Under the leadership of soprano Dawn Upshaw, the Vocal Arts Program offers singers diverse and meaningful performance projects in the song, chamber, orchestral, and contemporary repertoire.

"Only in looking back do I really understand the indispensable nature of the Tanglewood Music Center, which offers an experience unlike any other. One is pushed beyond one's comfort zone, while the faculty is thoughtful of all that goes into the development of young performers — not just vocally and musically, but as artists, colleagues, and humans. This environment enables one to take risks at a level that is new and freeing."

- Elena Villalón, Soprano (TMC '19)

2025 Vocal Program

Vocal Concerts and Chamber Music

Fellows perform in vocal concerts featuring music from the central canon and beyond, coached by esteemed faculty members such as Tony Arnold, Will Liverman, Randall Scarlata, and Dawn Upshaw. Each season also includes a concert for small vocal ensembles, giving Fellows a chance to explore a range of music from Lassus to Shaw together.

Fellows perform chamber music with the TMC's Instrumental Fellows from both the standard and contemporary repertoire, coached by the TMC's world-class faculty, presented on concerts in world class venues including Seiji Ozawa Hall and the Linde Center for Music and Learning. In 2025 these chamber performances will include Osvaldo Golijov's Ayre and Luciano Berio's Folk Songs.

Studio Classes and Vocal Workshops

The Vocal Arts Program is anchored by twice-weekly Studio Classes, led by faculty member Randall Scarlata. These classes allow Fellows to dig into technique, interpretation, diction, and collaborative skills. Fellows largely create the pace of these classes, based on their needs. Operatic and oratorio repertoire, song repertoire in all languages, and music from the Great American Songbook are regularly explored in these Studio Classes.

Fellows also have opportunities to perform in Vocal Workshops with resident faculty and major artists visiting the BSO. In 2025 this will include a workshop with BSO Music Director Andris Nelsons focused on opera excerpts. Examples from recent seasons include classes with Stephanie Blythe, Nicole Cabell, William Christie, Renée Fleming, and Erin Morley. Some workshops are private classes, and others are open to the public.

New Music and Special Projects

The study of contemporary music is a central part of the TMC vocal program. Vocal Fellows participate in world-premiers of TMC commissioned works and performances during the world-renowned Festival of Contemporary Music. Fellows will also engage in special projects throughout the summer, with recent examples including explorations of Bach Cantatas and John Cage’s Songbooks. During the 2025 season Harry Christophers and The Sixteen will work and collaborate with Vocal Fellows during an extended residency revolving around early music.

Tanglewood Music Center Orchestra

Each season Vocal Fellows are featured in performances with the TMC Orchestra led by the TMC Conducting Fellows, Guest Conductors, or Boston Symphony Orchestra Music Director Andris Nelsons. In 2025 all Vocal Fellows will perform in a performance of Maurice Ravel's L'enfant et les sortilèges led by the TMC Conducting Fellows. In 2024 these opportunities included a night of Mozart opera excerpts from Don Giovanni, Die Zauberflöte, and Marriage of Figaro.