BSO's Nelsons Exit Sparks Criticism Over Handling, Music Quality, and Corporate Turn
On March 6, the Boston Symphony Orchestra stirred controversy by announcing that Music Director Andris Nelsons would not have his contract renewed following the 2027 Tanglewood season. This decision, made by CEO Chad Smith and the board, has led to ongoing backlash, including a report from the Boston Globe about Tanglewood prohibiting red flower pins in support of Nelsons. In July, Smith canceled a public forum with potential successor Esa-Pekka Salonen due to a family health crisis. Orchestra members were not involved in the decision-making process, and many are in favor of Nelsons. Principal librarian D. Wilson Ochoa criticized the corporate influence, highlighting expensive rebranding efforts. A critic pointed to a 40% drop in ticket sales since 2004, expressing hope for a female successor like Susanna Mälkki.
Key facts
- On March 6, BSO CEO Chad Smith and the board announced they would not renew Andris Nelsons' contract after the 2027 Tanglewood season.
- The announcement was followed by controversy, including a Boston Globe story about Tanglewood banning unauthorized distribution of red flower pins supporting Nelsons.
- Smith canceled a scheduled public discussion with Esa-Pekka Salonen in late July, citing a family medical emergency for the second time.
- Orchestra members were never consulted about the decision; many players have defended Nelsons.
- BSO principal librarian D. Wilson Ochoa wrote a letter accusing the board of a corporate takeover, citing expensive rebranding and removal of historical photos.
- The BSO said rebranding costs were a small portion of marketing and facilities budgets, mostly funded by a deferred maintenance grant.
- Ticket sales have declined 40% since 2004, according to the BSO.
- Nelsons' contract was renewed last year as a 'rolling contract,' making it easier to cancel.
Entities
Artists
- Andris Nelsons
- Chad Smith
- Esa-Pekka Salonen
- James Levine
- Anne Midgette
- D. Wilson Ochoa
- David Allen
- Joseph Horowitz
- Susanna Mälkki
- Pierre Boulez
- Stèphane Denève
- Charles Munch
- Sarah Caldwell
- Gian Carlo Menotti
- Samuel Barber
- Dmitri Shostakovich
- Richard Wagner
- Igor Stravinsky
- Vaslav Nijinsky
- Maurice Ravel
Institutions
- Boston Symphony Orchestra
- Symphony Hall
- Tanglewood
- Boston Pops
- Boston Globe
- The New York Times
- The Washington Post
- Carnegie Hall
Locations
- Boston
- United States
- Tanglewood
- Leipzig
- Germany
- Latvia