BSO Announces 2012-2013 Season

On Friday the Boston Symphony Orchestra announced its 2012-2013 season, less than 24 hours after celebrating a $7.5 million gift to support capital projects and the organization’s endowment.

Robert and Megan O’Block, and Stephen B. Kay and Lisbeth L. Tarlow are behind one of the contributions, which is one of the most significant in BSO history. Thursday night, the benefactors were honored at a ribbon cutting for a recently renovated social space that will now bear their names.

2012-2013 Season

It will be the first full season without any programming designed by former Music Director James Levine, who stepped down from the BSO’s podium in March 2011.

The search for his replacement will continue at Symphony Hall throughout the fall — but also this summer at Tanglewood, according to Managing Director Mark Volpe.

“There are many, many conductors of interest," Volpe said. "I don't think it's any secret that we're in search mode and I don't want to create an expectation and later have to disappoint, but obviously we are feeling some pressure and are moving the process along.”

Morale is high among musicians, Volpe added. In fact, individual sections of the orchestra will perform music by composers such as Britten, Mozart, Dvorak, and Tippett without a conductor next April.

Other highlights in the upcoming season include a reprised performance of Porgy and Bess with Alfred Walker and Laquita Mitchell, directed by Bramwell Tovey; BSO Conductor Emeritus Bernard Haitink leading works by Schubert, Brahms and Mahler; and Charles Dutoit's interpretations of works by composers from the first half of the 20th century.

The BSO will also celebrate the Verdi and Wagner bicentennials.

But more immediately, 22 BSO brass players will perform the world premiere of composer John Williams' "Fanfare for Fenway" at the baseball park Friday in honor of its 100th anniversary.