The Tanglewood Festival Chorus (TFC) is the Boston Symphony Orchestra’s own mixed-voice adult choral ensemble. The chorus is made up of around 200 talented volunteer singers who share a love of choral singing and spend many hours together rehearsing and honing their vocal and choral skills in preparation for performances with the Boston Symphony Orchestra and the Boston Pops.

The chorus is made up of adult singers who share a passion for singing choral music at the highest possible artistic level. (Please note that singers must be at least 18 years old to join.) 

All of our singers have had some choral experience in their musical backgrounds. Some of them have had extensive vocal and musical training. Prospective singers should have a good understanding of musical principles and experience in music making, reading music and performing. We are interested in potential, as well as trained voices and experienced choristers. As the TFC performs on professional stages, it is not a chorus for beginners.

The TFC performs a wide variety of choral/orchestral repertoire to the highest possible artistic standards. It gives concerts at Boston’s Symphony Hall and at the Tanglewood Music Festival with the Boston Symphony Orchestra. The chorus is conducted by BSO Choral Director James Burton, and performs with some of the world’s leading conductors and soloists. Members receive individual vocal coaching sessions. As well as having a rich musical life, the chorus is a lively community of singers, and holds frequent social events.

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.

The TFC is a project-based choir, and rehearsal schedules are based on the needs of the program being performed. 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 project. 

Click here to view the 2022-2023 season's rehearsal schedule to get the full picture of a past season.

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 occur three to four times per year. Click this link to be directed to our TFC auditions page.

If you cannot make the current round of auditions, please email tfc@bso.org to be notified of the next round.

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.