Magazine

Tanglewood | Historic Photographs

Tanglewood has been the summer home for the Boston Symphony Orchestra since 1937.  Throughout its rich history, it has introduced and welcomed a long line of talented musicians. Please enjoy these photographs which highlight some well known faces and performances at Tanglewood — from composer Aaron Copeland to conductor Seiji Ozawa. To learn more about Tanglewood and this season’s […]

By Yankee Magazine

Apr 13 2015

William_Steinberg_conducts_a_matinee_performance_of_the_Boston_Symphony_Orchestra_in_the_Tanglewood_Shed 6.19.69 (Photographer Unknown, BSO Archives)

German-American conductor William Steinberg conducts a matinee performance of the BSO in the Tanglewood Shed on June 19, 1969, the year he took over from Leinsdorf.

Photo Credit : BSO Archives

Tanglewood has been the summer home for the Boston Symphony Orchestra since 1937.  Throughout its rich history, it has introduced and welcomed a long line of talented musicians. Please enjoy these photographs which highlight some well known faces and performances at Tanglewood — from composer Aaron Copeland to conductor Seiji Ozawa.

The origins of Tanglewood date back to the Berkshire Symphonic Festival. BSO Music Director Serge Koussevitzky and the Boston Symphony were first invited to perform as part of this festival in 1936.
The origins of Tanglewood date back to the Berkshire Symphonic Festival. BSO Music Director Serge Koussevitzky and the Boston Symphony were first invited to perform as part of this festival in 1936.
Photo Credit : BSO Archives
1940 was the year the Berkshire Music Center (now the Tanglewood Music Center) was founded. The school was a realized dream for founder and BSO Conductor Serge Koussevitzky. Aaron Copland and Paul Hindemith were part of the faculty in its first year and Lukas Foss and Leonard Bernstein studied under Koussevitzky. Maestro Koussevitzky's birthdays were known to have been festive occasions. Bernstein, for instance wrote celebratory pieces such as "Koussevitzky Blues" and "Also sprach Koussevitzky" to honor the occasion.
1940 was the year the Berkshire Music Center (now the Tanglewood Music Center) was founded. The school was a realized dream for founder and BSO Conductor Serge Koussevitzky. Aaron Copland and Paul Hindemith were part of the faculty in its first year and Lukas Foss and Leonard Bernstein studied under Koussevitzky. Maestro Koussevitzky’s birthdays were known to have been festive occasions. Bernstein, for instance wrote celebratory pieces such as “Koussevitzky Blues” and “Also sprach Koussevitzky” to honor the occasion.
Photo Credit : Whitestone Photo/BSO Archives
Koussevitzky standing on the terrace of Seranak, his summer home in the Berkshires in 1948 wearing a cape that was later donated to the BSO in July 2012 by Natalie de Leutchtenberg, the niece of Olga Koussevitzy.
Koussevitzky standing on the terrace of Seranak, his summer home in the Berkshires in 1948 wearing a cape that was later donated to the BSO in July 2012 by Natalie de Leutchtenberg, the niece of Olga Koussevitzy.
Photo Credit : William Whitaker/BSO Archives
Pierre Monteux in the auditorium of the Tanglewood Shed talking with students. His tenure as the leader of the BSO was from 1919-1924. Future BSO conductor Seiji Ozawa was one of his students.
Pierre Monteux in the auditorium of the Tanglewood Shed talking with students. His tenure as the leader of the BSO was from 1919-1924. Future BSO conductor Seiji Ozawa was one of his students.
Photo Credit : Whitestone Photo/BSO Archive
Spectators on August 15, 1941 during the "Gala Benefit" to raise funds for United Service Organizations and British War Relief.
Spectators on August 15, 1941 during the “Gala Benefit” to raise funds for United Service Organizations and British War Relief.
Photo Credit : BSO Archives
Aaron Copland was head of the composition department at the Berkshire Music Center from 1940-1965.
Aaron Copland was head of the composition department at the Berkshire Music Center from 1940-1965.
Photo Credit : BSO Archives
A dedicated audience braves the rain during a performance at Tanglewood circa 1955.
A dedicated audience braves the rain during a performance at Tanglewood circa 1955.
Photo Credit : Plouff Studios/BSO Archives
Charles Munch succeeded Koussevitzky in 1949 and continued the tradition of supporting contemporary composers. He led the BSO on its first international tours.
Charles Munch succeeded Koussevitzky in 1949 and continued the tradition of supporting contemporary composers. He led the BSO on its first international tours.
Photo Credit : Whitestone Photo/BSO Archives
Seiji Ozawa's first performance with the BSO at Tanglewood on August 16, 1964.
Seiji Ozawa’s first performance with the BSO at Tanglewood on August 16, 1964.
Photo Credit : Whitestone Photo/BSO Archive
Austrian born composer Erich Leinsdorf led the BSO from 1962 until 1969.
Austrian born composer Erich Leinsdorf led the BSO from 1962 until 1969.
Photo Credit : BSO Archives
German-American conductor William Steinberg conducts a matinee performance of the BSO in the Tanglewood Shed on June 19, 1969, the year he took over from Leinsdorf.
German-American conductor William Steinberg conducts a matinee performance of the BSO in the Tanglewood Shed on June 19, 1969, the year he took over from Leinsdorf.
Photo Credit : BSO Archives
Seiji Ozawa leads the BSO in Turangalîla-Symphonie at Tanglewood on August 16, 1975.
Seiji Ozawa leads the BSO in Turangalîla-Symphonie at Tanglewood on August 16, 1975.
Photo Credit : Whitestone Photo/BSO Archives
James Levine was the first American-born conductor to lead the BSO and was the music director from 2004 to 2011.
James Levine was the first American-born conductor to lead the BSO and was the music director from 2004 to 2011.
Photo Credit : BSO Archives

To learn more about Tanglewood and this season’s performances, please visit their website.  http://www.bso.org