BU Tanglewood Institute: From the Director’s Desk | July 2018

Wow! What an incredible two weeks it’s been at BUTI. As we conclude the Workshops and welcome students to our Young Artists Programs, I am struck by how the word “community” resonates throughout.

The student community, comprised of young artists between 10 and 20 years old, hails from 44 US states and territories and 13 foreign countries, and has just wrapped up a concert weekend making incredible music together. The faculty community, assembled from Boston University College of Fine Arts, the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and other leading arts organizations, is mentoring these budding musicians. And the Tanglewood community, constituted by joining with our partners at the Boston Symphony Orchestra (BSO) and Tanglewood Music Center in the inspiring surroundings of the Berkshires, actualizes an environment like no other.

Did you know that BUTI faculty and staff will perform more than 100 concerts and community events throughout the Berkshires this summer? Performance is an essential part of the curriculum, as it represents the integral, culminating point in student learning, and it offers performers the privilege to engage with a broad community of listeners.

BUTI’s Community Engagement Program, designed to present students both in and outside the concert hall, will bring our young artists to a variety of venues throughout the area—and even a trip to Boston. We are thrilled to be invited to perform at the Hatch Memorial Shell on July 25 as part of The Boston Landmarks Orchestra’s 2018 Concert Series. BUTI’s 2018 Summer Concert Series is sponsored by M&T Bank, and BUTI is grateful for the leadership and generosity they have shown in partnering with us. Some concert highlights this summer include:

• Kicking off our part in Tanglewood’s Bernstein Centennial Celebration with pianist and faculty member Thomas Weaver (BUTI ‘08) as soloist in a performance of Bernstein’s Age of Anxiety with the Young Artists Orchestra, conducted by Bruce Kiesling on Saturday, July 14;
• A performance by the Young Artists Chorus with the Boston Pops and conductor and composer John Williams at Tanglewood’s annual John Williams ‘Film Night; and
• BUTI’s annual appearances at Tanglewood On Parade, Family Fun Fest, the BSO’s Watch & Play, and more.

None of this would be possible without the support of BUTI’s parent organization, Boston University, and the generous individuals who donate to BUTI’s Scholarship and Annual funds.

We have many circles of community at BUTI, which is what makes us truly unique among other summer training programs. For those of you joining us for the first time from across the country and around the world as students, faculty, staff, and audience members, welcome! This is a very special place, and we’re thrilled that you are with us.

Sincerely,

Hilary Field Respass
Executive Director
BU Tanglewood Institute