Tanglewood: Meet the Boston Symphony Orchestra at Its Summer Home

Thomas – Class of 2021 | Somerset, MA

The program was great and the instructors/leaders were wonderful! I enjoyed every minute spent at Tanglewood. The BSO officials we met with were very interesting and the musicians were amazingly talented. The hotel experience, on the other hand, was quite poor. But, as I said, the program itself was terrific!

— Review left August 28, 2026

Ruth – Class of 2026 | New Paltz, NY

This was my first Road Scholar Program. I thought it was very interesting, enjoyable and well run. The concerts were wonderful and the lectures were interesting . I did not expect to be all that interested in the talks by the various staff members who oversee the Tanglewood facilities, programs, etc. but I was surprised and I did appreciate them. The talks by the musicians were interesting and I was pleased they shared their instruments and related stories with us. My favorite speaker was Jeremy Yudkin. He provided me with better understanding of what to listen for, the history of the Ninth Symphony, and made it possible to appreciate the music much more than I had when I listened to that triumphal musical selection before. I won't forget his lecture, I certainly hope, because it was a piece of art in itself! I think if I return to Tanglewood I will definitely want to experience one of the special musicians such as Cynthia Erivo. Her performance was transforming. The energy was enormous and it just felt so good to the body. Of course the hotel was problematic with the renovations and lack of adequate elevator service. One wonders how the IHG can function like this. I would think their elevators would be the same in many of their hotels and they would stockpile the parts, and expediate getting them delivered where needed. I felt sorry for the housekeeping team losing time waiting for the elevator so they could complete their rounds. I thought the communication to inform people with cars in the front parking lot was unprofessional, as was the valet that said it took him so long because he did not know the license plate number. I, of course, had provided it when I checked in. The food was good in the hotel, at Tanglewood, and of course, at the Red Lion Inn. No complaints. I appreciated Lynn and Halaina's help in taking care of a problem I had that last night. They were angels helping me to get my misplaced iPhone back. I won't forget that!

— Review left August 25, 2026

Elizabeth – Class of 2011 | Oxford, MS

Magical! It was so interesting to hear from the musicians, various Tanglewood staff and a musicologist from Boston.....and then to hear and experience the concerts! Oh my. It was a wonderful trip. Thank you Gayle and Mary for facilitating this RS trip.

— Review left August 23, 2026

Lois – Class of 1995 | Boise, ID

A lovely setting and beautiful music. What more could I want?

— Review left July 22, 2026

Hasia | Brookline, MA

Everything except the accommodations was beyond my expectations. I learned a lot and felt the spiritual impact of the music. The hotel ruined it.

— Review left July 22, 2026

Reply from Road Scholar

Dear Hasia, We’re pleased to hear that you enjoyed your overall experience, and we’re sorry for your disappointment with the hotel. Based on your feedback, as well as that of others, we have worked directly with the hotel to address all concerns. We have also sent a communication to all participants from your departure date to extend a gesture of goodwill. We hope to welcome you on your next adventure soon. Sincerely, Road Scholar

Bernard – Class of 2025 | Coatesville, PA

The Road Scholar Tanglewood program was outstanding.

— Review left July 21, 2026

Richard – Class of 2025 | Palo Alto, CA

The program was excellent and informative. It was also nice to have buses take us to and from the concerts and other events. What a wonderful opportunity we had to meet new people with similar interests in music, and to hear it played bythe Boston Symphony Orchestra (Boston Pops),one of the greatest orchestras in the world—- if not the greatest—-in the beautiful Berkshires! Road Schular staff were excellent too. I highly recommend this Road Scholar program.

— Review left August 22, 2025

Loraine – Class of 2024 | Eau Claire, WI

The music was beautiful and exceptional! So wonderful to hear the best of the best! The setting “Tanglewood” refreshed the soul! Most of the talks were very interesting, but sometimes it was a bit much sitting in on so many lectures. Because of the logistics it was not possible to bow out of the lectures easily and use the free time in another manner. The hotel was ok but could have been better.

— Review left August 21, 2025

Donna – Class of 2019 | Mountain View, MO

The Boston Symphony Orchestra's summer performance was beyond my expectations. Just the very best orchestral music I have experienced. Road Scholar leaders Lynn Gibb (and Mary) guided our larger group from popular speakers to music venues with breaks for delicious meals. Thank you again for Road Scholar personal hospitality. Donna LeBlanc

— Review left August 14, 2025

Phyllis – Class of 2022 | Dousman, WI

Generally, the Road Scholar trips I have attended have employed fantastic bus drivers who have enhanced the ambiance of the experience. Shout out to the drivers!!

— Review left August 13, 2025

Zelda – Class of 2025 | Brookline, MA

The music and musicians were incomparable, the setting unique. The leaders were super-competent, unflappable and adaptable. The participants varied in background and generation, which made for stimuating conversations, questions and reactions.

— Review left August 12, 2025

Judith – Class of 2022 | Medfield, MA

This was a great opportunity to meet instrumentalists and learn about the inner workings of the BSO.

— Review left August 12, 2025

Gilda | Old Tappan, NJ

We have been wanting to go to Tanglewood for many years. This program was great as we learned a lot and all did not have to plan what to do and how to get there. I fully recommend it to anyone interested in music in a beautiful setting given by experienced and knowledgeable people

— Review left July 23, 2025

Richard – Class of 2022 | Silver Spring, MD

Personally great learning experience

— Review left July 22, 2025

Cheryl – Class of 2025 | Canton, MA

The program at Tanglewood was phenomenal! I would highly recommend it. The staff was excellent, and I learned so much! Thank-you!

— Review left July 22, 2025

Pamela – Class of 2024 | Elmhurst, NY

"Tanglewood: Meet the Boston Symphony Orchestra" is for those who like mountains with their music. Scholars stayed at the comfy and well-appointed, Holiday Inn in picturesque Pittsfield, about a one hour's ride from the renowned Tanglewood Music Center, the BSO's summer home. Getting acquainted with other scholars over dinner and learning about what the next few days would offer was enjoyable, as there were about 70 scholars hailing from different parts of the country. One of the most elegant and beautiful sites we visited was The Mount, which was the home of Edith Wharton, the first American woman to win the Pulitzer Prize for literature. Our guide was knowledgeable without being pedantic, and filled us in on the intriguing personal life of Wharton. But the magnificent grounds of the Tanglewood campus, where the Koussevitzsky music shed and the Ozawa Hall sit, are why we came. The back-to-back performances of the Boston Pops and the BSO were joyful and powerful, and recitals by emerging young musicians playing new music presented inspired playing. We were all brought to our feet by the opera "Tosca," starring Bryn Terfel, and we were cheered as much for pianist Yuja Wang's sparkling outfit as for her sparkling performance. For those who chose to visit them, there were trips to the Norman Rockwell and Clark Art Museums. This tour is a wonderful way to spend a few days in the Berkshires, the perfect backdrop to one of the finest musical venues in our country.

— Review left July 22, 2025

Marjorie – Class of 1984 | Albuquerque, NM

Great program! Beautiful music from one of the best orchestras in the country in a beautiful setting with wonderful facilities is an absolute delight.

— Review left July 22, 2025

This participant did not give a star rating.

Penny – Class of 2024 | Albany, NY

The music was wonderful. The other participants were lovely, and the guide was very nice and caring. I enjoyed it very much. The accommodations were adequate. The food at the hotel was mediocre (we are plant-based) but it was very nice at Tanglewood, itself. I am anxious to return to Tanglewood at some point, since it's only an hour away from home and look forward to next summer.

— Review left September 15, 2024

Ellen – Class of 2005 | Mechanicsburg, PA

Thank you Road Scholar, Boston Symphony and Tanglewood for an amazing experience.

— Review left August 22, 2024

This participant did not give a star rating.

Darwin – Class of 1994 | Springfield, VA

The Tanglewood program is a wonderful experience. The facility is beautiful and well maintained. Music is the heart of the program and was lovely with the exception of a Sunday morning program of new composers. The members of the Boston Symphony staff who were the educational component were excellent.

— Review left August 19, 2024

John – Class of 2007 | Wakefield, MA

Great program -- great music and and an opportunity to learn from orchestra members

— Review left August 13, 2024

Karen – Class of 2017 | Caledonia, MI

This program is a "must" for anyone who enjoys classical music. The collaboration between Road Scholar and Tanglewood delivers a delightful experience filled with world class performances, learning opportunities, natural beauty and joy. Highly recommended.

— Review left July 27, 2024

Ann – Class of 2001 | Bowie, MD

The hotel was great with lots of room, very clean and serviced everyday. Lectures and Q & A with BSO musicians and Tanglewood staff were very informative, fun and a high lite of the program.

— Review left July 24, 2024

Larry – Class of 2015 | Framingham, MA

This is a not to be missed program. Berkshires and Tanglewood are beautiful, the concerts and speakers are all outstanding. It is extremely well run.

— Review left July 23, 2024

John – Class of 2007 | Wakefield, MA

A great musical experience in a beautiful setting. The presentations and interactions with orchestra members greatly added to an outstanding experience.

— Review left August 14, 2023

David – Class of 2024 | Henrico, VA

This is a program for people who enjoy listening to classical music, but not just a limited range of composers or style. The individual selections are selected by the BSO to market to their target audience, not to please all listeners with eve3ry selection. If you have an open mind, you might even stretch your comfort zone. Without a doubt, you will marvel at the quality of the performances!

— Review left August 14, 2023

Larry – Class of 2015 | Framingham, MA

The Road Scholar Trip to Tanglewood is excellent. The BSO concerts are outstanding and the lectures by members of the BSO are very educational. The location in the Berkshires is beautiful.

— Review left August 9, 2023

Irene – Class of 2022 | Fort Mill, SC

What an enjoyable way to learn !

— Review left August 3, 2023

Nora – Class of 2022 | Jenkintown, PA

If you enjoy classical music, this is the program for you!

— Review left July 25, 2023

Christine – Class of 2020 | Lees Summit, MO

I went in July 2023. It was a once in a lifetime experience. I recommend it for any music lover.

— Review left July 25, 2023