The Boston Symphony Orchestra has announced its programming for the 2021 Tanglewood season, running from July 9-August 16. The festival will welcome concertgoers back for in-person performances this summer after being shuttered in summer 2020 due to the global pandemic. The season will begin on Saturday, July 10, with a performance conducted by Andris Nelsons of Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony, the same work that opened the inaugural season of the festival in 1937.

In the 2021 season, Nelsons will lead six BSO concerts, including the all-Beethoven program with Emanuel Ax for the opening concert (7/10) and a program featuring violinist Baiba Skride performing Sibelius’ Violin Concerto paired with Dvořák’s Sixth Symphony (7/11). He also leads two programs featuring pianists: Daniil Trifonov performing Brahms’ First Concerto (7/17) and Lucas and Arthur Jussen performing Mozart’s Concerto in E-flat for two pianos (7/18). On July 24, Nelsons and John Williams will co-conduct a concert featuring the world premiere of his Violin Concerto No. 2 performed by Anne-Sophie Mutter.

Quote from Andris Nelsons: „This summer is destined to be incredibly special, as the BSO and I return to our beloved Tanglewood and concerts for live audiences. Among the many highlights planned, we will pay tribute to Beethoven and spotlight 19 important composers of our time, representing a beautiful spectrum of styles and diverse backgrounds.

„The Tanglewood season would not be complete without appearances by the BSO’s other artistic leaders: John Williams, Keith Lockhart, and Thomas Adès. We also welcome back such preeminent artists as Yo-Yo Ma, who will be featured in three appearances this summer, including an all-Tchaikovsky program led by Karina Canellakis. As a member of the class of 2014, Karina joins the distinguished Herbert Blomstedt and Alan Gilbert in representing three generations of former Tanglewood Music Center Fellows leading the BSO this summer. I am so delighted that Emanuel Ax will join me and the BSO for a performance of the Emperor Concerto in the orchestra’s greatly anticipated all-Beethoven opening concert.

„Other wonderful highlights include the return of Tanglewood favorite Joshua Bell, and a rare and very special appearance by the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with the legendary Wynton Marsalis.

„A major presence this summer will be national treasure John Williams, who will lead the world premiere of his second violin concerto with the superb Anne-Sophie Mutter. Furthermore, John Williams will be honored in a Boston Pops concert led by Keith Lockhart and will share the podium with Keith for the ever-popular Film Night.

„All of us at the BSO feel a sense of joyful anticipation about the 2021 Tanglewood season, when we will once again make music for our devoted audience members. It promises to be a season to remember and cherish.“

For more information about the 2021 Tanglewood season, click here.