Boston Symphony Orchestra wins two 2026 GRAMMY® awards
Boston— The Boston Symphony Orchestra’s (BSO) latest recordings on the Deutsche Grammophon label, “Messiaen: Turangalîla-Symphonie” and “Shostakovich: The Cello Concertos,” won two 2026 GRAMMY® awards, scoring big wins for the orchestra, BSO Music Director Andris Nelsons, and cellist Yo-Yo Ma.
Presented at the 68th GRAMMY® Awards in Los Angeles, the two awards follow on the recent success of the orchestra’s acclaimed traversal of the complete symphonies of Russian composer Dmitri Shostakovich, which had already earned four GRAMMY® awards under the direction of Nelsons. The BSO has now amassed a total of 13 GRAMMY® awards over its distinguished history.
Captured at Boston’s Symphony Hall in April 2024, the BSO’s DG recording of Messiaen’s monumental “Turangalîla-Symphonie” featured Music Director Andris Nelsons with pianist and exclusive DG artist Yuja Wang and Cécile Lartigau, one of today’s rare ondes Martenot players. Last March, to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the composer’s death, DG released the BSO’s comprehensive 19-disc Shostakovich anthology. The cello concertos with Yo-Yo Ma, recorded at Symphony Hall in October 2023, was issued as a standalone album and won a GRAMMY® this evening for Best Classical Instrument Solo, marking Ma’s 20th GRAMMY® over his long career.
“The BSO is one of the most recorded orchestras in the world and its earliest offering, from 1917, was the first of its kind by an American orchestra. We are thrilled that this tradition of excellence and innovation continues to be recognized by the Recording Academy. Being nominated for four GRAMMYs this year—the most of any orchestra—is an amazing achievement. I am incredibly proud of this latest accomplishment and very grateful to every member of the BSO team for your collective commitment to our shared values and work on and off stage,” said BSO President and CEO Chad Smith.
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Jackson Whalan to host a Berkshires Music Mixer at the Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center
Great Barrington— On Tuesday, February 17th at 7 p.m., recording artist and music producer Jackson Whalan will host a Berkshires Music Mixer at the Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center.
The goal of mixer is to bring the entire local music industry together. This is a space to meet and network with new collaborators, converse about the music scene, and play music together. Whether you’re a musician, audio engineer, venue owner, songwriter, or someone who just loves being around music, you are invited. Expect networking, a cash bar, a music industry panel discussion with special guest speakers, followed by a jam session led by Whalan. The aim is to create amazing music in the moment, together. This will be an incredible night filled with music, connection, and opportunity.
Attendees are encouraged to bring business cards and other promotional materials. There will be a dedicated table in the space to display them. The mixer is on Tuesday, February 17th at 7 p.m. at the Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center’s Indigo Room, located at 20 Castle Street in Great Barrington. All are welcome and admission is free. Registration and more information can be found online.
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Mayor Peter Marchetti and Massachusetts LGBT Chamber of Commerce celebrate the City of Pittsfield’s emerging ‘Gayborhood’
Pittsfield— On Wednesday, February 18th from 5:40 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Pittsfield Mayor Peter Marchetti, Executive Director of Massachusetts LGBT Chamber of Commerce Alexandra Eberhardt, and LGBTQ business and professional leaders from all over the region will gather to recognize a surge of LGBTQ-owned small businesses that are transforming downtown Pittsfield into an inclusive economic hub.
The networking event will celebrate the growth of an emerging, walkable “Gayborhood” in the city center, featuring a distinct and diverse cluster of new and established LGBTQ-owned businesses and organizations that are helping to drive vitality in downtown Pittsfield, including Brazzucas Market, Wander Berkshires, Indie Readery & Records, District Kitchen & Bar, and Q-MoB.
“The Berkshires are becoming a magnet for new business and innovation because diversity is a long-held value in the region and is good for business,” said Eberhardt. “We are seeing LGBTQ+ leaders moving here from more repressive parts of the country because they are not just tolerated, but welcomed. Diversity and creativity are contagious.”
The event is on Wednesday, February 18th from 5:40 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Brazzucas Market, located at 75 North Street in Pittsfield. All LGBTQ businesses, professionals, community leaders, and allies are welcome. Admission is free for first-time attendees. Registration and more information can be found online.
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Nonprofit Center of the Berkshires presents “REEL GOOD: Nonprofits Strengthening the Berkshires,” launching its inaugural film sharing event
Pittsfield— On Wednesday, February 18th from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., as part of the City of Pittsfield’s 10×10 Upstreet Arts Festival, the Nonprofit Center of the Berkshires (NPC) presents “REEL GOOD: Nonprofits Strengthening the Berkshires,” launching its inaugural film sharing event.
The event highlights 20 Berkshire nonprofits through short films that share their missions and invite community engagement. “There are so many nonprofits doing essential work across the Berkshires,” said McCaela Donovan, NPC Associate Director. “This event uses storytelling to amplify their impact, reach new audiences, and show people how they can get involved.”
Featured organizations include Berkshire Agricultural Ventures, Berkshire Botanical Garden, Berkshire Bounty, Berkshire Busk, Berkshire Community Land Trust, Berkshire County Arc, Berkshire Film & Media Collaborative, Berkshire Grown, Berkshire Natural Resources Council, Berkshire HorseWorks, Child Care of the Berkshires, Community Development Corporation of South Berkshire, Flying Cloud, Kids 4 Harmony & 18 Degrees, Music in Common, Nonprofit Center of the Berkshires, Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), the City of Pittsfield, Sheffield Historical Society, Tamarack Hollow Nature & Cultural Center, and Turn Park Art Space.
The event is on Wednesday, February 18th from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Berkshire Athenaeum, located at 1 Wendell Avenue in Pittsfield. A brief panel discussion with nonprofit leaders will follow the screening, focusing on the year ahead for the sector and the importance of effective storytelling. All are welcome, especially those interested in nonprofit involvement. Registration and more information can be found online.
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Balance Rock Investment Group welcomes Adam Schnopp, MSF as Paraplanner
Pittsfield— Balance Rock Investment Group welcomes Adam Schnopp, MSF as Paraplanner.
As Paraplanner, Schnopp supports the firm’s advisory team through portfolio research, financial projections, planning deliverables, data management, and client reporting. He is recognized for his attention to detail, commitment to compliance, and ability to distill complex financial concepts into clear, actionable insights for advisors and clients alike. His experience spans traditional financial principles and modern market analysis, allowing him to contribute a well-rounded, comprehensive perspective that aligns with the firm’s fiduciary standards in advisory relationships. His collaborative approach and dependable work ethic make him a valuable addition to the advisory team.
Schnopp earned his Master of Science in Finance with a concentration in Investments and Securities from Southern New Hampshire University and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Management and Marketing from Elms College. His academic foundation combines rigorous financial analysis with practical business insight and effective client communication skills.
“Adam’s strong analytical skills and client focused mindset make him an excellent addition to our team,” said Dave Milligan, Founder at Balance Rock Investment Group. “His expertise enhances our ability to deliver thoughtful, well researched financial planning to the families and individuals we serve.”
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Adams Community Bank promotes seven employees
Adams— Adams Community Bank (ACB) has announced the promotion of seven employees.
Samantha Tanner has been promoted to Senior Vice President, Marketing & Digital Strategy, from her VP position, and will continue to lead the marketing team. She has been in the banking industry for 20 years and joined ACB in early 2021.
Laurie Pelczynski has been promoted to Vice President, Retail Lending Officer. She started her ACB banking career 38 years ago as a teller in the Adams branch. Throughout the years, she has held various positions in mortgage lending through promotions she received.
Dawn Lampiasi has been promoted to Vice President, Retail Lending & CRA Officer. She joined the Bank 27 years ago as a part-time teller and has held several positions through her earned promotions, on the mortgage lending side of the Bank.
Vale Maziarz has been promoted to AVP, IT Project Management Officer. Maziarz has 9 years of project management experience and has been with the Bank for 4 years.
Kelly Charon has been promoted to AVP Branch Manager in North Adams. Since starting her banking career with ACB in 2012, she has spent most of her time in the Bank’s north county branches while earning several promotions.
Nicole Roberts-Wildermuth has been promoted to Government Banking Officer. She joined ACB in 2024 as a Treasury Management Manager, bringing with her extensive municipal experience.
Katie Saunders has been promoted to Digital Marketing Design Officer. She joined the Bank as a marketing specialist in 2022, bringing diverse knowledge in design, marketing, and social media.
“Our people are the foundation of our bank’s strength, and we are fortunate to have such dedicated professionals on the ACB team,” stated ACB President and CEO Julie Fallon Hughes. “These promotions recognize individuals who consistently demonstrate leadership and integrity and play an essential role in supporting the Bank’s overall goals. I look forward to seeing the impact they will continue to make.”
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Fusion Health opens in Canaan, bringing personalized care closer to home
Canaan, Conn.— Fusion Health, a new health and wellness center in Canaan, Conn., is excited to announce its opening as a rebranded division of Forward Physical Therapy & Wellness, a local practice founded by physical therapist Jane Simonds in 2020.
Building on years of trusted care in the community, Fusion Health brings physical therapy together with holistic coaching, an exercise studio, and recovery and relaxation services—all in one welcoming space designed to better support the health of residents in Northwest Connecticut and The Berkshires.
Services include Physical Therapy, Holistic Life Coaching, Nutrition Coaching, Reiki & Sound Healing, Infrared and Red Light Sauna Therapy, Cryotherapies, and coming soon: Salt Cave Halotherapy. There is an Exercise Studio featuring Peloton, NordicTrack rower, vibration plate, free weights, and more, plus a dedicated space for a multi-sensory reset.
“In rural communities, people often have to travel far for care,” said Jane Simonds, Founder and Physical Therapist at Fusion Health. “Fusion Health was created to make high-quality, personalized care more accessible close to home, in a place where people feel comfortable, supported, and truly listened to.” Learn more at www.fusionhealthcanaan.com.
