Top praise for James Gaffigan’s Boston Symphony Orchestra debut at Tanglewood

Photo Credit: Hilary Scott

Bachtrack writes:
‟The secret ingredient may have been debuting conductor James Gaffigan, an American maestro well represented in Europe who still remains undiscovered on large swaths of his home turf.”

‟Several US orchestras will have Music Director vacancies in the coming years. Gaffigan’s name should be on many a shortlist.”

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The Berkshire Eagle writes:
‟It was conducted with maximum precision by conductor James Gaffigan, 45, in his BSO debut, 21 years after his strong impression as a Tanglewood Music Center Conducting Fellow. The New York City native lived up to his reputation as a major, [...], operatic and symphonic conductor.”

‟Gaffigan’s conducting, and the BSO’s performance, also rank among the greatest re-creations of Mahler’s supreme achievement — especially the tender, time-stopping third-movement adagio, the composer’s favorite slow movement among his nine numbered symphonies.”

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The Berkshire Edge writes:
‟Gaffigan: This is my first time working with the BSO… And I’m completely blown away by the professionalism and flexibility of this band… They are all delivering at the highest level. And I’m completely shocked and amazed by it.”

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Seen and Heard International writes:
‟James Gaffigan, a distinguished opera conductor, provided exquisite accompaniment to the promising soprano Elena Villalón in two Mozart arias.”

‟The conductor highlighted the transparency and gentleness of the composer’s writing while embracing the powerful outbursts and ever-shifting rhythms.”

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