BSO Celebrates Centennial at Common

The Boston Symphony Orchestra celebrated 100 years of music-making with a free, open-air concert at the Boston Common last night.

100

Under the direction of Seiji Ozawa, the orchestra delivered a brisk rendition of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony as thousands scattered across the grassy amphitheater cheered.

Bad Sound

The crowds last night had to contend with poor amplification and worse acoustics, and Beethoven's music took on some interesting competitors (sirens and yells of "sit down!"). But in the end, the performers were victorious as the symphony came to a rousing conclusion, replete with shouts of "happy birthday!" and fireworks.

The orchestra--founded by Major Henry Lee Higginson--who also contributed Soldiers Field to Harvard--played its first concert on October 22, 1881.