If you have not taken the behind the scenes tour of the BSO this is the season to do it. Guides will show you why this cultural touchstone has enchanted New Englanders for over a century.
Symphony Hall is generally considered one of the three top orchestral concert halls in the world along with halls in Vienna and Amsterdam. The fine acoustics of the hall is one of the focal points during each tour. Tourguides have never been able to effectively demonstrate the acoustics to our guests – until now.
Thanks to a gift from the estate of the late BSO and Pops organist Berj Zamkochian, an organ sequencer has been installed by the stage door at stage right. This sequencer acts much like a piano roll for a player piano in that it allows a prerecorded “sequence” of key actions by an organist on the console to be played back at a later time. Guides can now go to the sequencer, press a couple of buttons, and literally have the organ fill the hall with music for guests. Interesting to watch a number of people getting up and going to different parts of the auditorium to hear the organ from different locations, not something that can be done during a concert.
Plan to see the Holiday Pops and take a stroll down eclectic Newbury Street soon.
Feeling like something more edgy this winter – you only have to visit the Institute of Contemporary Art in Boston. See all of the changes going on at Seaport and take in a film such as the British Arrows (irreverent advertising from across the pond) , Captive Beauty – a look inside a female penitentiary, Through a lens Darkly explores photography through a darker lens, or a visual essay on controversial Susan Sontag.
Tranditional comforts at CitiCenter – IRVING BERLIN’S WHITE CHRISTMAS tells the story of a song-and-dance team putting on a show in a magical Vermont inn. Of course they fall for a stunning sister act in the process. Hilarity ensues. Full of dancing, laughter and some of the greatest songs ever written! Something for everyone with this merry and bright holiday musical.
Want to stay on the North Shore? Be sure to check out North Shore Music Theater in Beverly, an amazing local theater with huge heart and talent.