As the Boston Symphony Orchestra, one of the Hub’s longest-standing arts institutions, gets ready for its 2024–2025 season celebrating music director Andris Nelsons’ 10th anniversary behind the baton, it is the audience that receives the gifts. Following the black-tie opening night gala on September 19 at 6 p.m., which features such special guests as pianists Lang Lang and Gina Alice Redlinger along with mezzo-soprano star Susan Graham, the ensemble returns to its home at Symphony Hall for the free Concert for the City on September 21 at 3 p.m., when guests can reserve seats to see and hear Nelsons, the Boston Pops’ Keith Lockhart and Thomas Wilkins conduct classics from the organization’s deep repertoire. The rest of the early slate is highlighted by Nelsons leading an all-American program from September 26–28, Mahler’s Symphony No. 8 from October 4–6, Thomas Wilkins at the podium for a tribute to jazz giant Duke Ellington on November 7 & 9 and special guest Renee Fleming from November 21–23.
