Tanglewood has announced the 2026 summer season that blends world-renowned classical performances, acclaimed popular artists, educational programming, and innovative artistic collaborations, reaffirming its position as one of America’s premier cultural destinations.
Running from June 20 through late August, the season features the Boston Symphony Orchestra under Music Director Andris Nelsons, the Boston Pops, internationally acclaimed soloists, emerging artists, and a wide-ranging Popular Artist Series spanning folk, rock, jazz, comedy, Broadway, and film music.
Classical Music Takes Center Stage
Classical music remains at the heart of the festival. Nelsons leads numerous Boston Symphony Orchestra concerts featuring internationally celebrated soloists including Emanuel Ax, Daniil Trifonov, Joshua Bell, Jean-Yves Thibaudet, Seong-Jin Cho, Paul Lewis, Augustin Hadelich, Eric Lu, Himari, Randall Goosby, Renée Fleming, Thomas Hampson, and Yo-Yo Ma.
Among the season’s major works are Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro, Beethoven’s Symphonies Nos. 2, 6 and 7, Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No. 1 and Symphonies Nos. 3, 4 and 5, Mahler’s Symphonies Nos. 4 and 5, and Philip Glass’ Symphony No. 15, Lincoln, along with music by Carlos Simon, Joe Hisaishi, John Adams and many of today’s leading contemporary composers.
Popular Artists Expand the Festival’s Reach
The Popular Artist Series once again broadens Tanglewood’s appeal with an impressive lineup of performers. Audiences can enjoy concerts by Paul Simon, James Taylor and his All-Star Band, Jon Stewart, Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis, Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, Ziggy Marley with Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, “Weird Al” Yankovic, Brandi Carlile, Hugh Jackman with the Boston Pops, and Cynthia Erivo.
The annual John Williams Film Night, on August 15, performed by the Boston Pops, returns as one of the festival’s perennial audience favorites.
Signature Tanglewood Programs Celebrate American Voices
One of the summer’s most anticipated events is Yo-Yo Ma’s week-long residency, We the People: Our Shared Past, Present, and Future, which explores American identity through music, conversation, and storytelling.
The season also continues its multi-year E Pluribus Unum: From Many, One initiative, celebrating America’s rich musical diversity, while thematic series including Faith in Our Time and Where Words End: Music and the Natural World connect music with history, civic life, spirituality, and the environment.
Contemporary Music and Dance Push Creative Boundaries
The annual Festival of Contemporary Music, curated by conductor and composer Esa-Pekka Salonen, showcases groundbreaking works by internationally recognized composers alongside exciting new voices, reaffirming Tanglewood’s reputation as one of the world’s leading centers for contemporary orchestral music.
Opera and dance also play prominent roles during the season. Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro receives a concert performance featuring an internationally acclaimed cast, while collaborations with Boston Ballet and the Martha Graham Dance Company combine orchestral music with celebrated choreography.
Learning Beyond the Concert Hall
The Tanglewood Learning Institute continues to expand its educational offerings with artist conversations, photography workshops, conducting masterclasses, family concerts, Audubon nature walks, lectures, and introductory “101” sessions covering classical music, jazz, opera, dance, and photography.
These programs provide visitors with unique opportunities to deepen their understanding of music while engaging directly with performers, conductors, composers, and scholars.
A Summer Destination for Music Lovers
Set amid the scenic Berkshire Hills, Tanglewood remains one of New England’s premier summer cultural destinations. Combining exceptional performances, educational experiences, and the beauty of its outdoor setting, the 2026 season offers audiences an extraordinary blend of artistic excellence and entertainment.
For the complete concert schedule, ticket information, and additional details, visit the official Tanglewood website.