For many, many years classical music lovers knew one of the best bargains could be found on Saturday morning during the Tanglewood season: the open rehearsals. Not only could you watch and listen to Sunday’s performance being shaped, but you could save a lot of money and get great seats in the shed.
Tanglewood Shed – Photo © Stu Rosner
Of course, during the years, the word got out and you had to get there ever more early. And if you wanted the best of the seats up front you had to be prepared for a minor sprint.
Well, Tanglewood just announced the end of those days. No more open seating. And with its new numbered reserved seats system, a raise in ticket prices. Clarence Fanto announced the sad news in Thursday’s Berkshire Eagle:
Starting on Saturday, July 9, die-hard aficionados of open rehearsals will have to go the route of buying tickets in advance or at the gate for a reserved seat — just like a regular concert.
They’ll also pay more this summer: $30 for seats up front in the Shed, $20 for the back sections, and $10 for a spot on the lawn.
Say a fond farewell to the $17 open rehearsal ticket.