From Tanglewood to the Classroom: Sarita Kwok’s Summers with the Boston Symphony Orchestra

Tanglewood, the Berkshire open-air music venue and summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra (BSO), features some of the world’s best musicians, artists, classical music performances and educational programming every season. For a handful of summers, including this one, Dr. Sarita Kwok, dean of the Adams School of Music and the Arts, has joined the orchestra there as a guest violinist. 

“This summer I was at Tanglewood for about six weeks. It is an intense run, with three different programs to rehearse and perform each week,” said Kwok. “It is also really inspiring to be on stage with these incredible, high-level musicians. Not only are they amazing players, but they understand the history and traditions of the Boston Symphony—its rich sound, sense of ensemble and unique approach to certain repertoire . . . It's just fascinating and an honor to experience this world.” 

Production photograph © Hilary Scott

A Family-Friendly Affair 

For 17 years Kwok and her BSO-tenured cellist husband have moved their three children and three cats out to the Berkshires every summer for the Tanglewood season. 

“We’re used to it at this point,” shared Kwok. “I have footage of my kids from a young age sitting on the lawn, climbing trees during a concert and going to get ice cream. It's a wonderful way to introduce kids to concerts and to reach folks who might not normally attend a classical music concert.” 

Tanglewood aims to make the experience of live music accessible to concertgoers of all ages—from a “Tanglewood for Kids” lineup to their open rehearsals. While seats are available in the Koussevitzky Music Shed, guests can also purchase lawn tickets and bring up to four children under the age of 18 for free.   

“It's a freeing way for families to experience a professional symphony concert without feeling nervous about making too much noise or being constrained by a traditional concert hall,” appreciated Kwok. “Families are welcome, especially for Sunday afternoon concerts. It's amazing to see the lawn out there. People come with whole set ups—candelabras, flower arrangements and beautiful picnics. Others come with just a rug to lie on the ground and listen to the concert.”  

Production photograph © Hilary & Gabriel Scott

Summers at Tanglewood 

The BSO’s annual residency at Tanglewood is led by Andris Nelsons, music director of the Boston Symphony Orchestra. Since making his Tanglewood debut in July 2012, Nelsons has continued to inspire both musicians and audiences alike.

Each Tanglewood season features more than 100 concerts and performances. This year, for example, the BSO presented selections from Prokofiev’s Romeo and Juliet ballet, accompanied by actors performing scenes from Shakespeare’s original play. The orchestra also hosted “Film Nights,” during which movies such as Top Gun: Maverick and Star Wars: Return of the Jedi were shown “live to film” with musical scores performed by the Boston Pops. 

Additional offerings this summer included multiple performances by Yo-Yo Ma, a premiere of John William’s piano concerto, a comedy appearance by John Mulaney and sold-out shows for the Fourth of July concerts featuring James Taylor. The Tanglewood Learning Institute (TLI) for Families also presented programs such as Circle Round and Peter and the Wolf. 

Bringing Tanglewood to Gordon  

While Kwok treasures her summers at Tanglewood and the opportunity to perform alongside the world-class musicians of the BSO, she sees it as more than just a professional highlight—it’s a way to enrich her teaching and inspire her students at Gordon College. 

“As a music professor, an active performance career is equivalent to a history professor doing academic research, presenting at conferences or publishing,” Kwok explained. “Developing a willingness to explore, to be challenged and to perform new repertoire with new colleagues in various places—that is how you have an abundant life of creativity and music-making. If I can contribute in this way creatively, my soul is fed, and my students can hopefully be inspired, too.” 

She encourages others to experience the power of live performance for themselves—whether at Tanglewood or Symphony Hall in Boston. “For those of us who educate future generations, it is vital to always have a growth mindset. It's something we as teachers at Gordon try to model for our students.” 

Learn more about Gordon College’s Adams School of Music and the Arts, and take the next step in your creative journey.