Ep 54. Tanglewood 75th Anniversary Celebration

Great Performances season 38 episode 54 titled "Tanglewood 75th Anniversary Celebration" is a star-studded event that celebrates the anniversary of one of America's most renowned outdoor music festivals. Filmed at Koussevitzky Music Shed on the Tanglewood grounds, the episode features a lineup of top-class classical musicians and performers.

The show marks the 75th year anniversary milestones of Tanglewood, the summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and the location that has been the center for artistic and musical excellence in the United States for the past seven-and-a-half decades. With contributions from the Boston Symphony Orchestra, John Williams, Keith Lockhart, who is the Boston Pops Orchestra's conductor, the Tanglewood Music Centre Orchestra, the Tanglewood Festival Chorus and a host of critically acclaimed guest soloists, viewers are in for a visual and musical treat.

The episode commences with a performance of Leonard Bernstein's famous operetta 'Candide,' which was recorded in 2018 during Tanglewood's festival season. The episode then moves onto the highlight of the celebration: a historic performance by the Boston Symphony Orchestra, which takes on Gustav Holst's monumental masterpiece, 'The Planets.' This music piece is a seven-movement orchestral suite that represents each of the astrological planets in the solar system.

Other performances include a tribute to legendary film composer John Williams, who served as Tanglewood's music director from 1985 to 1993. Along with the host Renee Fleming, Keith Lockhart, the Boston Pops Orchestra and Film Night veterans, including violinist Anne-Sophie Mutter and Boston Symphony Orchestra horn player James Sommerville, pay homage to Williams' musical accomplishments in Hollywood. Later, American Tenor, James Taylor, who is known for his unique style of blending pop, rock, and folk music with the traditional basics of American roots music takes center stage and performs his trademark hits.

The episode also showcases Tanglewood's supportive role for young musicians. The Tanglewood Music Center Orchestra, which is comprised of exceptional young musicians from around the world, performs "The Rite of Spring," an orchestral work by Igor Stravinsky, one of the most influential composers of the 20th century. This performance is a testament to Tanglewood's commitment to educating emerging musicians, providing them with unparalleled mentorship by world-class musicians.

The Tanglewood Festival Chorus also delivers a superb performance, showcasing its versatility by performing an extensive variety of music styles, from classical to contemporary.

Overall, Great Performances season 38 episode 54, "Tanglewood 75th Anniversary Celebration," is a magnificent spectacle that celebrates the longstanding tradition of artistic and musical excellence that Tanglewood has instilled over the past 75 years. It is a joyous event, brimming with musical masterpieces and unforgettable performances by some of the most talented musicians of our time. This concert is a must-watch for any classical music lover or fan of exceptional performances.