Frank Nemhauser Previews the BCI Singing Week in Boston
BOSTON | JUNE 21-28, 2020 | SYMPHONY HALL
Music Director Frank Nemhauser talks about the BCI week in Boston at which Grant Gershon conducts Orff’s “Carmina Burana” and music by Poulenc.
“Boston’s Symphony Hall is one of the concert hall gems in the world. It is acoustically spectacular, not only from the audience’s perspective, but also from the performer’s. You hear so well on the stage. And, there’s something thrilling about being in a space that has such a storied history. Just think about all of the spectacular performances and artists that have been on that stage.
“This reminds me of a tour I was working on many years ago. The New York City Opera was performing at the Shubert Theatre in New Haven, Connecticut. I walked out on stage for rehearsal and thought about all of the Broadway shows that had their out-of-town try-outs at that theatre. I got a chill thinking about how lucky I was to perform in that space. And, I think our people will find the same thing in Boston’s Symphony Hall next June.
“We are thrilled that Grant Gershon will lead the Boston week. He is another one of our most popular conductors. I describe him as being a deeply soulful musician. I so enjoy getting to explore music with him. The way he demonstrates a phrase is so innately musical that our choristers instinctively respond in kind.
“Carmina Burana is one of those pieces that is popular for both audiences and performers alike. Many people love to come back and experience it time and time again. We thought it would be nice to pair Carmina with the Poulenc Gloria, which is beautiful and also has a meaningful history; it was premiered by the Boston Symphony Orchestra in Symphony Hall In 1961.
“We will be In residence at Tufts University outside Boston. All rehearsals and classes will take place on the Tufts campus until we move into Symphony Hall at the end of the week. The facilities are very good and the rehearsal space is wonderful. It’s very convenient to the dorms – just across the street. And, the dining hall is down the block.”