John Perkel spent 35 years as orchestra librarian for the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, the New York Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Boston Symphony Orchestra. In addition, during summers, Perkel served as orchestra librarian at the Tanglewood Music Center. Perkel retired from the BSO in 2016. Following retirement, Perkel founded the Berkshire Chamber Players at the Stockbridge Library Museum & Archives.