Boston Symphony opens with all-Italian concert

[May 10, 2011]  BOSTON (AP) -- Boston Symphony Orchestra says conductor James Levine (Leh-VINE'), cellist Yo-Yo Ma, Mezzo-soprano Susan Graham and other renowned world musicians will headline its summer 2011 Tanglewood season.

The BSO announced Tuesday that Levine will lead the orchestra on July 8 in an all-Italian opening night concert of music by Verdi, Rossini and Respighi.

Yo-Yo Ma will make his first of four Tanglewood appearances on Aug. 13, when he is scheduled to perform Schumann's cello concerto.

Graham will sing arias of Handel and Gluck during an all-Baroque program on July 22.

The Boston Pops conductor Keith Lockhart will also perform Boston Pops Cole Porter tribute on July 17.

The BSO closes on Aug. 28 with retired New York Philharmonic conductor Lorin Maazel (LOR'-in mah-ZELL') leading the orchestra in their performance of Beethoven's Symphony No. 9.

[Associated Press]

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