Andris opens the 2026-2027 season with remarks on the red flowers!

On Thursday night, as Andris Nelsons returned to Symphony Hall with the Boston Symphony Orchestra, he spoke directly to the audience about the red flowers so many of us have come to recognize.

Watch Andris' remarks here! - please share widely!

His words were simple, personal, and deeply moving.

“I think roses, or any flower, are a sign of love. If you give a rose to somebody, it’s an expression of admiration, love, respect, compassion.”

Andris spoke about the flowers as a symbol of respect for one another, love for the audience, and the humanity at the heart of music itself.

He talked about music carrying our excitement, our dreams, our compassion, our darkest moments, and ultimately our ability to find something hopeful together.

For six months, thousands of red flowers have been shared by patrons in support of Andris, the musicians, and a BSO community that believes deeply in this orchestra.

On Thursday, Andris gave those flowers meaning in his own words.

We hope you’ll watch and share his remarks.

And if you have stood with us these past six months, thank you. The red flowers remain a symbol of love for this orchestra, support for its musicians, our continued call for Andris Nelsons’ reinstatement, and our belief that the BSO’s future must be built with transparency, accountability, and respect for the community that sustains it.

For Andris. For the musicians. For the BSO we believe in.

George Whiting & Quinn MacKenzie

Co-founders, Red Flower Campaign / BSO Patron Action Network