For my bicentennial review, the Boston Symphony Orchestra! The BSO holds their concert at the great and grand Symphony Hall. The acoustics are amazing. The architectural facades are reminiscent of an old fashioned grandeur, absolutely beautiful! The performances are always incredible. From a featured guest artist to the choral works of Brahmns, the Boston Symphony Orchestra is an absolute treat. During the warmer months, the Boston Pops will play more modern, lighter pieces. It was a surprising and more than a little exciting. If you get a chance, listen to the orchestra at their summer residence in Tanglewood. It's like having a picnic with the Orchestra. And later, as night falls, you can lay back on the grass looking up the stars and let the sonorous melodies of the orchestra wash over you. If you've lived in Boston and never been to a BSO concert then you're really doing yourself a disservice. Heck, I'm not one to dress up, but there is something to be said about wearing your finest for an evening of classic music. Perfect for a date or a night out with friends. The Boston Symphony Orchestra was the very first concert I attended. That, amongst other details, makes the BSO pretty special to me. review 4/27/2008 I.M.Y. read more

I will easily give the BSO five stars even though I dealt with a condescending customer service rep when purchasing my ticket. The rest of the staff is very polite, soft-spoken, and professional. I went for the Repartee program which includes a reception with food, beer and wine (included in the price of the ticket). The crowd is very friendly. As expected, the acoustics allow you to hear a cotton ball drop if it happened. The music fills your head as if your skull is almost hollow and pleasantly bounces off the cerebrospinal fluid creating your own personal refuge. Need I say (or write) more? read more

When I want to feel classy, I spend an evening at Boston's historic Symphony Hall. This place is so famous, it has its own T Station. Whether you go to see the BSO for pure classical or enjoy the Boston Pops, you are sure to feel reinvigorated by these talented musicians. If you're under 40, you can take advantage of the BSO's discount -- you can get 2 tickets for most shows for $20/each. This is a pretty amazing deal. As for the Pops, 2nd Balcony Seats are often around this price and the acoustics are fantastic. If you get a table for the Pops, note that you're buying individual tickets -- not the entire table. While it's a great experience to eat and drink at a table on the floor, you do sit in close proximity to others and may share a table if you're in a smaller party. This is part of the appeal and it's how things have been done since the beginning. Treat yourself to an evening at the Symphony, especially if you've never done it -- and look for fun events like Holiday Pops in the Winter. You won't be sorry; it's like getting a massage. . . for your MIND. read more

Gorgeous and magical. Side seats at Symphony Hall are a tougher view - try to get front-facing seats. During intermissions, get up and explore the building and other sections of the audience. Christmas Pops -- Go! Even if you're a group of adults! Even if you don't celebrate Christmas! Go, go, go. It's such a joyful, uplifting, fun experience. We will never forget that our motorcycle riding, Howard Stern listening Papa said that the highlight of his Boston trip was the Christmas Boston Pops performance at Symphony Hall. Now that's a convert! :) read more

As a musician, you hear in the "biz" that the Boston Symphony is one of the finest orchestras in the world. I was finally able to hear them in person this month, checking an item off my bucket list happily. I was not disappointed. The orchestra showed every bit in its technique, warm sound, and impeccable musicality that it deserves one of those spots of the finest. I hope to be able to make it back to Boston someday. read more

Boston Symphony Hall - BSO from side balcony - Performing Arts Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

The Boston Symphony Hall is a beatifull historic building. This review, in fact, is for the Boston Symphony Orchestra. The most brilliant hall in the world is in need of master musicians, gilt and statues are an environment to emphasize their capacity. The reason Boston Symphony Hall shines is because of the amazing orchestra performing in it. Yesterday, I listened to a concert dominated by Russian composers (with some Italian flavor) in its first part and French romantism work after the intermission. You would think that a city with so many musical colleges would be able to attract best performers for its orchestra and I guess it does, conductor and instrumentalists do the trick, perfection and harmony. Outstanding! read more

Beautiful building, amazing orchestra, acoustics to die for. Who could ask for more? Check out the Rush tickets for a fabulous deal. On Tuesdays and Thurdays, they sell $8 seats to that night's show, starting at 5pm. Also, when there are Friday afternoon performances they have the same deal, but at 10am. During the Pops season it's $10 and only on Tuesdays. read more

You could see 10 Helen Kellers playing the recorder here, and the venue itself would make the experience unforgettable. Sitting in the crimson and gold balconies, looking out at the carved proscenium , surrounded by Greek and Roman statues, as tiny white light chandeliers twinkle above...beautiful. Who cares if the Helen Keller band is playing 10 different songs at once and running into each other? Anything in this venue seems like it would be breath taking. $20 tix for balcony if you are under 40, and on Tues and Thurs you can get $9 tix if they are available. Even if you think you are not a fan of the symphony, I highly suggest experiencing it once. If you really cant stand it, chug some cheap wine at intermission and sleep for the second half. Could be a relaxing nap! read more

Wonderful! The building itself is gorgeous inside and out. The acoustics are obviously stunning as well. I saw the Holiday show by the Boston Pops and it was beautiful. Symphony Hall is a great experience. We had seats on the floor so we could see everything fine but I think you get what you pay for here. If you want a decent view I think you have to pay extra but it's worth it. I like how the staff locks people out of the main hall if they leave and then try to return in the middle of a musical piece. They are let back in after the piece is over, of course, but it's just nice that there are no distractions during the show. If you order any kind of food or drink expect to pay a pretty penny! read more

Loved it - saw the Joshua Bell show on Friday after Thanksgiving after my cousin who is an accomplished violinist told me I should definitely go. I had seen the BSO's promotion for $20 tickets for anyone under 40. I took advantage of it and bought two tickets. I figured wherever they put us would be fine - they surprised me and actually had us orchestra level, second row in the center. Such an experience!! I love Symphony Hall and it was such a magical experience to share over the holiday and my favorite piece from this paritcular concert was Debussy's Prelude to The Afternoon of a Faun. read more

We live in Boston. This kind of place is why we live in Boston. Especially if you're under 40, there's no reason you shouldn't check out a concert at Symphony Hall. The BSO has a 20 under 40 program that gets anyone under 40 tix for 20 bucks plus a fee. Having never been to see the Pops in concert, the 20 under 40 program was the perfect chance to have the Pops experience. Symphony Hall is beautiful, the Pops rock (really), and it's a fun, relatively inexpensive night out. You can even get food and drinks while you're enjoying the show at darling little tables. read more

If you're under 40, live in Boston, and have never been to see the BSO, get on the phone immediately and order your $20 tickets. The seating is a bit random (your only choice is orchestra or balcony seats), but I've ended up with spots that range from simply solid (middle of the first balcony) to absolutely incredible (six rows back from the stage, dead center, for Joshua Bell doing the Brahms violin concerto). As other folks have pointed out below, Symphony Hall is regularly cited as one of the top-few music halls in the world, and the BSO is perennially one of the strongest orchestras in the country. And while it's a shame to have James Levine off the podium, the Symphony has done a solid job of maintaining a constant rotation of world-class conductors. Probably the strongest criticism you might level at them is that the programming is a bit conservative, but that's all the better if going to the symphony isn't a major habit of yours. As for the ambiance, the hall itself still looks much like it did over a century ago, other than most of the statues, which a ladies social group chose out of a catalog to decorate the interior a few years after it was built (no joke). Simple, beautiful, unique, and not much more expensive than seeing a movie at your multiplex of choice. ProTip: coat check is free other than the tip, but the post-concert line during the winter is massive. Stuff it under your seat and beat the crowd to the T on the way out! read more

I've been living in the Boston area now for over 10 years and this was my FIRST time to Boston Symphony Hall. Man was this place BEAUTIFUL. The ceilings, the staircases, the statues, all breath taking. The Mrs. and I went to see the Boston Pops with conductor JOHN WILLIAMS!!!!@$^Q#^#$@%&$#%#$ and before entering, I was nervous. As a larger fellow, I was freaking out about being stuffed into a tiny auditorium chair with no leg room but I was pleasantly surprised. The seats were wide and there was ample space (we were up in the second balcony, the "cheap seats", if you will). I was so relieved! On top of that, it was nice and cool in the hall. The seat was comfortable, the concert was amazing (four encores!!) and I truly look forward to coming back to Symphony Hall again, soon! My only criticism is that it's VERY confusing finding your seat. Sections and rows are not obviously labeled and if there isn't an usher, it can be hard to find where your going. Thankfully, the ushers that we DID encounter were very helpful and kind. read more

Oh, David Sedaris. How do I love thee? Let me count the ways....*stares off dreamily into space* Ahem, where was I? Oh, right, I was reviewing Symphony Hall. Gorgeous building, friendly ushers and ticket takers, and within walking distance from several branches of the Green Line. My only beef? The seats (at least the ones in the orchestra; can't vouch for the balcony) are muy uncomfortable. My tush fell asleep several times. Hey Symphony Hall, can you invest in some comfier ones for the poor cheap saps who got seats all the way in the back? kthxbai read more

The BSO is great! It can be a little cramped, but the show is spectacular always. I've been to two shows here and they were both very enjoyable for everyone in the group. They do a great job incorporating newer music so that people who aren't used to classical music still have a great time. Always a great thing to do! read more

Shame on me for not visiting more often since I love classical music but.. Life is very demanding and we are always presented with new choices. Still it's very important to support the true a tried forms of art, especially for institutions like the symphony. Every time I visit I get inspired and renew my love for classical. read more

Such a great place to go and sit and listen to wonderful musicians. The building is gorgeous, the sounds lovely...it sounds even better if you sit in the "cheap seats" on the top against the back wall because of the way the music moves through the building. Just be warned, there are a lot of children at some of these shows and parents who are just happy to get out of the house...noise travels fast and far in here. read more

Why I am a fan of the BSO: 1) The wow factor when you walk into place is undeniable, but so is the stench of old money. 2) They sell beveraahhges. You know, the kind that make you want to make love to Handel and Haydn barring the necrophillia. 3) I live a block away and got free seats. read more

Large hall with three tiers of seating and a medium sized stage in front where the Boston Pops Orchestra was seated. Even though I was seated in the top middle, I could hear and see the conductor, orchestra, and pianist just fine. On either side of the room near the top were adult sized imitations of Roman statues. It looked a bit peculiar. This hall was built in the late 1890's and inaugurated in 1900 so it's a part of Boston history by now. read more

Maybe we can have nice things. Hearing the orchestra tune itself briefly as the crowd quiets and the lights dim is like nothing else, like you're sitting in a huge, elegant, bespoke machine stirring itself to life. There are no bad seats, there's nowhere it doesn't sound amazing. An artifact of a time when building nice things for everyone to enjoy was something we did rather than scrimping and pinching to barely keep bridges standing. And while it's beautiful and refined, it remains accessible; the holiday shows in particular are full of familiar, friendly music, and good humor. Between matinees and the tickets reserved for young people (which means under 40 !?!), you can get in for barely more than a movie ticket, or about the same as the bleachers at Fenway. We're so lucky to have this building, and the splendid organizations that inhabit it. read more

Close to the T? Check. Close to a handful of really nice and reasonable restaurants? Check. Beautiful space with pretty nice acoustics? Check. We went here last Friday for a Handel and Haydn Society performance of Beethoven's Fifth (and others). The music was fantastic, the whole building has a nice layout, the staff was courteous, and the hall itself is well sized - we had seats near the back of the orchestra section and we could still see and hear fine. Very good deal for the cheaper price of the tickets. I hadn't been to the hall in a very long time, but I can't wait to go back next month for Mozart's Requiem! It was really a great experience. The seating is a bit narrow and needs an upgrade from the old stiff wood seats and you would do better to buy drinks at your restaurant before the show because the high (although expected) prices, but it totally worth the money and time to hear some incredible music and see the gorgeous space. read more

This is a review of the Boston Pops Independence Day concert, by the Charles River rather than Symphony Hall. On the plus side some classic orchestral pieces, especially the 1812 Overture, were good, as were the guest singers. On the other hand many of the patriotic tunes were squeezed into medleys that were kinda hard to get swept up in. And organization of tickets was weak, at least for the July 3rd rehearsal that we went to. They're given out on a first-come first-served basis, in the form of wrist bands, but their distribution was delayed for 90 mins. on top of the time we already waited, leaving many people standing in the rain wondering if there would be time catch some dinner before the concert. It was free and I appreciate that, but the program and venue wasn't well organized. My recommendation is to take in the July 4th fireworks from somewhere else and see the Pops in their natural habitat, Symphony Hall, because they don't travel too well. read more

Holiday Pops Matinee: The symphony itself was nice; however, the Santa was clearly not a "real" Santa. (The first thing my 4 year old said) There were signs for a Santa meet and greet after, but due to the wait (we didn't stay), it would have been nice for the ushers to hand out candy canes on the way out to the kids. Recommendations: Perhaps you could find a more "realistic" Santa? (We've seen them at the mall, other places) Have the ushers give out candy canes to the kids on the way out. One usher gave my girls dum dum's which was quite nice, but... read more

A beautiful venue to enjoy any musical experience. I've been to Symphony a couple times over the years and have not successfully sat in pretty much every area you can sit. The balcony seats are great for a view of the whole orchestra since at ground level its a little hard to see the brass or percussion instruments towards the back. The seats are comfortable, the ceilings are high, and it is actually architecturally beautiful. If you get the chance to see the Pops this season, DO. They sound magnificent at the hatch shell but there is something truly awe-inspiring to hear them play at Symphony. It's like every instrument is magnified times twenty. read more

A beautiful and not-too-huge venue makes for a pleasant and classic experience with excellent acoustics!! We went for the Holiday Pops this past weekend and were completely entertained. Songs were short enough to keep it interesting (for us non-symphonic-buffs) and the ceiling and chandeliers caught my attention when I was ADD about the music. The statues are particularly interesting! The floor seats with table service do have appeal and maybe one day when we're not so worried about money, we can do that. However, the little side bar area was so fun to hang out in during intermission and people watch. Need to be more in the loop about events there...apparently the Soweto Choir (from S.Africa) was there a while back and I missed it, would have loved to see it. read more

Sound is a major issue. I went to the David Sedaris show and could barely hear his first story due to low volume and the incessant noise of latecomers being seated 5-20 min past curtain. I don't think I'll ever do a show here again. House managers (or whomever sets policy for late arrivals) ought to be ashamed for this experience quality at these prices. read more

Boston Symphony Hall - Beautiful space, but poor sound design and house management. - Performing Arts Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

Last night I went to see Pink Martini, who really can be a splendid live act. I loved the set up. They did the Pops thing- with tables and waitresses, and trying to do a sort of cabaret feel. But that room is just too big and open, and the sound just wasn't right, so instead of an intimate and amazing performance by a band who can totally work a room, it was a sort of echo-y and distant shell of what could have been. I saw them at the Berklee Perf. Cntr, last year, and I know what they should sound like from years of seeing them in all sorts of venues, so I don't think it is unfair to blame the room. Love the look, hate the feel. Oh well- I hope they go back to the Berklee! read more

I flipped back and forth between four and five stars but ended up with the five because where else do they give you a steep discount for being under 40 (see LT 40 = 20 on their website)? I heart the BSO. Suddenly I feel very young just by virtue of not having any gray hair (yet, I hope). While said discount is not available for every show it is for a good number. In addition to the performances, the open rehearsals at $19/person for general admissions is also fun. Obviously, they are works in progress so you don't always get to hear the full pieces, but it's neat to get a glimpse of how the orchestra members interact with each other. read more

Wow. This is what I call a good time. Blow any date away with tickets. Don't act like this isn't why you didn't go in the first place. You can also hold business functions as well as a catered event. read more

Worth a visit if you have never been. I went to see Tchaikovsky (and some Soviet Era composer that was bad--it was supposed to be weird the booklet said) and it was really fun. Seats were not that uncomfortable--more leg room than other historic halls. The website is terrible and doesn't send you confirmation emails and/or crashed so I ended up purchasing three sets of tickets. I was able to return them without a problem but was scolded for placing too many orders and when I pointed out that they should send emails so people know their order went through and was told that the website is weird and its still my fault. I ended up with the refund fast and via email so I'm not deducting a star for that. read more

I was a fool to write this off with my last review. I confused the Pops with the BSO. Dear god the difference is night and day. Don't get me wrong, the Pops still deserves 5 stars. But the BSO needs 6. I was lucky enough to go see the BSO perform the Rite of Spring a few weeks back. It was magnificent. The entire piece told a story, you could close your eyes and see an epic tale unfold. I don't know music. I don't know harmony. I don't know composing or conducting. I certainly don't know acoustics. But I know what's good. This was something that I am genuinely glad I saw before I died and I now hold them in a higher regard than our famed Boston sports teams. Any of them. Yes, even higher than the New England Revolution, Boston's most beloved sports team. read more

Such a beautiful space and the sound is not bad from many locations (I've been all over due to random student tickets). The only location I hate are the side balconies - your knees are right near the person's head and it starts to feel pretty cramped/awkward and the sound is not as great. The College Card program is fantastic - now you can even get your free tickets the same week of the performance, not just the morning of. read more

Obviously one of the coolest spots in Boston! Fantastic for a fun night out, whether it's date night, a night with family, or friends. Gorgeous architecture, amazing acoustics, and increasingly awesome programming. They have some great programs and I definitely recommend the Young Professionals (BSO YoPro) subscription series. The seats are excellent, the concerts are phenomenal, and there are pre- and post-concert receptions that are fun for socializing and grabbing drinks/apps. It's a fantastic deal, and they are great about being super flexible if you have to switch your tickets due to a busy schedule. I'm always grateful I do it since it's a fun treat during the winter months when the weather is frigid outside and it includes a concert in Tanglewood (with transportation) during the summer. I don't love the food in the surrounding area, so I do wish there were better pre-event dinner options. Thankfully, Eataly just opened up and is a great option. read more

Went here for a show last year, and I was blown away. The music was breathtaking, and my spirit was singing all throughout the show. I look forward to more visits, and more shows in the near future read more

We planned a trip to the symphony for our visit to Boston. First, symphony hall is absolutely beautiful. If you're under 40, you can get tickets for $20 which is just amazing! What a wonderful idea! We scored excellent seats in the orchestra level. The acoustics were pretty good. We were there for the Beethoven and Harbison performance. I was very much looking forward to it, however, I did not realize that the Harbison performance had vocalists. I think of the symphony as being a orchestral symphony. While I can appreciate the baritone and soprano performers, I personally did not care for the vocalists. It was just not what I was expecting. I thought the second act, with Beethoven, was much better. The pianist was absolutely wonderful and very talented. Overall, the place is laid out well for intermission with a few bars scattered throughout the lobby areas. I would love to go back for more performances and hope to see the Boston Pops someday. read more

We came to see the BSO. They started off playing Nimrod in memory of Andre Previn who passed away last week. It's such a historic venue. The performance conducted by Andris Nelson was powerful and swept us away. Worth an evening out!! read more

What else need to be said.. Its a major part of Boston's history in arts and culture. Very beautiful and well maintained even after 100+ years of history. We came here for Distant World this past weekend. Very great acoustics, with 2 levels of balcony floors its taller and grander than I expected for a building that was opened in 1900. If you have an event that's here definitely highly recommended. Very worthy stop. read more

I really enjoyed the Holiday Pops performance itself, the symphony and choir were great and it was a really nice way to spend the afternoon. The end got a little hokey with the sing-a-long designed for children, but that's to be expected. Overall I guess I was just underwhelmed with Symphony Hall itself. I was expecting a majestic theater with plush velvet seats and balconies and instead it was just a huge open space with folding chairs and card tables set up. The service was great, it's nice to wave a card around and have someone bring you drinks and snacks, but it just wasn't what I was expecting. read more

Yes, one of America's better orchestras and a fantastic concert hall, but a few things keep me from giving them the five-star rating they earn on musical/technical grounds: - short season compared to some other major orchestras in the US (New York Philharmonic, San Francisco Symphony come to mind) - really, really boring upcoming (08/09) season, despite it being the 125th anniversary (or maybe because). Really conservative, filled with overplayed warhorses (Mozart overkill, anyone?) - Almost no Shostakovich or Bruckner in years past, two composers for whom I'd gladly schedule a trip around. read more

Amazing interior, austere, perfect acoustics, not a bad seat in the place. I've seen concerts, speaking engagements, and, of course, the BSO here - all wonderful events. Just beautiful! read more