An All-John Williams Program with Emanuel Ax and Gil Shaham | E Pluribus Unum: From Many, One | January 22-25, 2026, Boston Symphony Hall | Piano Concerto to be recorded

Tom · January 25

18 minutes ago, Marian Schedenig said:

He's not actually kneeling… he's just testing a cloaking device on his lower legs and feet.

My wife has requested I test a cloaking device from the waist down.

BB-8 · January 25

15 hours ago, Amer said:

The carpets are gorgeous. They look Persian Afghan. I have one similar to the one behind.

And JW can make them fly!

Mr. Hooper · January 25

Well, I had to cut my stay in Beantown short and hightail it back home ahead of the storm...

But I at least accomplished my goal of going to the Boston Public Garden and communing with the dawn redwoods that inspired 'TreeSong,' as well as with the granddaddy metasequoia at the Arnold Arboretum—but this time in the company of @MSM, who I keep bumping into on my travels. lol

Good also to meet up with @Foxfan, @rpvee, and a couple of JWFan lurkers (you know who you are).

Now, can somebody confirm if this is David Newman, or just his doppelgänger...?

He seems to be looking at me, as if to say: "Yes. I'm David Newman." lol

BB-8 · January 25

Would David Newman be dressed like a lumberjack in Symphony Hall in the presence of John Williams?

Marian Schedenig · January 25

5 hours ago, Mr. Hooper said:

Now, can somebody confirm if this is David Newman, or just his doppelgänger...?

Doesn't look like him to me.

BB-8 · January 25

Disappointment Day (Fri-Sun)

Maurizio · January 25

1 hour ago, Marian Schedenig said:

Doesn't look like him to me.

Dave was indeed in Boston attending the concert.

Marian Schedenig · January 25

To be fair, I'm not very good at recognising people. I didn't believe it was Ed Harris next to us at a cafe in Burgenland, Austria some 20 years ago either, until the waiter (who didn't know who he was) showed us his credit card bill signed "Edward Harris".

BSOinsider · January 25

7 hours ago, Mr. Hooper said:

Now, can somebody confirm if this is David Newman, or just his doppelgänger...?

He seems to be looking at me, as if to say: "Yes. I'm David Newman." lol

Yes, that’s David Newman.

Source: I helped him find his seat and chatted a little before the show. He came to symphony hall straight from the train station and I assume he took a train back to New York after the concert.

johnmillions · January 25

Does anyone know how soon (or if) the BSO will post a recording of last night's performance on their Previous and On Demand Broadcasts page?

https://www.classicalwcrb.org/show/the-boston-symphony-orchestra#previous-and-on-demand-broadcasts

BB-8 · January 25

8 hours ago, Mr. Hooper said:

Well, I had to cut my stay in Beantown short and hightail it back home ahead of the storm...

But I at least accomplished my goal of going to the Boston Public Garden and communing with the dawn redwoods that inspired 'TreeSong,' as well as with the granddaddy metasequoia at the Arnold Arboretum—but this time in the company of @MSM, who I keep bumping into on my travels. lol

Good also to meet up with @Foxfan, @rpvee, and a couple of JWFan lurkers (you know who you are).

Now, can somebody confirm if this is David Newman, or just his doppelgänger...?

He seems to be looking at me, as if to say: "Yes. I'm David Newman." lol

Wow, John Williams and David Newman are looking at you at the same time!

5 hours ago, BB-8 said:

Would David Newman be dressed like a lumberjack in Symphony Hall in the presence of John Williams?

Answer: yes

Mr. Hooper · January 25

1 hour ago, BB-8 said:

Wow, John Williams and David Newman are looking at you at the same time!

A double blessing.

They're probably both thinking: "That guy looks tired. I hope he gets some rest." lol

Miguel Andrade · January 25

3 hours ago, johnmillions said:

Does anyone know how soon (or if) the BSO will post a recording of last night's performance on their Previous and On Demand Broadcasts page?

https://www.classicalwcrb.org/show/the-boston-symphony-orchestra#previous-and-on-demand-broadcasts

Maybe sometime during Tuesday. But they might not get this on on demand, due to the incoming recording of the Piano Concerto. The Tanglewood premiere was uploaded but quickly replaced by a new file just with the Mahler 1, that made up for the rest of the concert.

BB-8 · January 25

1 hour ago, Mr. Hooper said:

A double blessing.

They're probably both thinking: "That guy looks tired. I hope he gets some rest." lol

"That guy looks tired. I hope he gets some watered-down Williams schnapps."

BB-8 · January 26

Source: Instagram

On 23/01/2026 at 3:46 PM, Foxfan said:

Does anyone know where Mr Williams was seated during the actual performance? Did he listen to the whole thing on headphones backstage? Or was he in an aisle somewhere and they discretely moved him during applause?

There's a monitor showing in the above photo - so possibly JW watched the show from backstage.

BB-8 · January 26

On 23/01/2026 at 11:24 PM, MSM said:

He wasn’t…and a bit of the magic was gone w him. Although again a lovely concert, there was too much noise from the audience - a cane dropping twice in the front row and 5 phones ringing, once in the first row. Shaham and Ax were wonderful and we were happy to run into them afterwards!

benoitjean · January 26

I'm glad he's in good health after his health problems, even if he's 
still in a wheelchair. 
He made a sort of return to his roots in Tanglewood in July and Boston. 
Like a final goodbye or just a farewell. Time will tell.

JB

Mr. Hooper · January 26

9 hours ago, BB-8 said:

It was bitterly cold during my walk through the Public Garden on Friday morning, and could've used the tauntaun with opening belly feature.

Damien F · January 26

On 24/01/2026 at 12:20 AM, kaie said:

Am I imagining this, or is the Maestro turning into the Keeper of the Grail? The similarity can't be a coincidence! Williams found the grail and is now officially immortal!? Pretty please!?

BB-8 · January 26

38 minutes ago, Mr. Hooper said:

It was bitterly cold during my walk through the Public Garden on Friday morning, and could've used the tauntaun with opening belly feature.

I've actually got that.

Ricard · January 28

On 25/01/2026 at 6:04 PM, johnmillions said:

Does anyone know how soon (or if) the BSO will post a recording of last night's performance on their Previous and On Demand Broadcasts page?

https://www.classicalwcrb.org/show/the-boston-symphony-orchestra#previous-and-on-demand-broadcasts

It's up now:
https://www.classicalwcrb.org/show/the-boston-symphony-orchestra/2026-01-24/the-bso-celebrates-john-williams-with-emanuel-ax-and-gil-shaham

BB-8 · January 28

Sounding great!

benoitjean · January 28

I'm listening with pleasure, it's so beautiful, thank you

JB

johnmillions · January 28

3 hours ago, Ricard said:

It's up now:
https://www.classicalwcrb.org/show/the-boston-symphony-orchestra/2026-01-24/the-bso-celebrates-john-williams-with-emanuel-ax-and-gil-shaham

Thanks, @Ricard! I can't wait for a recording of the Piano Concerto to be available for purchase (I hope that it's on CD, too)! In the meantime, I'm happy to listen to this most recent performance and the one from last summer.

I've only begun exploring JW's concert works somewhat recently, but the Piano Concerto is already one of my favorites (particularly the second movement). I also love TreeSong, so this concert was right up my alley!

RomanticStrings · January 30

I really am impressed by the quality of the recording. It's a very crisp, precise performance. I feel like I am hearing new things in Treesong, both in orchestration and interpretation. It's really interesting to hear a "classical" conductor heading up Williams' music.

Mr. Hooper · January 30

I was reminded that fragments of 'Seven Years in Tibet' found their way into 'TreeSong.'

Escape_Velocity · January 31

On 28/1/2026 at 10:45 AM, johnmillions said:

Thanks, @Ricard! I can't wait for a recording of the Piano Concerto to be available for purchase (I hope that it's on CD, too)! In the meantime, I'm happy to listen to this most recent performance and the one from last summer.

I've only begun exploring JW's concert works somewhat recently, but the Piano Concerto is already one of my favorites (particularly the second movement). I also love TreeSong, so this concert was right up my alley!

I’m curious, which of his concert works have you explored so far? I want to relive the days of exploring them for the first time.

johnmillions · January 31

3 hours ago, Escape_Velocity said:

I’m curious, which of his concert works have you explored so far? I want to relive the days of exploring them for the first time.

So far, it's been exciting to delve into JW's concert works! There's nothing like discovering a new favorite piece of music!

The list on the main page has been invaluable, and I have largely worked off of that and listened to almost everything (that's easily accessible) at least once.

In terms of what has left an impression on me (sometimes immediately and other times after repeated listens):

Cello Concerto
Heartwood
TreeSong
Piano Concerto
Prelude and Scherzo
Horn Concerto (the final movement in particular)

At the moment, I want to give these some additional plays:

Violin Concerto No. 2
On Willows and Birches
The Five Sacred Trees
Concerto for Violin [No. 1]
Essay for Strings

And, of course, I'm eager to hear the other two new concert works that were premiered in 2025!

Escape_Velocity · February 1

20 hours ago, johnmillions said:

So far, it's been exciting to delve into JW's concert works! There's nothing like discovering a new favorite piece of music!

The list on the main page has been invaluable, and I have largely worked off of that and listened to almost everything (that's easily accessible) at least once.

In terms of what has left an impression on me (sometimes immediately and other times after repeated listens):

Cello Concerto

Heartwood

TreeSong

Piano Concerto

Prelude and Scherzo

Horn Concerto (the final movement in particular)

At the moment, I want to give these some additional plays:

Violin Concerto No. 2

On Willows and Birches

The Five Sacred Trees

Concerto for Violin [No. 1]

Essay for Strings

And, of course, I'm eager to hear the other two new concert works that were premiered in 2025!

Excellent list so far! May I ask which versions of the Cello Concerto and Violin Concerto No. 1 have you listened to?

Also I’m surprised you haven’t heard the Tuba Concerto yet! That one is generally considered the most “accessible” and a good starting off point. But you dove right in!

Miguel Andrade · February 1

The Cello Concerto is my favourite piece of music and I suggest the final revision. I still might enjoy the original opening better, but overall the final revision seems superior to me.

Mr. Hooper · February 1

Alright, David Newman keeps showing up in my pictures...

Here he is (ostensibly) on stage after Friday's concert, in casual dress again (minus lumberjack shirt).

@BSOinsider said he was supposed to head right back to New York after Thursday's concert, but here he is (ostensibly) being helpful and clearing the stage. lol

I must know if it is he, lest I be driven mad.

BSOinsider · February 1

2 hours ago, Mr. Hooper said:

@BSOinsider said he was supposed to head right back to New York after Thursday's concert, but here he is (ostensibly) being helpful and clearing the stage. lol

I have no idea- maybe he misspoke or I misheard on Thursday night. This picture does look like him, but I don’t know why he’d be on stage while the crew is clearing.

I was 100% confident about the first picture because I’m even in it! This one though, I’m not certain.

Marian Schedenig · February 1

In this one it 100% looks like Newman to me… so it's probably someone else…

johnmillions · February 1

4 hours ago, Escape_Velocity said:

Excellent list so far! May I ask which versions of the Cello Concerto and Violin Concerto No. 1 have you listened to?

Cello Concerto: I purchased the 2022 and 2002 recordings on CD. I couldn't choose between the two! :lovethis:

Violin Concerto: I know that I've listened to the performance by Gil Shaham that is paired on album with TreeSong. I don't think that I've listened to any other recordings of it yet.

Mr. Hooper · February 1

1 hour ago, BSOinsider said:

I have no idea- maybe he misspoke or I misheard on Thursday night. This picture does look like him, but I don’t know why he’d be on stage while the crew is clearing.

I was 100% confident about the first picture because I’m even in it! This one though, I’m not certain.

You said that very few were given access to Williams during his visit, but I guess Newman was one of those privileged few?

Escape_Velocity · February 1

30 minutes ago, johnmillions said:

Cello Concerto: I purchased the 2022 and 2002 recordings on CD. I couldn't choose between the two!

Violin Concerto: I know that I've listened to the performance by Gil Shaham that is paired on album with TreeSong. I don't think that I've listened to any other recordings of it yet.

This thread has a bunch of the different revisions for Violin Concerto No. 1.

Miguel Andrade · February 1

59 minutes ago, johnmillions said:

Cello Concerto: I purchased the 2022 and 2002 recordings on CD. I couldn't choose between the two!

Violin Concerto: I know that I've listened to the performance by Gil Shaham that is paired on album with TreeSong. I don't think that I've listened to any other recordings of it yet.

You should check the Peskanov/LSO/Slatkin recording of the original version (coupled with the Flute Concerto).

For the revised version, the recent release of the 2019 recording with James Ehnes with Deneve conducting is really good.

BB-8 · February 3

Stories • Instagram

Marian Schedenig · February 3

Another Grammy for the glorious Shostakovich box by Nelsons and the BSO with assorted soloists. I believe it had four before.

Smeltington · February 6

On 01/02/2026 at 12:24 PM, Mr. Hooper said:

he was supposed to head right back to New York after Thursday's concert, but here he is (ostensibly) being helpful and clearing the stage. lol

He was (ostensibly) looking for you, after he missed you on Thursday, despite staring at you the whole time you were taking pictures in a bid for your attention.

BB-8 · February 6

Mr. Hooper · February 6

3 hours ago, Smeltington said:

He was (ostensibly) looking for you, after he missed you on Thursday, despite staring at you the whole time you were taking pictures in a bid for your attention.

Yes, he is (clearly) smitten...

Lucky I didn't wear my fur trader's hat. It might've been too much for him.

TJH132 · February 7

I've given the concert a couple listens recently and really enjoy the performances. TreeSong, in particular, has always intrigued me and this is the best representation by far. I still can't figure out why it was never designated as a Violin Concerto since it clearly follows the format and is one in all but name. The second movement is my favorite, mostly because of the more expanded dynamics, but the outer movements have some incredibly suble orchestration that is breathtaking!

For me, the abridged CLOSE ENCOUTERS suite never does the score justice. I feel like it rushes too quickly to the tonal finale instead of earning its way through all the atonality and chromaticism. It was a short concert, for goodness sake, just play the extra five minutes!

Mr. Hooper · February 7

44 minutes ago, TJH132 said:

It was a short concert

My only complaint. And just one encore.

Matt S. · February 8

9 hours ago, Mr. Hooper said:

My only complaint. And just one encore.

Two encores, if you count Ax’s performance of Sabrina to close out the first half.

Escape_Velocity · February 8

10 hours ago, TJH132 said:

I've given the concert a couple listens recently and really enjoy the performances. TreeSong, in particular, has always intrigued me and this is the best representation by far. I still can't figure out why it was never designated as a Violin Concerto since it clearly follows the format and is one in all but name. The second movement is my favorite, mostly because of the more expanded dynamics, but the outer movements have some incredibly suble orchestration that is breathtaking!

For me, the abridged CLOSE ENCOUTERS suite never does the score justice. I feel like it rushes too quickly to the tonal finale instead of earning its way through all the atonality and chromaticism. It was a short concert, for goodness sake, just play the extra five minutes!

It’s funny because even in the broadcast they called it “Suite from Close Encoutners” so I was expecting the full version to make a glorious return. Instead it was “Excerpts” yet again.

Though to be fair, they called “Joyride” “The Float” on the digital program, so whoever was in charge would of that was really confused.

Mr. Hooper · February 17

Thinking back on this, it was strange that no announcement was made prior to the start of the concerts, saying that the performance was being recorded, and that we should silence our phones and perhaps hold our applause momentarily...

The Friday matinee was a nightmare for interruptions, including several phones that began ringing and other unfortunate disturbances.

BB-8 · February 17

DG's AI-department can handle that...

Tom · February 21

Nice article about the upcoming NY concerts.

https://playbill.com/article/john-williams-piano-concerto-makes-its-new-york-premiere-with-the-philharmonic

BB-8 · February 25

Will JW be attending?

Will @Mr. Hooper finally mount his Tauntaun with opening-belly feature?

Will David Lumberjack Newman rush in on a last‑minute train to behold the chosen one seated in the first row?

Questions, questions, questions...

An All-John Williams Program with Emanuel Ax and Gil Shaham | E Pluribus Unum: From Many, One | January 22-25, 2026, Boston Symphony Hall | Piano Concerto to be recorded

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