Boston Symphony Orchestra

Boston Symphony Orchestra. Original, vintage, pen and ink, "on-the-spot" illustration by George 'Georges' Krishizki. The hand drawn illustration has been signed by conductor Michael Tilson Thomas and pianist Misha Dichter and additionally signed, dated and titled by Krishizki: "Georges / 1972 / Boston Symphony Orchestra / Michael Tilson Thomas, conductor / Misha Dichter, Pianist.

he Boston Symphony Orchestra (BSO) is an American orchestra based in Boston, Massachusetts. It is one of the country's five major symphony orchestras commonly referred to as the "Big Five." Founded in 1881, the BSO plays most of its concerts at Boston's Symphony Hall and in the summer performs at the Tanglewood Music Center.

George 'Georges' Krishizki (March 22, 1924 – December 20, 2001), Russian-Polish-American illustrator who came to the U.S. in 1949. While he earned acclaim for his renderings of the city’s architectural landmarks, it was his on-the-spot drawings of musicians in performance that attracted an especially appreciative audience. In a 1973 article published in conjunction with two simultaneous exhibitions, Georges explained the genesis of his long-running engagement with the concert hall: “I’ve always enjoyed going to concerts, and one day I decided it would be fun to combine my interests in music and art and make sketches of musicians during performances.”  Indeed, the most remarkable feature of Georges’ oeuvre, apart from the astounding range of performers who gladly expressed their approval and appreciation by signing, is the skill with which the drawings are accomplished.

This original pen and ink illustration, measuring approximately 9 x 12, on heavy-weight sketch paper, is in fine condition with some light overall toning. Its verso is blank and clean save for original hand written notations in pencil to a top corner.