The Boston Symphony Orchestra (BSO) 2025 Tanglewood season, ran from late June through August 31. Nestled in the scenic Berkshire Hills of Massachusetts, Tanglewood offers a premier summer destination for classical and contemporary music lovers alike. 2025 season brought together world-renowned conductors, virtuoso soloists, groundbreaking contemporary works, and beloved classics.

Star Soloists and Performances

Andris Nelsons Lead the BSO in Exciting Programs

BSO Music Director Andris Nelsons conducted multiple performances throughout July, including:

• The world premiere of John Williams’ new Piano Concerto, written for Emanuel Ax (July 26).
• Puccini’s Tosca with soprano Kristine Opolais and bass-baritone Bryn Terfel (July 19).
• A dramatic orchestral adaptation of Romeo and Juliet with Concert Theatre Works (July 11).

  

Pianists Took Center Stage

Tanglewood’s 2025 lineup showcased an extraordinary roster of pianists:

• Daniil Trifonov performed Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 3 (July 5).
• Lang Lang played Saint-Saëns’ Piano Concerto No. 2 (July 27).
• Yefim Bronfman presented Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 3 (July 6).
• Seong-Jin Cho honored Ravel’s 150th anniversary with a recital of his complete solo works (July 16).
• Yuja Wang dazzled in Prokofiev’s Piano Concerto No. 2 during the Leonard Bernstein Memorial Concert (July 20).

Special Events & Festival Highlights

Top Gun: Maverick in Concert.  

Took place in the Koussevitzky Music Shed, featuring music by Harold Faltermeyer, Lady Gaga and Hans Zimmer, with the score produced by Lorne Balfe. The Boston Pops performed the score live to picture, conducted by Constantine Kitsopoulous.

Keith Lockhart’s 30th Anniversary Celebration

Boston Pops Conductor Keith Lockhart marked three decades at Tanglewood with a star-studded evening featuring Broadway greats Bernadette Peters, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Ben Folds, Jason Danieley, and Time for Three.

Tanglewood on Parade 

This annual all-day event offered family-friendly activities, culminating in a grand evening concert featuring the BSO, Boston Pops, and Tanglewood Music Center Orchestra (TMCO), conducted by Keith Lockhart and Elim Chan. The night ended with a spectacular fireworks display.

John Williams’ Film Night (August 9)

A beloved Tanglewood tradition, John Williams’ Film Night returned, curated by the legendary composer himself and conducted by Keith Lockhart.

Yo-Yo Ma Performed Three Concerts

The world-renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma will present three distinctive programs:

• Beethoven chamber music with Emanuel Ax and Leonidas Kavakos (August 3).
• Saint-Saëns’ Cello Concerto No. 1 with the BSO (August 10).
• A collaboration with Brooklyn Rider, featuring Schubert’s String Quintet (August 13).

James Taylor Returned 

A Tanglewood tradition, James Taylor and his All-Star Band performed two concerts in the Shed, followed by fireworks on July 4.

Bonnie Raitt Closed the Season (August 31)

Thirteen-time GRAMMY winner Bonnie Raitt will bring her iconic blues and folk sound to the Shed to conclude the 2025 festival.

Plan Your Future Visit

With over 100 performances in the Koussevitzky Music Shed, Ozawa Hall, and the Linde Center for Music and Learning, Tanglewood is a summer destination like no other. Tickets are available at Tanglewood.org or by calling 888-266-1200.

Don’t miss your chance to experience world-class music in one of the most beautiful settings in the country!