Tanglewood Learning Institute Launches Its First Season, But Plans To Stick Around All Year

We’ve watched as Tanglewood announced its plans to build the Tanglewood Learning Institute, waited as the complex was constructed, and wondered about its programming. Personally, I was curious how much the local community would get out of the venture. A fine idea for visitors clamoring to hear the Boston Symphony Orchestra at its summer home, but with that beautiful new, four-building Linde Center for Music and Learning sitting on Berkshires land all year, what’s the benefit to us locals?

There’s good news all around, and we can’t wait for the opening weekend, June 28–July 1. The TLI, a “new concept in creative enrichment,” will not only offer engaging programs that include big-name celebrities, but also a collaboration with two Berkshires organizations — the Berkshire International Film Festival (BIFF) and IS183 Art School of the Berkshires — that will incorporate the multidisciplinary focus that is TLI’s raison d’etre. And, although programming is yet to be announced, it looks like some version of these programs will extend throughout the fall, winter and spring seasons.

“Our programming principle is to be interdisciplinary,” said Sue Elliott, who was appointed TLI director last August. With an impressive background as an innovative music educator, she spearheaded — at warp speed — the almost mind-boggling schedule of immersive weekends, talks, films, master classes, discussions with musicians, and visual arts experiences being offered this summer. Participants can choose from a variety of one-time events, purchase monthly or summer TLI Master Passes and attend dozens of special programs. While luminaries such as Madeleine Albright, Doris Kearns Goodwin, Tom Stoppard and Yo-Yo Ma will be presenting, the Cinematics (BIFF) and Focal Point (IS183) programs bring the local experts into the TLI fold.

“I’ve developed an interest in documentaries about music, and the BSO is working with some of the top names in film and film music," Elliott said. “Reaching out to BIFF seemed perfectly natural.”

A coffee chat that lasted a couple of hours between Elliott and BIFF Artistic Director and Founder Kelley Vickery resulted in a collaboration that explores the relationship between music and cinema. Over 11 Sundays, themes and films will connect with the week’s concert or other TLI programs. “There are so many talks to have around the films,” Vickery said.

The IS183 partnership was created out of Elliott’s desire to support amateur artists.

“I knew we didn’t have the capacity to set up opportunities for amateur music making this summer, but I thought, with Tanglewood’s gorgeous landscape, what better inspiration could there be for visual artists?” Elliott said. She reached out to Lucie Castaldo, IS183’s executive director, who was immediately game. Eight Saturdays will bring amateur visual artists to the Tanglewood campus to hone skills in photography, painting and drawing. Led by IS183 faculty artists, participants will be looking at architecture, design and the natural landscape, using the campus, with its flowers and panoramic vistas, as inspiration. (Elliott noted that thanks to recent horticultural work, which has cleared out a lot of underbrush, the vistas are even better than ever.)

Response to these programs and the many others has been good across the board. But TLI’s compelling lineup, which adds 140 additional events to Tanglewood’s schedule this summer (including opportunities to attend special concerts, closed rehearsals and schmooze with the musicians) means some may sell out soon.

“Folks shouldn’t wait too long to register,” Elliott advised.

THERE’S NO OFF SEASON ANYMORE

Thanks to the TLI, no longer will the Tanglewood campus go into hibernation mode after the last summer concert. But Elliott prefers not to call October through May the off season.

“Programming in fall-winter-spring will feel very different,” she said. “We will have the opportunity of time and space that we don’t have as much of in the summer. We’re planning to continue the Cinematics program with BIFF, and we’re working on performances we will host.”

You can be sure they’ll center around those principles mentioned earlier, with interdisciplinary programming in combinations such as music and food, food and visual art, visual art and music, etc.

Both BIFF’s Vickery and IS183’s Castaldo called Elliott a great collaborator, and that comes through in Elliott’s thoughts about post-summer activities. For instance, the TLI won’t be using the summer caterer to provide all the food and drink at the Linde Center. That creates an opening that can be filled right here.

“I’m working to put together a list of local caterers we’d use. It’s another chance to work with the great local organizations,” she said.

For all the details, make yourself comfortable and study the website (there’s a lot to take in). TLI will also be opening its doors to the public at free open houses the first weekend, as well as on July 12, August 6 and August 25.