Critic’s Choice

March 14, 2018 at 12:28 pm

By Aaron Keebaugh

Leonard-bernstein-1960 (1)

A number of Leonard Bernstein’s works exhibit religious faith, yet none is more direct than his Symphony No. 3.

Subtitled “Kaddish” and scored for orchestra, chorus, boys’ choir, soprano, and narrator, the symphony is arguably the composer’s most spiritual and personal expression. Questioning God lies at the heart of the symphony, and its five sections end with an uneasy peace.

This week, the Boston Symphony Orchestra celebrates the Bernstein centennial as Giancarlo Guerrero leads the orchestra in this unusual work. Soprano Tamara Wilson will perform as soloist, and Laila Robins will serve as narrator. The Tanglewood Festival Chorus will join the Choir of St. Paul’s of Harvard Square for the choral parts. 

Filling out the program will be Tchaikovsky’s brooding Symphony No. 6.

Performances will take place 8 p.m. Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at Symphony Hall. bso.org; 888-266-1200

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