The Berkshires Summer is almost over?
by Shera Cohen
My introduction to the Berkshires was at, what I realize now, is the epicenter: Tanglewood. In fact, I had thought that this region of MA had two wonders going for it: the natural beauty of the landscape, and Tanglewood.
This young thespian in grade school knew nothing about Berkshire Theatre, Williamstown Theatre, or Shakespeare & Company. I omit the rest of the current theatres because they didn’t exist at that time.
To me, the Berkshires is over with the final wave of the conductor’s baton at Tanglewood’s perennial finale; Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9, complete with five soloists, the Tanglewood Festival Chorus, and full Boston Symphony Orchestra, all beneath the giant white, acoustically excellent shed. This year's epic performance will be Sunday, August 25, 2024.
The Gift of Music
Through the courtesy of Tanglewood, I recently gifted special friends something that could never be regifted: two tickets to “John Williams’ Film Night” to help them check an item off their Berkshire bucket-list. This specific concert is one of the venue’s top, fill-the-tent, crowd-the-lawn, best sellers. Even without Mr. Williams (unfortunately, ill and recovering from a hospital stay), the draw of movie music always makes for a winning concert.
Comments from my giftees were: the audience reacts to the conductors like they are rock stars, with their mere entrances on to the stage eliciting whoops of delight.The Lawn People are dedicated, many just hunker down in the pouring rain to enjoy the whole evening, layered up in raincoats, ponchos and bucket hats, with no discernible effect on their enthusiasm. Pops concerts automatically include multiple encores. Hmm? Why not include such well-known music in the program listing, especially when everyone knows that the encores are coming.
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| Violinist Midori |
Mementos of the season
I’m a saver… program books and/or ticket stubs from every concert, play, dance, museum, festival, historic home, lecture, etc. since the 1960’s. They fill at least 5 large baskets. Admittedly, I don’t remember all of these events. Yet, among the standouts drumming in my memory include Carl Orff’s “Carmina Burana” performed by the BSO and Chorus at Tanglewood.
As of this posting date, Tanglewood’s 2024 Summer is not over, with 25 music events still on its calendar: BSO concerts, Chamber Music, Rehearsals, Talks & Walks, Chorus. concerts, and the Boston Pops.
