On Sunday, July 19, Sir Neville Marriner conducted the Boston Symphony Orchestra with pianist Paul Lewis at the Tanglewood Music Center, now celebrating its 75th season. The program featured two Mozart symphonies and Robert Schumann's Piano Concerto.
The venerable 91-year-old conductor is the Life President of the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, the chamber ensemble he founded in 1958. Unlike many contemporary conductors who are heavy on affectation and light on substance, Marriner has the understated command and unforced grace of a seasoned maestro. Despite the sweltering heat, the audience was treated to a refreshing and effervescent performance.
What went wrong with Boston2024? Even in this sports-crazed city, the idea of hosting a global sporting competition just didn't sit right with many people.
Despite attempts to increase support with a glitzy promotional piece starring former Boston Olympians, the video, which was shot against a fall landscape, gave the effort a rather tired look. No surprise then that many Bostonians worried about whether their old city was up to the task of hosting the world.
