Boston Symphony Orchestra Offers Free Adult Education Series at Symphony Hall

BSO 101 returns in 2014–2015 to heighten the enjoyment of attending BSO concerts. Wednesday evening sessions enhance listening abilities, and Tuesday-evening sessions provide an “insider’s view” of the workings of the BSO. All of these sessions take place from 5:30–6:45pm at Symphony Hall, and each is followed by a reception offering beverages, hors d’oeuvres, and further time to share your thoughts with others. Admission to the BSO 101 sessions is free; however there is a $15 charge to attend the receptions. Reservations may be made at 617-266-1200 or bso.org.

The BSO 101: Are You Listening? sessions are held on Wednesday-evenings with BSO Director of Program Publications Marc Mandel and members of the Boston Symphony Orchestra. The sessions are designed to enhance your listening abilities and appreciation of music by focusing on upcoming BSO repertoire. Since each session is self-contained, no prior musical training, or attendance at any previous session, is required. Upcoming sessions include:

Wednesday, November 19: Variations on Variations with a BSO member to be announced
Works discussed include:
HAYDN Symphony No. 82, “The Bear” (BSO concerts of November 25-29, 2014)
HAYDN Symphony No. 90 (BSO concerts of January 8-10, 2015)
MOZART Piano Concerto No. 24 in C minor, K.491 (BSO concerts of January 15-17, 2015)
BRAHMS Variations on a Theme by Haydn (BSO concerts of January 8-10, 2015)

Wednesday, January 14: French Accent with a BSO member to be announced
Works discussed include:
BERLIOZ “Le Corsaire” Overture (BSO concerts of January 22-24, 2015)
SAINT-SAËNS Cello Concerto No. 1 (BSO concerts of January 22-24, 2015)
MILHAUD “The Creation of the World” (BSO concerts of February 19-21, 2015)
DEBUSSY “Images” (BSO concerts of February 26-March 3, 2015)

Wednesday, February 18: Spiritual Undercurrents: Szymanowski’s King Roger with a BSO member to be announced
Works discussed include:
SZYMANOWSKI “King Roger” (BSO concerts of March 5-7, 2015)

Wednesday, March 11: Symphonic Summit: Mozart’s Final Three with a BSO member to be announced
Works discussed include:
MOZART Symphonies 39, 40, and 41, “Jupiter” (BSO concerts of March 19-21, 2015)

Wednesday, April 8: Musical Imaginings with a BSO member to be announced
Works discussed include:
SCHULLER “Dreamscape” (BSO concerts of April 9-14, 2015)
RAVEL “Mother Goose” (BSO concerts of April 23-28, 2015)
SCHUMANN “Manfred” Overture (BSO concerts of April 30-May 2, 2015)
BRAHMS Symphony No. 1 (BSO concerts of April 30-May 2, 2015)

The BSO 101: An Insider’s View sessions are held on Tuesday-evenings featuring BSO musicians and administrative staff. These sessions focus on behind-the-scenes activities at Symphony Hall. By popular demand, two of the sessions—the first and third—will again offer round-table discussions with BSO musicians. Specific participants and topics will be announced. Please visit bso.org for further information.

Tuesday, January 20 – Program to be announced.
Tuesday, March 24 – A round-table discussion with BSO members to be announced, moderated by Marc Mandel.

With the increase in popularity of the BSO 101 Series, and thanks to a generous anonymous gift, in 2015 we will be expanding the program into cities and towns surrounding Boston. Please check www.bso.org for more details.