2026 Instrumental Program

The presence of the Boston Symphony Orchestra brings an unparalleled experience to every facet of the TMC’s Instrumental Program. Fellows receive dedicated mentorship from BSO musicians and guest faculty, and enjoy thrilling orchestral performances under the batons of Music Director Andris Nelsons and world-renowned guest conductors. Fellows also attend weekly classes with BSO mentors and guest musicians and collaborate extensively through chamber music projects. 

A significant number of Fellows go on to win positions with professional symphony orchestras following their attendance at the TMC. 

BSO Mentorship

BSO Mentors shepherd the entire Instrumental Fellowship experience by adjudicating auditions, tailoring seatings and assignments, coaching in orchestra and chamber music, and providing ongoing counsel and support. Fellows hear their BSO mentors perform multiple programs each week and receive opportunities to observe rehearsals from the stage.  

BSO members frequently play in with the TMC Orchestra, and the two orchestras play side-by-side each summer in a performance of Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture during Tanglewood on Parade. 
 

“When I give a class or do a coaching, I am not really coaching students.... These musicians are a few years away from being my colleagues.” 

- BSO Associate Principal Timpanist Daniel Bauch, TMC 2001-02

Tanglewood Music Center Orchestra

The Tanglewood Music Center Orchestra (TMCO) performs under BSO Music Director Andris Nelsons, as well as several distinguished guest conductors, each season.

"I had been to other festivals, but Tanglewood showed me what it's like to play in a professional level orchestra, because the student orchestra there is a professional level orchestra."

- Former BSO Principal Bass Edwin Barker, TMC 1975

2026 TMCO conductors and repertoire will include: 

• Andris Nelsons leading Haydn Symphony No. 31, Beethoven Symphony No. 5, Strauss Till Eulenspiegel and Don Juan
• Esa-Pekka Salonen leading Bartók Concerto for Orchestra and the Festival of Contemporary Music Orchestra Concert
• Marin Alsop leading Mahler Symphony No. 5
• Performances of Debussy La Mer and Ravel Le Tombeau de Couperin
• Additional repertoire TBA 

Chamber Music

 All Instrumental Fellows participate in substantial chamber music projects throughout the summer, coached by TMC Instrumental Faculty and BSO musicians. These range from string quartets, woodwind quintets, and brass quintets to large pieces for percussion and brass ensembles, vocal collaborations, and works for chamber orchestra. 

Classes

Fellows attend weekly classes with BSO musicians, resident faculty, and visiting artists. Class topics may include solo repertoire, audition excerpts, performance techniques, and reading sessions of standard orchestral repertoire. 

Classes also help Fellows prepare for mock auditions, which simulate the pressure of auditioning for a major symphony orchestra and allow for immediate, direct feedback. Winners of the violin, viola, and cello mock auditions perform with the BSO during the summer, and each double bassist is granted the opportunity to perform with the BSO on one piece. 

New Music

The TMC places a considerable emphasis on contemporary music, both throughout the summer and during the Festival of Contemporary Music, a multiday festival of new music curated each year by eminent voices in the field. In 2026, the Festival of Contemporary Music will be curated by Esa-Pekka Salonen, a luminary in the fields of composition and conducting, and feature a performance of Salonen’s Cello Concerto with soloist Senja Rummukainen.

Alumni Success

A significant number of Fellows go on to win positions with professional symphony orchestras following their attendance at the TMC. Nearly half of current Boston Symphony musicians are TMC alumni. Recent auditions won by TMC alumni include: 

• Principal Harp, Baltimore Symphony Orchestra
• Associate Principal Horn, Boston Symphony Orchestra
• Associate Concertmaster, Boston Symphony Orchestra
• Principal Bass, Boston Symphony Orchestra
• Principal Bass, Charlotte Symphony Orchestra
• Principal Flute, Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra
• Principal Oboe, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra
• Principal Trumpet, Minnesota Orchestra
• Principal Percussion, National Arts Centre Orchestra
• Assistant Principal Cello, National Symphony Orchestra
• Principal Trumpet, Philadelphia Orchestra
• Assistant Principal Bass, Philadelphia Orchestra
• Assistant Principal Viola, Phoenix Symphony
• Principal Second Violin, San Diego Symphony
• Principal Trombone, Vancouver Symphony Orchestra