Page 961 - Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Coverage Book 2023-24

However, those playing at the top of their game will usually maintain a sense of
consistency; an immutable, familiar tone and sound that is merely enhanced and shaped

by the maestro on the podium.

We've picked out some of those top orchestras – the ones you should always make an

effort to see if they're touring or you happen to be passing through their home country. In
the meantime, we've also suggested a few recommended recordings so you can have a

flavour of the ensembles performing at their best.

Contents

• The world's best orchestras: USA and Canada

• The world's best orchestras: Europe
• The world's best orchestras: UK
• The worlds best orchestras: Asia

World's best orchestras: USA and Canada

Boston Symphony Orchestra

Founded in 1881, the Boston Symphony is the second-oldest of the five major American
symphony orchestras commonly referred to as the 'Big Five'.

Past music directors have included Serge Koussevitzky, Erich Leinsdorf, William Steinberg
and James Levine. Another great conductor who enjoyed strong links with Boston

was Bernard Haitink, who served as principal guest conductor BSO from 1995 to 2004, and
subsequently conductor emeritus until his death in 2021.

The talented Andris Nelsons is the current incumbent at Boston. Among other things,

Nelsons and Boston have some first-rate renditions of the Shostakovich symphonies under
their belts.

Recommended recording:

Shostakovich: Symphonies 5, 8 & 9 et al Boston Symphony Orchestra/Andris
Nelsons DG 479 5201

Read our review here.

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