Boston Symphony Will Premiere Carlos Simon Concerto
The BSO will perform the new Double Concerto Suite at Symphony Hall from October 15-17, 2026.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Classical
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The Boston Symphony Orchestra is set to premiere composer chair Carlos Simon's Double Concerto Suite starting on October 15, 2026. This five-movement instrumental piece features violin soloist Hilary Hahn and cellist Seth Parker Woods.
Why it matters
The work reflects the composer's focus on absolute music, as Simon intentionally composed the piece without programmatic elements. It is part of a collaborative commissioning effort between four international orchestras.
Carlos Simon has premiered five new pieces for the orchestra since beginning his three-year appointment in 2024. The Double Concerto Suite consists of five movements and utilizes Baroque dance structures.
The players
Carlos Simon
At age 40, he currently holds the position of composer chair at the Boston Symphony Orchestra.
Boston Symphony Orchestra
This prestigious musical institution co-commissioned the new suite alongside three other international orchestras.
Hilary Hahn
She is a renowned violinist performing as a soloist for the premiere of the new concerto.
Seth Parker Woods
He is an accomplished cellist who serves as a soloist for the new instrumental work.
The details
Commissioned by a consortium including the BSO and the National Symphony Orchestra, the piece was born from a request by soloists Hilary Hahn and Seth Parker Woods. Simon incorporated traditional forms such as the gavotte, gigue, and passacaglia into the composition.
Timeline
Carlos Simon began his three-year residency with the Boston Symphony Orchestra in 2024.
The Double Concerto Suite performances are scheduled for October 15-17, 2026, at Symphony Hall.
Industry Dynamics
The BSO composer chair program exemplifies how major institutions are increasingly using multi-year residencies to cultivate new repertoire. This strategy allows orchestras to build a consistent pipeline of modern works compared to traditional one-off commissions.
Classical music enthusiasts in the Boston area can attend the performances at Symphony Hall from October 15 to October 17, 2026. Tickets and seating availability can be confirmed through the organization's official ticketing portal.
The takeaway
This premiere underscores the value of cross-institutional commissioning in bringing complex, multi-movement works to major stages. Listeners attending the concert can appreciate the technical application of Baroque dance structures within a modern orchestral context.
Further reading
Learn more about the local arts scene in the Boston Classical section.
More information
Find tickets and performance details on the Boston Symphony Orchestra event information page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Boston Globe.
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