Boston Symphony Orchestra

Near-perfect acoustics match the ambitious programs of the world-renowned Boston Symphony Orchestra (BSO), which performs from October to April. Conductor James Levine makes a point to challenge his audience, leading a masterful orchestra through Brahms and Beethoven, Ravel and Rachmaninoff. Though occasionally playing outdoors at the Hatch Shell, their usual home is the beauteous Symphony Hall, featuring an ornamental high-relief ceiling and attracting a crowd dressed in their finest. It was designed in 1861 with the help of a Harvard physicist who pledged to make the building acoustically perfect (he succeeded). In summer months, the BSO retreats to Tanglewood in Western ­Massachusetts. The BSO often offers discounted tickets, such as same-day ‘rush’ tickets or discounts for certain segments of the population. Alternatively, look out for open rehearsals, which you can attend for $19.