed the ensemble during the 1960s and early 1970s. Colin Davis served as principal guest conductor from 1972 to 1984 during the transition between music directors. Seiji Ozawa became music director in 1973 and remained until 2002, making his tenure the longest in the orchestra's history. He led the BSO on its 1979 China tour, a significant cultural exchange, and oversaw a broad repertory extending from late Romantic works to twentieth-century music. His administration also generated controversy. Critics and some musicians questioned his rehearsal methods, artistic leadership, and the handling of the Tanglewood Music Center. Several prominent faculty members resigned during disputes in the late 1990s, while other commentators argued that Ozawa had made Tanglewood more active and adventurous. The orchestra announced his departure in 1999, and he gave his final BSO concert in 2002. James Levine became music director in 2004 and was the first American-born conductor to hold the position. His tenure was associated with critical praise for improving the orchestra's performance and expanding its contemporary repertoire. The BSO established an Artistic Initiative Fund to support large-scale projects and new works, and by 2009 the orchestra had presented numerous world premieres under Levine. Recurring injuries and health problems eventually affected his ability to conduct, leading to his resignation. Andris Nelsons became the orchestra's current music director. The BSO continues to present a regular Boston season at Symphony Hall, summer programming at Tanglewood, broadcasts, recordings, educational initiatives, and commissioned or newly premiered works. Its affiliated Boston Pops organization, founded in 1885, operates on a separate schedule and concentrates on lighter, popular, and crossover repertoire while drawing heavily on BSO musicians.
- 2004
James Levine begins directorship
[1]Levine became the first American-born music director of the BSO.
- 1979
China tour
[1]Under Seiji Ozawa, the BSO visited the People's Republic of China in a major international cultural exchange.
- 1952
First woman principal player
[1]Doriot Anthony Dwyer became the first woman principal in a major United States orchestra when she was appointed principal flute.
- 1937
Tanglewood becomes the summer home
[1]The orchestra established its enduring summer relationship with Tanglewood in the Berkshire region.
- 1926
First live NBC radio concert
[1]The BSO became the first orchestra to perform a live concert broadcast on NBC radio.
- 1924
Koussevitzky becomes music director
[1]Serge Koussevitzky began a quarter-century directorship that expanded the orchestra's broadcasting, commissioning, and educational influence.
- 1917
Beginning of gramophone recording activity
[1]The orchestra began making gramophone recordings, initiating a recording history that continued across successive technologies.
- 1885
Creation of the Boston Pops
[1]Higginson established the Boston Pops as an affiliated ensemble for lighter musical programs.
- 1881
Founding and inaugural concert
[1]Henry Lee Higginson founded the BSO, which gave its first concert on October 22 under George Henschel.
Products and positioning
A historically significant, internationally recognized American symphony orchestra combining elite orchestral performance, major-conductor leadership, contemporary commissioning, recording, broadcasting, summer-festival programming, and music education.
Live performance · 1881
Boston Symphony Orchestra concert season
The main Boston season presents symphonic repertoire, chamber-scale programs, guest artists, premieres, and special events, primarily at Symphony Hall. It is the orchestra's central public offering and combines canonical works with music from later periods and contemporary composers.
Festival performance
Tanglewood summer season
Tanglewood is the BSO's summer home in the Berkshires. Its programs include orchestral concerts, chamber music, outdoor performances, special series, and activities connected with the Tanglewood Music Center. The venue is a major part of the orchestra's public identity and educational mission.
Recorded and broadcast music · 1917
BSO recordings and broadcasts
The orchestra has recorded since the acoustic era and has participated in radio, stereo, film soundtrack, and later digital projects. Broadcasting and recording extend the BSO's performances beyond Boston and preserve interpretations associated with its music directors and guest conductors.
Music education
Tanglewood Music Center
Founded under Serge Koussevitzky, the Tanglewood Music Center provides advanced training and performance opportunities for emerging musicians. It operates as an important educational component of the broader Tanglewood institution and has hosted distinguished artists and faculty.
Affiliated orchestra · 1885
Boston Pops
The Boston Pops is an affiliated ensemble founded in 1885 to perform lighter music. It maintains its own programming and music director while drawing most of its players from the Boston Symphony Orchestra.
Controversies
1998
Public criticism of Seiji Ozawa's artistic leadership
Press coverage reported criticism from some musicians and commentators concerning Ozawa's rehearsal leadership, the orchestra's sound, and his management of the Tanglewood Music Center. The debate included public responses from orchestra officials, critics, and musicians.
1918
Internment of Karl Muck during the First World War
Music director Karl Muck was targeted by a press campaign alleging that he had refused to conduct the United States national anthem. Despite the circumstances surrounding the allegation, he was arrested and interned with German nationals before being deported.
Marketing campaigns
- 1979BSO China cultural exchange
China · United States
The orchestra toured the People's Republic of China under Seiji Ozawa during a period of renewed diplomatic and cultural relations between China and the United States.
Outcome. The tour strengthened the BSO's international cultural profile.
Brand decisions
2017
Expand international touring and recording projects under Andris NelsonsStrategyBackground
The BSO continued using major artistic projects to reinforce its international profile.
Action taken
Under music director Andris Nelsons, it pursued concert, touring, and recording activity across core symphonic repertoire.
2004
Create an Artistic Initiative FundStrategyBackground
James Levine's programming plans included costly contemporary works, commissions, and expanded artistic projects.
Action taken
The orchestra established a dedicated fund to support ambitious artistic initiatives and new repertoire.
Aftermath
The fund supported an expanded contemporary-music agenda during Levine's tenure.
2004
James Levine appointed music directorOtherBackground
The orchestra sought new artistic leadership after Seiji Ozawa's departure.
Action taken
It appointed James Levine as music director, making him the first American-born conductor to hold the position.
Aftermath
His tenure was associated with critical praise, new commissions, and increased contemporary repertoire.
1924
Expand broadcasting, commissioning, and summer educationStrategyBackground
The orchestra sought to broaden its audience and institutional reach beyond regular Boston concerts.
Action taken
Under Serge Koussevitzky, it developed national radio activity, supported new music, and built the Tanglewood and Berkshire Music Center relationship.
Aftermath
These initiatives became enduring parts of the BSO's artistic and educational model.
Recent events
- 2004
James Levine becomes BSO music director[1]
Leadership change
Levine became the first American-born music director of the Boston Symphony Orchestra.
- 1999
BSO announces Seiji Ozawa's departure[1]
Leadership change
The orchestra announced that Ozawa would leave his music-director position in 2002 after his appointment at the Vienna State Opera.
- 1979
Seiji Ozawa leads BSO visit to China[1]
Other
The orchestra visited the People's Republic of China in a cultural exchange connected with the normalization of United States-China relations.
- 1952
Charles Munch leads first overseas BSO tour[1]
Other
The orchestra undertook its first international tour during Munch's music directorship.
- 1942
BSO musicians join the American Federation of Musicians strike[1]
Other
The orchestra's musicians unionized during the recording-industry labor dispute and the BSO's broadcast activities continued through live radio concerts.
- 1926
BSO begins network radio broadcasting[1]
Other
The orchestra became the first to present a live concert on NBC radio, extending its reach beyond the concert hall.
- 1885
Boston Pops established as an affiliated ensemble[1]
Other
Henry Lee Higginson founded the Boston Pops to present programs centered on lighter music, with many performers drawn from the BSO.
- 1881
Boston Symphony Orchestra founded in Boston[1]
Other
Henry Lee Higginson established the orchestra, which presented its inaugural concert on October 22, 1881.
Sources3 sources
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