Tanglewood, located in Lenox, Massachusetts, is the summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra. With its beautiful grounds, world-renowned orchestra, and rich history, it is one of the premier outdoor music venues in the United States. Understanding how the seating works at Tanglewood is important for getting the most out of your concert experience.
Where is seating located at Tanglewood?
There are several seating areas available at Tanglewood:
- The Koussevitzky Music Shed – This is the main concert hall where the Boston Symphony Orchestra and guest artists perform. It features covered seating and a lawn area.
- Seiji Ozawa Hall – This intimate concert hall seats only 800 people and hosts chamber music concerts, recitals, and lectures.
- The Lawn – Large grassy area where people bring blankets and chairs to sit out under the open sky as they listen to concerts from the Shed.
- The Terrace – Elevated seating area that flanks the Shed with tables and chairs.
In addition, there are box seats available in sections around the Shed.
Koussevitzky Music Shed
The Shed is the centerpiece concert hall of Tanglewood. It contains 5,700 numbered pavilion seats under a roof as well as about 4,000 unreserved seats on the lawn that spreads out behind the pavilion.
The pavilion seats are arranged in three sections:
- Orchestra – The central seats located closest to the stage.
- Grand Tier – Elevated seats above the orchestra.
- Balcony – Rows of seats high above the stage in the rear pavilion.
The pavilion sections contain numbered cushioned seats and offer the best views of the stage. Tickets for the pavilion are sold as reserved seats with specific seat locations.
The lawn area is general admission with no reserved spots. Lawn tickets are the most affordable option for Shed concerts.
What is the seating capacity in the Shed?
The total seating capacity in the Koussevitzky Music Shed is approximately 9,700 seats. This includes:
- 5,700 pavilion seats
- 4,000 lawn seats
The breakdown of the 5,700 pavilion seats is:
Section | Number of Seats |
---|---|
Orchestra | 2,400 |
Grand Tier | 1,850 |
Balcony | 1,450 |
What sections have the best views in the Shed?
The centrally located Orchestra section provides the best overall views of the stage in the Shed. These seats are right in front of the performers and offer a close-up perspective perfect for watching the symphony.
The Grand Tier elevated above the Orchestra also provides excellent sight lines. The height enhances the view and creates an immersive experience.
For low budget options, the lawn provides decent views from most spots since the Shed is open behind the pavilion. Sitting center and closer to the pavilion will maximize the lawn view.
Where are the box seats located in the Shed?
There are 34 box seats located around the perimeter of the first level pavilion in the Shed. They are arranged in four sections:
- 10 boxes in the Right Promenade
- 10 boxes in the Left Promenade
- 8 boxes at the Rear
- 6 boxes in the Front
The elegant box seats provide a private, elevated view of the stage in an exclusive sectioned-off area. Boxes typically seat between 4-6 people on cushioned chairs.
Seiji Ozawa Hall
Seiji Ozawa Hall is Tanglewood’s other concert venue, located nearby the main grounds. It hosts smaller scale, more intimate performances including:
- Chamber orchestra concerts
- Choir performances
- Solo instrumental recitals
- Vocal recitals
- Contemporary jazz concerts
- Folk/world music performances
- Lectures and conversations
The hall contains only 800 seats, designed in a simple shoebox-style layout with a wood-paneled interior for excellent acoustics. The seats are arranged in three central sections with two side balconies.
What are the seating sections in Seiji Ozawa Hall?
Seiji Ozawa Hall contains the following seating sections:
- Orchestra – The main floor level with 422 seats
- Mezzanine – Small middle tier above Orchestra with 120 seats
- Balcony – Wrapping upper tier under the ceiling with 258 seats
The Orchestra section is the prime location, directly in front of the stage. The elevated Mezzanine and Balcony sections flank the sides providing good elevated views.
How many seats are in each section of Ozawa Hall?
The breakout of the total 800 seats in Seiji Ozawa Hall by section is:
Section | Number of Seats |
---|---|
Orchestra | 422 |
Mezzanine | 120 |
Balcony | 258 |
The Lawn
The sprawling lawn behind the Shed is a popular seating area for BSO and Boston Pops concerts in the summer. With about 4,000 seats, it provides ample outdoor seating to take in the music under the stars. Lawn tickets are general admission with open seating on the grass.
What kind of seating is on the lawn?
The lawn has open grassy space with no fixed seats. Attendees provide their own seating by bringing:
- Blankets
- Folding chairs
- Picnic blankets
- Tarpaulins
Low beach chairs or folding chairs are recommended. Seats cannot be more than 7 inches off the ground per Tanglewood policy. Aisles must be kept clear for entry/exit.
Are there any reserved spots on the lawn?
No, the lawn is entirely general admission with no reserved spaces. Concertgoers can pick any open spot upon entry on a first come, first served basis.
Some tips for getting a good spot include:
- Arrive early – 1-2 hours before the concert
- Bring a small blanket or tarp to reserve space for groups
- Head for center spots halfway back from the Shed for best views and sound
Can you see the stage well from the lawn?
The sloped lawn provides decent elevated sight lines to see the stage in the distance. The cover of the Shed is open so the orchestra is visible from most spots on the lawn. Sitting closer and centered will maximize views.
Large video screens are also installed on the sides of the Shed to provide live close-ups of the performers.
The Terrace
The Terrace refers to the raised area on the west side of the Shed adjacent to the lawn. It features tables and chairs for open seating during most BSO concerts.
What seating is available on the Terrace?
The Terrace has:
- Café-style tables with chairs
- High-top cocktail tables with stools
The open tables can accommodate groups of 2-4 people. There is no reservations or assigned seating – tables are first come, first served.
How many seats are on the Terrace?
The Terrace can accommodate around 300 people. The mix of seating includes:
- 150 chairs at full tables
- 150 stools at high-top tables
This setup allows groups of concertgoers to enjoy table service for food and drinks during shows on the Terrace.
What’s the view like from the Terrace?
The elevated Terrace provides excellent views looking directly at the open back of the Shed stage. The height gives a good overlook of both the pavilion and lawn below.
Sitting towards the front center will offer ideal sight lines on the Terrace. The area is covered with speakers providing the same audio experience as the pavilion.
Getting Tickets
Now that you know about the various seating options at Tanglewood, here are some tips for getting tickets:
When do tickets go on sale?
Tanglewood tickets are available starting in mid-November for the following summer season. Subscribers get first access during the subscriber presale period. Tickets then open to BSO/Tanglewood donors before the public on-sale date in December.
Where can I get tickets?
You can purchase Tanglewood tickets through a few different channels:
- Online – Order at www.tanglewood.org anytime.
- Phone – Call SymphonyCharge at (888) 266-1200.
- In person – Visit the Tanglewood box office at 297 West Street in Lenox, MA.
How much do tickets cost?
Tanglewood ticket prices vary by seating section and concert program. Here are some average price ranges:
Seating Section | Ticket Price Range |
---|---|
Shed – Lawn | $12 – $30 |
Shed – Pavilion | $25 – $115 |
Ozawa Hall | $30 – $75 |
Premium/fundraiser concerts cost more. Discounts are available for students and youth.
When do shows sell out?
The most popular classical programs like Beethoven and Tchaikovsky tend to sell out first. Weeknight shows also fill up fast. To get tickets, plan to purchase:
- At least 2-3 months in advance for weekends
- At least 1 month in advance for weeknights
Lawn seats typically sell out just days or weeks before concerts. Last minute lawn tickets can be purchased at the gate if available.
Best Seats for Different Concerts
Some recommendations for the best seats for different concert types at Tanglewood:
Boston Symphony Orchestra
For experiencing the full power of the BSO’s orchestral sound, the best seats are:
- Shed – Front & center Orchestra section
- Shed – Front rows of Grand Tier
Close proximity right in front puts you in the heart of the music.
Boston Pops
For the Boston Pops lighter repertoire and guest artists, great seats include:
- Shed – Orchestra near front sides
- Shed – Mid Grand Tier
- Lawn – Front center
These allow you to see the performers and multimedia presentations while getting the full sound.
Chamber Music & Recitals
For intimate concerts, aim for seats in:
- Ozawa Hall – Front Orchestra
- Ozawa Hall – Front Balcony corners
Being close to the small stage is ideal for detail and acoustics.
Conclusion
From uncovered lawn seats to the elegant pavilion boxes, Tanglewood offers a variety of seating options and concert experiences. The Shed’s 9,700 capacity caters to major symphony performances while Seiji Ozawa Hall hosts more personal recitals and chamber concerts. Planning ahead, buying early, and selecting prime seating locations will allow you to make the most of magical summer evenings at Tanglewood.