Tanglewood on Parade, August 5th
Join in the Festivities.
By: Philip Kampe - Aug 04, 2014
If there is just one day in the year that I would choose to attend a Tanglewood concert, my vote goes for Tanglewood on Parade, which , this year , takes place on Tuesday, August 5th.
There is something magical about sitting on the lawn at Tanglewood, enjoying a picnic and the sun, while being entertained by the crowd and the various entertainers that walk the grounds of Tanglewood during this ‘On Parade’ day.
To top off the evening, fireworks light the sky as the BSO’s finale. Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture fades into the night.
This yearly tradition at Tanglewood begins at 2pm, when the gates are open to welcome the well wishers and fans of Tanglewood. Brass fanfare greets the early crowd, followed by music all day long, featuring members of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, the Tanglewood Music Center and the Boston University Tanglewood Institute.
The time preceding the concert is devoted to families, focusing on youngsters in the audience. Face painting, an instrumental playground for all ages will be open, a magician roaming the grounds are just a few of the surprises that Tanglewood has up their sleeve.
Several years a go, I remember seeing an organ grinder, who looked like Super Mario, walking the grounds with his clown dressed monkey.
Tanglewood on Parade is a day of surprises.
From 3 to 7pm, complimentary tours of the Tanglewood grounds will take place. Walking the grounds on your own will yield lavish food set-ups by patrons, including candelabras, vases of exotic flowers and drop-dead elaborate table settings.
The evening’s music begins at 8:30pm.
Conductors Stephane Deneve, Keith Lockhart, John Williams and Leonard Slatkin will lead a program that includes music by Gershwin, Dave Brubeck and Shostakovich. The combined forces will feature performances by the Boston Symphony Orchestra, the Tanglewood Music Center Orchestra and the Boston Pops.
If this will be your first visit to Tanglewood, anticipate a short wait to find your complimentary parking space. Bringing food and alcoholic beverages is encouraged. If you sit on the grass, don’t forget your lawn chairs, small table and a blanket. As the evening winds down, the temperature gradually changes. With a chill in the air, expect temperatures to be in the low 60’s or high 50’s by 11pm, when the firework display over Stockbridge Bowl concludes the days events.
All proceeds form the concert go to support the Tanglewood Music Center.
Ticket prices range from $21 for the lawn to $106 in the Shed. Use Symphony Charge for tickets by calling (888) 266-1200.