Musicians of the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra have expressed their support for Andris Nelsons, adding an international dimension to the growing response following the decision to end his tenure at the Boston Symphony Orchestra in 2027.
The message was shared on Instagram by the account of the Boston Symphony Orchestra musicians, as well as by individual players including violinist Bonnie Bewick Brown. The post features a copy of a formal letter on Berlin Philharmonic letterhead, bearing the orchestra’s official stamp.
In the letter, the Berlin Philharmonic musicians convey their “deep concern” over the situation in Boston and express “respect, admiration, and artistic trust” for Nelsons. They also voice support for both the conductor and the BSO musicians.
The message highlights Nelsons’ “vision, humanity, and musicianship,” stating that these qualities have shaped the Boston Symphony Orchestra in significant ways.
The document comes from the orchestra’s governing body of musician and reflects the position of the ensemble as a collective.
The statement follows several days of visible support for Nelsons in Boston. In recent performances at Symphony Hall, both musicians and audiences have shown their backing for the conductor, including a standing ovation at the conclusion of a concert.
The decision to end Nelson’s tenure has prompted an unusually public response from within the orchestra, with musicians opposing the move and expressing alignment with the conductor’s artistic vision.
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