Symphony Hall is throwing their doors wide open.
Whether you’re new to Boston or soon to leave, now’s your chance to visit Boston’s Symphony Hall if you haven’t had the chance. Next week, the Boston Symphony Orchestra (BSO) is offering ample opportunity to catch a slew of musical acts in the historic concert hall, completely free of charge.
Their fall season fully kicks off on Sept. 17 with their “Concert for the City,” a free concert covering everything from Beethoven to “Back to the Future.” The concert will include appearances by both the Boston Pops and the BSO, as well as all three of the BSO’s conductors: Andris Nelsons, Keith Lockhart, and Thomas Wilkins.
For those who have never been to Symphony Hall, the “Concert for the City” offers a strong introduction—the night’s programming features all the main players that frequent the revered stage. The concert will be preceded by performances from local community groups with art, music, and dance groups, both on stage and around Symphony Hall.
The following day, Symphony Hall will host several collegiate groups from around Boston, showcasing “Music’s Next Generation” in a series of performances. Musical acts include the Berklee Chinese Music Ensemble, the Boston University Symphonic Chorus, the Harvard University Crimson Cellos, and several more. The program emphasizes variety, with diverse musical arrangements ranging from the Indian diaspora to Coldplay.
The Beacon spoke with Eric Valliere, an artistic administrator for the BSO, about their opening week.
“There was such interest in the Concert for the City, and it seemed like there was enough talent locally with the college musicians to have a concert that was devoted exclusively to that,” Valliere said.
Alongside colleague Daniel Mallampalli, Valliere was tasked with putting the showcase together as a part of the opening week celebration. “Over the past couple of years, we’ve been expanding our vision for what the opening week should be,” said Valliere. “The college showcase is a brand new addition.”
Valliere explained that the opening week was always intended to be a widely accessible event for Boston residents. “We want to welcome people in to celebrate all this artistic talent that is part of our community. It was always imagined to be a free night.”
While the showcase will highlight ensembles from established collegiate music programs, it will also make a point of featuring co-curricular musical acts. “In addition to school music ensembles with faculty, coaches, and conductors, we also wanted to invite the groups that were formed by students,” said Valliere. “We want the college students to be able to come and support their peers, their colleagues, and their friends.”
There’s something for everyone this week at Symphony Hall; general admission tickets can be reserved online, free of charge, for both the Concert for the City and the College Showcase.
“The bottom line is, if you like music, you should find something you like in this program.”
