Boston Symphony Orchestra

The Boston Symphony Orchestra, established in 1881 with key support from Henry Lee Higginson, has been a leading U.S. ensemble rooted in Germanic traditions, boasting a rich history of renowned conductors. Notably, under conductors like Serge Koussevitsky and Erich Leinsdorf, the orchestra's recordings on the RCA label during the mid-20th century set high artistic standards. Over the years, the orchestra has seen a diverse lineup of conductors, including Pierre Monteux, Seiji Ozawa, and Andris Nelsons, who have each left their mark on the orchestra with significant recordings and performances.

In addition to its symphonic achievements, the Boston Symphony Orchestra has showcased musical versatility through its associated Boston Pops orchestra, led by Arthur Fiedler, which gained widespread popularity through radio, television, and live performances. The orchestra has also made notable contributions to film scores, collaborating with composer John Williams on soundtracks for films by Steven Spielberg. With a legacy of excellence and innovation, the Boston Symphony Orchestra continues to thrive under the direction of Andris Nelsons, who has extended the orchestra's artistic reach through new recordings and performances.