Pittsfield resident Deb Terrell began volunteering at Tanglewood six years ago because after she retired, she was drawn to the idea of spending time outside, enjoying good music, and meeting lots of new people. And she wants other locals to take advantage of what’s right here in their backyard.
“Even when there’s not a concert, you can go over and walk the grounds,” she said. "It’s a beautiful venue with an unbelievable amount of history.”
Of course, there are plenty of concerts, and Terrell particularly appreciates the diversity of performances. The Boston Symphony Orchestra and Boston Pops, Film Night and the ballet—“they are all part of the musical experience,” she said. And in terms of the popular artists, this summer alone, “you’ve got Jon Batiste, Roger Daltrey, and James Taylor. You’ve got Kool & the Gang, you’ve got the Pretenders.”
What’s Terrell’s favorite type of performance? “Every season something becomes a new favorite,” she said.
Terrell has met people from all over the world who make the trip to the Berkshires to take in Tanglewood. She also sees friends and neighbors who know that while Tanglewood is always special, you don’t need a special occasion to attend. “People can come on Saturday morning for rehearsal, they buy a lawn ticket and they bring their own chair. There's one gentleman that comes almost every week. He reads his newspaper and listens to the rehearsal,” she said. “He says it's just a wonderful way for him to start his day.”
Here are just a handful of the seasons’ highlights to add to your calendar. And don’t forget that you can, well, play it by ear, too—when you’re local, it couldn’t be simpler to turn almost any summer day into a Tanglewood day.
For details and to explore the complete 2024 lineup, visit bso.org.
Folk, Rock, Jazz and More: The Popular Artists Series
It’s an exciting summer for the popular artists—and not just because this year marks the 50th anniversary of James Taylor’s Tanglewood debut (he’ll be there with his All-Star Band, July 3 and 4.) Other fan favorites include John Fogerty (June 20); Roger Daltrey (June 22); Kool & The Gang and En Vogue (June 23); Boyz II Men (June 27); Jon Batiste (June 28); Trey Anastasio with the Boston Pops (June 29); Brandi Carlile (June 30); Jason Mraz with the Boston Pops (July 2); Pretenders (July 16); Beck with the Boston Pops, (July 23); Judy Collins, Rufus Wainwright, and Indigo Girls (Aug 30); and Dispatch with the Boston Pops (August 31).
Standouts of the Season
Opening Night at Tanglewood
Enjoy an all-Beethoven program with head of conducting Andris Nelsons, the Boston Symphony Orchestra and Grammy Award-winning violin virtuoso Hilary Hahn.
July 5
Broadway Today!
From the stages of Broadway to the Berkshires. Conducted by Keith Lockhart, the Boston Pops and award-winning actors showcase groundbreaking songs from such Tony-winning musicals as Hamilton, In the Heights, Kimberly Akimbo, The Band's Visit and Dear Evan Hansen.
July 6
All-Strauss Program
Nelsons leads an all-Strauss program featuring Renée Fleming—the celebrated soprano known for bringing new audiences to classical music and opera.
July 7
Stravinsky and Rimsky-Korsakov featuring the Boston Ballet
A powerful fusion of dance and music with the Boston Ballet and BSO conducted by Nelsons.
July 12
Act III of Wagner’s Götterdämmerung
Experience the epic operatic story with an all-star cast (Soprano Christine Goerke headlines as Brünnhilde), the BSO and Nelsons.
July 20
Koussevitzky Celebration
Several concerts will honor the 150th birth anniversary of Tanglewood founder Serge Koussevitzky and the 100th anniversary since his appointment as visionary BSO music director.
July 26–28
John Williams' Film Nights
By popular demand, there are two crowd-pleasing film nights this year, with conductors John Williams and Ken-David Masur, the Boston Pops and familiar songs set to movie clips.
August 2 and 3
Tanglewood on Parade
A fantastic full day of music highlighting Tanglewood’s extraordinary talent, culminating in a BSO concert with conductors Lockhart, Williams and Anna Rakitina. The program includes Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture—and is followed by fireworks.
August 6
Gustavo Dudamel and the National Children's Symphony of Venezuela
Superstar conductor Gustavo Dudamel—currently the Los Angeles Philharmonic Music and Artistic Director—returns to Tanglewood for the first time since 2006, to conduct the globally acclaimed National Children’s Symphony of Venezuela.
August 8
Your Al Fresco Feast
Picnicking at Tanglewood is a big part of the fun—and you can partake in great meals even if you don’t have time to P.Y.O. (pack your own!). Here are three ways to feast (in addition to the many grab-and-go options, snacks, drinks, and ice cream available across the campus). Menus and reservations will be available at bso.org soon.
Meals-to-Go
Pick up a picnic that’s been made just for you. Place your order two business days in advance and your food will be ready for you to pick up and enjoy when you arrive.
Panoramic Picnics
Treat yourself to a luxury pre-show experience, complete with mountain views from the Highwood Lawn (not to mention a table, comfy pillows and delicious food). Reserve your picnic in advance and it will be all set up and waiting for you before the performance begins.
Cindy’s Café
Enjoy a pre-show buffet meal featuring seasonal and local food by reserving a spot at Cindy’s Café.
Save All Summer!
Season Lawn Pass
Berkshire County residents can purchase a 2024 Season Lawn Pass for just $125. The pass is available in person at the Box Office beginning Sunday, June 9, at 11 A.M. and requires verification of a Massachusetts State ID. (Season passes are not valid for Film Nights, the Popular Artist Series, or any TLI event.)
Free Tickets for Kids
Up to four free children’s tickets are available per parent/legal guardian per concert at the Tanglewood Box Office on the day of the performance. (Children under 5 are not permitted in the Shed during concerts but may enjoy the music on the lawn. This program does not apply to the Popular Artist Series, TLI events, or summer camps, field trips, or other organized groups.)
Free Special Community Events
Annual events such as Pittsfield’s Tanglewood in the City and Berkshire Night, a free concert at Tanglewood for residents, are not to be missed. Dates and details to be announced soon.