The Boston Pops are set to observe a significant milestone, celebrating the 30th anniversary of Keith Lockhart's appointment as a conductor. Among the stars lined up for the spring season, Tony and Grammy award-winning Cynthia Erivo will take the stage on May 8, as reported by WHDH. Her performance will mark both her debut with the Boston Pops and the launch of their spring season, featuring "a captivating array of songs from a wide range of songwriters and composers."
However, Lockhart himself appears to downplay the personal significance of the anniversary. "But I have to tell you," Lockhart said, "I’ve never been a big believer in anniversaries." Lockhart, who has spent nearly half his life leading the Pops, emphasized the importance of the music over the number of years he has helmed the orchestra. This sentiment comes according to a Boston Globe interview where Lockhart stated, "It's not about me. It's about the work of the Pops, and what we do, and how we survive in this weirdly changing entertainment landscape, and it's about the music. And I hope it stays that way."
Ticket sales for the eagerly anticipated spring season, which will also feature masked crooner Orville Peck and Grammy-nominated artist Cody Fry, are to begin on February 4. Peck is set to perform for Pride Night on June 5, possibly taking a break from his four-month run as the Emcee in Broadway's "Cabaret," while Fry, known for his viral hit "I Hear a Symphony," will make his Boston Pops debut on May 28, as detailed by The Boston Globe.
The season includes a variety of performances that range from returning traditions to exciting debuts. "The music of laureate conductor John Williams is amply represented," and fans can look forward to live soundtracks for movies like "Jaws" and Disney's "Frozen," as well as a night dedicated to the Great American Songbook with Michael Feinstein. "It's a great way to open," said Lockhart, regarding Erivo's upcoming performance, in an interview with The Boston Globe. Erivo's rocketing fame, boosted by her recent third Oscar nomination for "Wicked," makes her appearance all the more thrilling for Lockhart and Pops fans alike.
Lockhart's 30th-season celebration caps off with a special concert featuring Broadway talents and a nod to his tenure, but he's clearly content to let his team handle the specifics. "It's being planned by my staff," he admitted about the final concert. "I don’t know what’s on it!" Despite his hands-off approach regarding anniversary fanfare, Lockhart remains committed to promoting the vitality of live performances and the continued success of the Boston Pops, as per Boston Globe.
