A Letter from Lorna McGhee, Principal flute of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, regarding the firing of Andris Nelsons to the Board of BSO

I believe that clear, respectful, and honest communication is vital to the health of any organization. It is with this in mind that I share my response to the Board’s recent announcement regarding Andris’ termination.

I feel a profound sense of loss. The loss is twofold. Firstly, there is grief for the organization’s huge artistic loss. Secondly, there is deep sadness at the loss of trust as a direct result of this announcement.

Artistic Loss:With regards to the artistic loss of Andris as our music director, I am devastated, heartbroken, angry, and incredulous. To work with Andris is to work at the pinnacle of our profession. He is one of the most sought-after, highly respected music directors the world over. He is the deepest, most humble, most sincere, truest musician I have ever worked with. Working with him at the BSO has been the artistic highlight of my life. You give everything to audition and land a situation like this. It represents an ideal. Andris was one of the main draws for me in choosing to audition for the BSO.

I have been in the orchestra for a year and a half. Before joining, I looked forward to the ‘golden era’ orchestra members described to me at the audition — namely a truly great artist as music director, a conductor with the rare combination of the highest artistic ideals, superb technique, while also being the most ego-less, kindest of human beings (almost unheard of in conductors!) who maintained a wonderful relationship of mutual respect with the musicians. I experienced that golden era for 18 months, but that is now gone. And for what exactly?
I have no idea because there has been no communication. And what could possibly be bettered? As far as I am concerned, the decision not to renew Andris’ tenure is a form of artistic suicide. It represents the greatest squandering of artistic capital I have ever witnessed. I believe we are making a terrible mistake.The seismic magnitude of the Board’s decision is not to renew Andris’ contract is to my mind, akin to firing Karajan from the Berlin Philharmonic. That is the scale!

Loss of Trust:I am deeply saddened by the way our organization is treating Andris. He has been unnecessarily subjected to very public humiliation as a result of the speed and lack of decorum/dignity surrounding the Board’s decision. I am also deeply hurt by the way the musicians were brutally blindsided by the announcement. The most hurtful aspect is that this must have been a pre-planned strategy on the part of leadership. If inclusion is an important value, how is this possible? There is a fundamental lack of common decency in not including the musicians in any discussions leading up to the decision and subsequent announcement. It is disingenuous to talk of ‘our beloved orchestra’ when we are treated as if we don’t exist. It saddens me that this precious trust with the musicians has been thrown away so carelessly, easily and swiftly. Efforts to rebuild that trust need to start immediately, for the sake of the organization.

While all institutions must evolve with time, surely the way to do it is through respectful dialogue, trust, and collective buy-in? In this instance, all three are missing. I cannot see anything constructive, collaborative, or meaningful. Forgive me, but all I can see is a power play.

While I treasure playing with my BSO colleagues and will always do my best to contribute to the success of the orchestra, sadly I find myself at this juncture now questioning whether coming to Boston was indeed the right decision. Was I naive to place my trust in the distinguished legacy of this orchestra, thinking the artistic values I hold dear would be protected? Had I known the Board and management would take its current course of action, I likely would not have come to Boston and now find myself questioning, for the first time, how long to stay. I share all of this with you, with the heaviest of hearts.

I implore you, please reverse your decision.

Sincerely,

Lorna McGhee(Principal flute)

-- Source: https://classical-scene.com/2026/03/06/andris-nelsons-to-retire/