Marc Minkowski Led Boston Baroque Performance
The new music director conducted Haydn's "The Seasons" at Jordan Hall.
Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Classical
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Marc Minkowski recently conducted Boston Baroque in a performance of Haydn's "The Seasons" at Jordan Hall. This appearance follows his appointment as the ensemble's second music director in history.
Why it matters
Minkowski's leadership marks a significant transition for the group as he succeeds Martin Pearlman, who served as the founding music director for over 50 years until stepping back in 2025.
The performance at Jordan Hall featured three soloists and saw roughly three to four cellphone interruptions during the first half. Boston Baroque has maintained its presence in the city for over 50 years.
The players
Marc Minkowski
He is the current music director of Boston Baroque and only the second person to hold the position.
Martin Pearlman
He served as the founding music director of Boston Baroque for over 50 years before stepping back in 2025.
Boston Baroque
This musical ensemble is based in Boston and has a history spanning more than five decades.
The details
Minkowski led the orchestra and chorus through the performance, which was interrupted by ringing cellphones during a passage for tenor and oboe. Following the disruption, Minkowski addressed the audience regarding the devices during the intermission.
Timeline
Martin Pearlman stepped back from his role in 2025.
The concert took place on September 20, 2026.
Industry Dynamics
This transition marks the first major change in artistic leadership since the founding music director tenure of Martin Pearlman. The move signals a new chapter for the organization as it pivots from its long-standing founding era toward a new directorial style.
Audience members at Jordan Hall experienced significant disruptions due to multiple cellphone interruptions throughout the concert. Future attendees should ensure all devices are silenced to prevent similar interference during live performances.
The takeaway
The event highlights the ongoing challenge of maintaining concert decorum in a digital age despite changes in artistic leadership. Respecting performance etiquette remains essential for audiences to ensure the integrity of live classical music experiences.
Further reading
For more on the local arts scene, visit Boston Classical.
More information
Find upcoming performance details and schedule information on the Boston Baroque official website.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Boston Globe.
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Do you still enjoy attending live performances given the frequency of audience distractions?
