BSO Delivers Splendid Bruckner, Premieres Salonen's Horn Concerto

Conductor Esa-Pekka Salonen and soloist Stefan Dohr join the Boston Symphony Orchestra for a memorable concert.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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The Boston Symphony Orchestra (BSO) recently hosted guest conductor Esa-Pekka Salonen and soloist Stefan Dohr, principal horn player of the Berlin Philharmonic, for a concert featuring Berio's orchestration of Boccherini's 'Ritirata notturna di Madrid', the American premiere of Salonen's Horn Concerto, and Bruckner's Symphony No. 4. The concert was a showcase of top-tier craftsmanship, with Salonen's concerto receiving a convincing performance from Dohr and the BSO delivering an excellent rendition of the Bruckner symphony.

Why it matters

Salonen's return to the BSO after 13 years, along with the American premiere of his Horn Concerto, was a highly anticipated event. The BSO's performance of the Bruckner symphony also demonstrated the orchestra's continued excellence in interpreting the works of this revered composer.

The details

The concert opened with Berio's orchestration of Boccherini's 'Ritirata notturna di Madrid', which featured the BSO playing with lightness and nuance. Salonen's Horn Concerto, a product of top-tier craftsmanship, showcased the composer's unique bond with the horn and included references to works by Mozart, Bruckner, and Beethoven. Soloist Stefan Dohr delivered an awe-inspiring performance, navigating the concerto's difficulties with thoughtfulness and finesse. The second half of the concert was dedicated to Bruckner's Symphony No. 4, with the BSO delivering a special performance marked by precise brass playing, clear rhythmic emphasis, and a well-judged interpretation of the work's complex finale.

  • The concert took place from February 12 to 14, 2026 at Boston Symphony Hall.
  • Salonen's last collaboration with the BSO was in 2012.

The players

Boston Symphony Orchestra

One of the leading symphony orchestras in the United States, known for its excellence in performing classical and contemporary works.

Esa-Pekka Salonen

Finnish conductor and composer who has served as the principal conductor of the Philharmonia Orchestra and the San Francisco Symphony.

Stefan Dohr

Principal horn player of the Berlin Philharmonic, who performed as the soloist in the American premiere of Salonen's Horn Concerto.

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The takeaway

The BSO's performance of Bruckner's Symphony No. 4 and the American premiere of Salonen's Horn Concerto showcased the orchestra's continued excellence in interpreting classical and contemporary works, delivering a memorable concert that delighted the audience.