Performer: James Burton

In his first New York appearance since the termination of his contract as BSO Music Director, Nelsons courts public sympathy and makes some thrilling music.

The season-ending performance of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony loses its intended conductor but remains enjoyable, if somewhat under-rehearsed. 

Nelsons stresses refined dynamics, rhythmic drive, balance and contrast as he closes the Beethoven Festival in style. 

A well thought-out, fearless, affirmation of hope which drew its listeners ever upwards into the realm of ecstasy.

Karina Canellakis conducts a Franco-Prussian program featuring Beethoven and Brahms in the first half, Chausson and Ravel in the second. 

The closing concert for the triple anniversary of Serge Koussevitzky and the BSO takes a fittingly ritualistic turn.