Lenox – History is made every summer at Tanglewood, but it often goes unnoticed. In 2017, however, the Boston Symphony has spelled it out: History will be made when Andris Nelsons leads the Boston Symphony Orchestra in its first-ever full-length performance — anywhere — of Wagner’s “Das Rheingold,” the first of four epic music dramas that make up Wagner’s Ring Cycle. This monumental undertaking could easily break all Tanglewood attendance records.
But “Das Rheingold” is only the tip of an immense iceberg that’s guaranteed to make 2017 a history-making Tanglewood season (For a complete listing of the 2017 Tanglewood season, see the schedule at the end of this article.):
Andris Nelsons will lead an unprecedented ten programs this summer, conducting the season’s opening and closing concerts and making his first appearance directing the Boston Pops Orchestra when he shares the podium on “Film Night” with John Williams. (Of course, Nelsons wants to get in on the filmic fun, and who can blame him?)
Thomas Adès will make his first Tanglewood appearance as BSO Artistic Partner. The composer/conductor/pianist will lead orchestral concerts, accompany the Emerson Quartet on piano, and work with Fellows of the Tanglewood Music Center. The BSO considers Adès one of the greatest musical minds of the 21st century. You can trust them on this, but you can also get a taste of Adès’ music on YouTube: Look for “Polaris.” Adès will conduct this North-Star-inspired piece with the Tanglewood Music Center Orchestra on Monday, July 24 in Ozawa Hall. It’s contemporary concert music for the rest of us.
Violinist Anne-Sophie Mutter will perform the world premier of John Williams’ “Markings” for solo violin, strings, and harp on July 16 with Andris Nelsons conducting. More history making. Expect a supernova when Mutter and Nelsons align with Williams’ new piece.
Kristine Opolais, soprano, and Dmitri Hvorostovsky, baritone, will present a program of opera and song, featuring arias, duets, and choruses from the Italian and Russian lyric stage. Nelsons conducting.
Tanglewood Takes Flight: During the week of July 27-30, Tanglewood will collaborate with Mass Audubon in “A Celebration of Birds and Music” that will include early-morning guided bird walks at Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary https://www.massaudubon.org/get-outdoors/wildlife-sanctuaries/pleasant-valley and feature music from Messiaen’s “Catalogue of the Birds,” a 13-piece portrayal of the birds of Europe. Pierre-Laurent Aimard and Piano Fellows of the Tanglewood Music Center will perform Messiaen’s music at both Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary and Tanglewood.
2015 Koussevitzky Artist Emanuel Ax is putting together a series of six Ozawa Hall concerts devoted to one of his most favorite composers, Franz Schubert. Andrè Schuen, Thomas Adès, the Emerson Quartet, Colin Jacobsen, Yo-Yo Ma, Jamie Barton, Garrick Ohlsson, Pamela Frank, and Simon Keenlyside with join Mr. Ax onstage. This is a rare one-time grouping of performers that will sell out quickly.
Garrick Ohlsson, Tanglewood’s 2017 Koussevitzky Artist, will make five appearances over the summer, including three Shed concerts and two Ozawa Hall programs.
Here’s the link to the BSO’s 2017 Tanglewood schedule.
