By Steph Moore

Just ‘cause we’re big fans of rock-n-roll here at the Pulse doesn’t mean we don’t have a softer side, too ~ So, for those of you who prefer classical music, don’t worry, there are lots of opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors and the great composers this summer.

Massachusetts Symphony Orchestra

Where and when: these free outdoor concerts will once again be held in two of Worcester’s lovely parks. The July 3rd concert will begin at 8pm at East Park (Christoforo Columbo Park) on Shrewsbury Street. The July 14th and July 21st concerts will begin at 7pm at Institute Park on Salisbury Street.

Food and drink: bring your own (part of the fun is getting there early and putting out a blanket and picnic basket) or purchase there from a variety of vendors

Featured performers/pieces: compositions primarily by American composers and highlights from current Broadway musicals [July 3]; fireworks accompanied by Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture and Sousa marches,] “Salute to Disney” [July 14], and “Classics to Broadway” [July 21].

More 411: Go to www.masymphony.org for more information on individual shows.

Tanglewood

Where and when: 297 West St., Lenox; outdoor season held at the Koussevitzky Music Shed, Seiji Ozawa Hall, and the Tanglewood Grounds. Lenox location performances run from June 28 through Labor Day weekend.    

Food and drink: pack your own decadent picnic or let The Tanglewood Café prepare a basket with two entrees, dessert, a cheese and fruit platter, bread, a bottle of house wine and a bottle of spring water.

Featured performances:   in addition to on-going summer performances featuring works by some of the most beloved classical composers and most respected orchestras in the world: Thursday, June 28 at 8:30pm, Mark Morris Dance Group; June 30 at 5:45pm: A Prairie Home Companion At Tanglewood with Garrison Keillor; Monday, July 30 at 8:30pm: Festival of Contemporary Music: Music for Films  

More 411: Log onto www.tanglewood.org, or for tickets call SymphonyCharge at 888-266-1200.