The Tanglewood Festival Chorus (TFC), the official chorus of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, is one of the nation’s leading symphonic choral ensembles. Its more than 200 accomplished volunteer singers bring exceptional artistry, musicianship, and dedication to the choral-orchestral masterworks. The TFC appears both independently and with the BSO and Boston Pops at Symphony Hall, Tanglewood, and on prominent stages across the nation.

The TFC brings together adult singers who share a commitment to choral music at the highest artistic level. Members must be at least 18 years old.

All members have previous choral experience, and many have extensive vocal or musical training. Prospective singers should demonstrate strong musicianship, including a sound understanding of musical principles, confidence reading music, and meaningful performance experience. The TFC welcomes both accomplished choristers and singers with exceptional potential; because the ensemble performs on professional stages, it is not intended for beginners.

The TFC offers singers the opportunity to perform a broad range of choral-orchestral repertoire at the highest artistic level. The chorus appears at Symphony Hall, the Tanglewood Music Festival, and on stages across the nation, working with many of the world’s leading conductors and soloists. Members also receive individual vocal coaching to strengthen their technique and support their vocal development. Beyond the music, the TFC is a vibrant and welcoming community with an active social life.

Yes: the chorus is a volunteer, unpaid chorus in which the singers generously donate their time and talents. Singers are offered subsidized parking for Boston-based rehearsals and performances, and all travel, meal, and accommodation costs are covered for summer residencies at Tanglewood and other events outside Boston. There are no membership fees, and all sheet music is provided.

The TFC is one of the world’s busiest symphonic choral ensembles! As one of the BSO’s ensembles, it performs year-round with the Boston Symphony Orchestra, as well as the Boston Pops. The chorus is particularly busy in December when it joins the Boston Pops Orchestra for Holiday Pops concerts throughout the month. Here is a general overview:

—BSO Season (Sept-Nov and Jan-May): Four to six programs
—Holiday Pops (Dec): 30-34 concerts
—Tanglewood Season (June-Aug): One to two summer residency weeks

Beyond these performances, the TFC is frequently invited to perform at other BSO events such as the Boston Pops July 4 Fireworks Spectacular. The chorus has performed during the Pops Spring Season, and at other special performances such as the BSO’s Concert for the City and the BSO Gala.

Rehearsal schedules are carefully designed around the artistic and musical demands of each program. For any given program, there may be anywhere from three to eight rehearsals, one or two orchestral rehearsals and two to three performances. Rehearsals usually begin three to six weeks before a performance run. Rehearsals usually occur on weeknights (Mon-Thurs) from 7-9:30 p.m. Some orchestral rehearsals may take place during weekdays depending on the needs of the program. 

Click here to view the 2026-2027 season's rehearsal schedule

TFC members are not required to take part in all BSO choral activities. However, members are expected to:

—Express interest and availability for at least 2 programs during the BSO’s Season. The TFC performs between four to six programs with the BSO.
—Participate in seven to nine Holiday Pops concerts per season, depending on the requirements of the season.
—Express interest and availability for at least one Tanglewood residency. Following Boston rehearsals, each residency is a three to six day stay at Tanglewood, culminating in weekend concerts.

Singers are expected to attend all calls for projects for which they are rostered.

No, this is not a requirement of membership. However, all rehearsals and performances occur in Boston in the fall, winter, and spring. The chorus spends a few days at Tanglewood for each residency in the summer, but most of the preparatory summer rehearsals take place in Boston. 

Yes! Singers who are currently completing college and graduate degrees in Greater Boston are most welcome to apply.

Yes: the Boston Symphony Orchestra is a registered PD Provider in the state of Massachusetts. TFC members are eligible to collect PD points for participating in concert cycles with the BSO. The TFC membership currently includes over 20 music teachers!

The Tanglewood Festival Chorus performs year-round with the Boston Symphony Orchestra and Boston Pops. All members are expected to participate year-round in rehearsals and performances.

Auditions typically occur a few times per year. Click this link to be directed to our TFC auditions page for more information.

Our singers are expected to maintain and develop their voices and musicianship. They are offered individual vocal coaching to refine their technique and to support their vocal health. Members periodically take re-auditions to extend their membership.