The Classical Beat: The Classical 'High Season' Bursts Upon The Scene

The Shed with patrons on the lawn (Nathan Smith)

It's well-known that the Berkshires and environs are a cultural epicenter for music lovers. With the tourist high season – from mid-June through Labor Day – concert activity increases exponentially, offering listeners a cornucopia of musical delights to please every taste. 

This week, two magnificent presenter "T"s share the spotlight, offering fabulous musical pleasures: Tanglewood in Lenox, Mass. and Taconic Music in Manchester, VT. Soon, though, a third outstanding venue – very different but also intimate and historic – Sevenars, will open its doors in rural South Worthington, Mass.

For two months of fantastic music, here's a heads-up on all three presenters:

Tanglewood Music Festival

For music lovers, Tanglewood in Lenox virtually defines music in the Berkshires. It is the largest summer concert presenter, with the most comprehensive schedule of performances across the full spectrum of musical styles and genres. Before getting into imminent opening events, bookmark the Boston Symphony's website, tanglewood.org for the full summer concert schedule, season highlights, tickets and general information.

Why go? It's all about the magnitude and the phenomenal diversity of programming. Whether you enjoy the pristine lawns for bring-your-own picnics, or prefer the proximity to gifted musicians in the Shed, the architecturally magnificent Linde Center for Music and Learning or in Ozawa Hall, Tanglewood, in all its incarnations is an informal, yet breathtaking place to relax and enjoy music in the most bucolic setting imaginable. 

Look for "Classical Beat" previews weekly, published online at iBerkshires.com for recommended concerts and related events programming at Tanglewood throughout July and August.

Here are this week's extraordinary concerts you'll want to plan to attend – the best in folk/rock. theatrical and symphonic music.  

• Thursday, July 2, 8:00 p.m. in the Shed: Conductor Leonard Slatkin leads the Boston Pops in "American Titans," a program of the music of  Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim. Young performers pay tribute to these two phenomenal forces in 20th century musical theatre.
• Friday, and Saturday July 3 and 4, 8:00 p.m. in the Shed: James Taylor and his All-Star Band.
• Sunday, July 5, 2:30 p.m. in the Shed: The Boston Symphony, led by conductor Karen Kamensek and featuring baritone Zachary James, present an Abraham Lincoln-themed program featuring the world premiere of Philip Glass' Symphony No. 15 (‘Lincoln'). Other works on the program are Aaron Copland's "Lincoln Portrait" and John Williams' "Suite" from the film Lincoln.
• Monday, July 6, 8:00 p.m. in Ozawa Hall: The first Tanglewood Music Center Orchestra (TMCO) concert, led by Tanglewood Music Center conducting Fellows, presents a program of Charles Ives ("Variations on ‘America',") Ralph Vaughan Williams ("Fantasia on a Theme of Thomas Tallis") and Beethoven (Symphony No. 8.) 

For tickets for all Tanglewood/BSO concerts (lawn and Shed seating) and for special events call (617) 266-1200 or (413) 637-5180; online: tanglewood.org or customerservice@bso.org. In Lenox, visit the Tanglewood box office at the Main Gate located at 297 West Street.

Taconic Music Festival

The month-long Taconic Music Festival, celebrating its 10th year, offers year-round concerts and educational initiatives built upon the rich traditions of classical music. The Festival started June 15 and continues until July 13. With just two more weeks of great programs, be sure to include Taconic Music on your "not-to-be-missed" concert agenda.

Why go? Based in Manchester, Vermont, co-founders Ariel Rudiakov and Joana Genova showcase their outstanding festival-resident mentor/performers and gifted student artists.

• Saturday, July 4, 7:30 p.m.:  Maestro Ariel Rudiakov conducts the Taconic Pops Orchestra in a program focusing on music for stage and screen, featuring guest vocalist Maxine Linehan.

The concert will be held at the Arkell Pavilion, Southern Vermont Arts Center, 860 SVAC Drive, Manchester, VT. Reserved seating $20.-$85. 

For specific repertoire listings and other information, including tickets, and Taconic Music's year-round programs, call (802) 362-7162 or visit online at taconicmusic.org.

Sevenars Music Festival – Six Sunday Concerts – July 12-August 16

Sevenars Concerts, established in 1968, is now in its 58th season of bringing music (primarily classical, but also including jazz) to the idyllic Western Massachusetts town of South Worthington. Concerts are presented in the Academy, at 15 Ireland Street. 

Check out next week's ‘Classical Beat' column for the details of Sevenars' first concert, July 12, offering a musical tribute celebrating America's 250th birthday. For more information, visit online at www.sevenars.com.

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