Distinguished Alsatian

Five years under Pierre Monteux (1919-1924) and 25 under Serge Koussevitzky (1924-1949) developed the orchestra into one of the finest in the world. Boston was naturally apprehensive about the choice of Koussevitzky's successor. However, since 1949 Charles Munch has further enhanced the Boston's reputation.

An accurate and unusual prediction came from the American composer and critic Virgil Thomson in 1930, after hearing and seeing Munch in the conducting role. "Munch would be the kind of conductor who could take over the Boston Orchestra when the time came for Koussevitzky to retire." Nearly 20 years later this happened.