Boston Symphony Orchestra choral director departing

Boston Globe

2 days ago

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In an internal statement sent to BSO staff in late spring by vice president of artistic planning Anthony Fogg, which was recently shared with the
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by the BSO, Burton said that he and the TFC had 'enjoyed countless musical adventures, performed many concerts and explored exciting special projects' together. 'It is the passionate dedication of our chorus members who make this possible, and I appreciate hugely their commitment to singing with the BSO and the Boston Pops,' he wrote.
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In the same statement, orchestra leaders praised Burton's contributions to the organization during his eight-year tenure. BSO music director Andris Nelsons said Burton's 'immense dedication and passion' had 'guided and led the chorus towards tremendous musical achievements.' BSO president and CEO Chad Smith said that the TFC 'has grown substantially under his leadership, achieving an impressive level of musical excellence,' and Boston Pops conductor Keith Lockhart said Burton has been a 'transformative presence' who 'elevated the standard for choral singing within our organization.'
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Burton is only the second director in the history of the Tanglewood Festival Chorus, having stepped into the newly created position of BSO choral director after the 2015 retirement of founding TFC director
David Norris, who sang tenor in the TFC for 44 years before retiring last fall, said in a phone interview that Burton expected singers in the all-volunteer ensemble to be invested 'not only in [their] vocal health but [their] skills as a musician,' and he saw that 'reflected in the excellence from the chorus.'
Norris said that under Oliver's leadership, re-auditions of existing members were conducted on an as-needed basis, but Burton implemented them as an annual routine, which made for a significant change.
In June 2018, shortly after Burton arrived, several singers
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they had been sent an unsigned form email informing them they'd been cut, while others chose to resign rather than re-audition. One singer who resigned called the situation a 'bloodbath' and 'really unconscionable.'
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In a
Norris, who was the chair of the chorus committee for part of Burton's tenure, said in a recent phone interview that every leader develops 'their own culture and community' with the chorus. Burton, he said, was all about continuous improvement.
'No matter what we did, what piece we were performing, whether it was an incredibly involved piece with the symphony or Holiday Pops – at every rehearsal he was striving to continue to tweak and improve our performance. James is somebody who never settled,' Norris said.
In the internal statement, Fogg wrote that potential candidates for the choral director position would be invited to Boston during the 2025-26 season. 'This is an extraordinary time of renewal at the BSO, and I am certain we will have great candidates,' he wrote.
A.Z. Madonna can be reached at