Tension at Tanglewood: Boston Symphony's Internal Crisis Drowns Out Music
During a recent week at Tanglewood, the summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra in the Berkshires, the atmosphere was described as anxious, angry, and combustible. The New York Times reported that the ongoing internal warfare within the Boston Symphony is impossible to escape, overshadowing the musical performances. The crisis, which has been waging since at least June 2026, involves music director Andris Nelsons and other key figures, including Chad Smith. The report suggests that the situation needs to be calmed before more serious damage occurs. The article, published on July 30, 2026, highlights the severity of the conflict and its impact on the institution's summer season.
Key facts
- Tanglewood is the summer venue of the Boston Symphony Orchestra.
- The atmosphere at Tanglewood was described as anxious, angry, and combustible.
- The Boston Symphony is waging a crisis on itself, according to The New York Times.
- The crisis is drowning out the music at Tanglewood.
- The conflict involves music director Andris Nelsons and Chad Smith.
- The New York Times article was published on July 30, 2026.
- A previous New York Times article on the crisis was published on June 11, 2026.
- The report calls for someone to quiet things down before more serious damage is done.
Entities
Artists
- Andris Nelsons
- Chad Smith
Institutions
- Boston Symphony Orchestra
- The New York Times
Locations
- Tanglewood
- Berkshires
- United States