So You Think You Want to Waltz with the Boston Symphony Orchestra? A Beginner's Guide (Without Getting Tossed by a Trombone)
Let's face it, classical music can seem a bit stuffy. Violins that sound like crying cats, guys in tuxedos looking like they're about to faint dramatically...it's enough to make you want to crank up the air guitar and rock out. But wait! Before you dismiss the whole genre, let's talk about the Boston Symphony Orchestra (BSO), one of America's musical gems, and trust me, it's anything but boring.
The Grand Old Dame of American Orchestras (Who Still Rocks!)
Founded in 1881 (that's way before sliced bread!), the BSO is one of the "Big Five" American orchestras. Think of them as the Avengers of the classical music world, except instead of fighting aliens, they're wielding batons and battling bad notes (although, let's be honest, some of those high-pitched violin squeaks can be pretty alien-sounding).
Their Home Sweet Homes: Symphony Hall and Tanglewood
The BSO calls two amazing places home. Their main digs are in Boston's Symphony Hall, a shoebox-shaped marvel with acoustics so good, you could sneeze and it would sound like a beautiful flute solo (just try not to sneeze during a performance...unless you're aiming for an avant-garde interpretation). In the summertime, they migrate to Tanglewood, a music festival in the Berkshires that's like Coachella for the cultured set (minus the giant ferris wheel and questionable fashion choices).
What Kind of Music Do They Play? Not Just Your Grandma's Lullaby
Sure, they play the classics like Beethoven and Brahms, but the BSO also champions new music. They've even commissioned (that means they paid someone to write) a bunch of pieces, so you might just hear the next big musical masterpiece before anyone else (and be able to say you were there when it all began...or politely cough if it's a bit too...out there).
Fun Facts (Because Who Needs Boring Facts?)
- The BSO once had a resident cat named Fiedler (like their famous conductor Arthur Fiedler) whose job was to keep mice out of the concert hall. Now that's a truly unique resume.
- They've won a whopping 18 Grammy Awards. That's more than your favorite pop star (who probably used some autotune anyway).
How to Experience the BSO (Without Feeling Like You're Lost in a Foreign Country)
Concerts can be intimidating, but fear not! Here's a quick guide:
- Dress code: It's not jeans and a t-shirt, but you also don't need a crown. Think business casual or dressy if you want to feel fancy.
- What to expect: The music will be amazing, of course. There might be some clapping, but hold off on the cheering until the end. And if you fall asleep (it happens!), don't worry, it's not a personal attack on the musicians.
- Etiquette tips: Put your phone on silent, and for the love of Mozart, unwrap your cough drops silently.
Bonus: How to Sound Smart at a BSO Concert
- Casually drop the name of a famous composer. "Wow, this Tchaikovsky piece is really stirring my emotions."
- Point out the different sections of the orchestra. "Look at those violinists go! They must be working up a sweat." (Please don't actually point...it's rude).
FAQs
How to Get Tickets? Check out the BSO website or call their box office.How Much Do Tickets Cost? Prices vary depending on the performance, but there are often deals for students and seniors.How Long Are the Concerts? Typically around two hours with an intermission (bathroom break!).How to Dress for a Concert? Business casual or dressy is a good rule of thumb.How to Act During a Concert? Be respectful, turn off your phone, and enjoy the music!
