Boston Pops: What to Watch This Summer
Charles Floyd will lead the Pops choir during the 20th anniversary of Gospel Night on June 9. (Photo courtesy of the Boston Symphony Orchestra.)
The Boston Pops returns for their spring season on May 9 with classic performances, such as the Pops Gospel Choir, along with new shows and tributes. Check out our six must-sees for the season from classical music to comedy.
Bernadette Peters
Broadway actress Bernadette Peters will open the spring Pops season singing selections including “Some Enchanted Evening,” “There Is Nothing Like a Dame,” “Let Me Entertain You,” and “Being Alive.” There is also be a reception and post-concert CD signing. Peters is most known for her performances in Annie Get Your Gun, Song and Dance, and Gypsy. (Bernadette Peters, May 9, 8 p.m., Symphony Hall, 301 Massachusetts Ave., 617-266-1492, $41-$125.)
City of Champions
Calling Boston sports fans: the Pops will pay tribute to Boston athletes during their City of Champions tribute. The concert will feature sports-themed music, including the “Suite from The Natural,” and “The Boston Baseball Cantata.” There will also be appearances from Boston athletes and a salute to Fenway’s 100th birthday. (City of Champions, May 23 through May 25, 8 p.m., Symphony Hall, 301 Massachusetts Ave., 617-266-1492, $22-$92.)
Visions of America
The theme of this year’s spring Pops season is Visions of America. These performances combine photo-historian Joseph Sohm’s photos of American life from the past 30 years with a performance by the Pops orchestra. The photos will be narrated by Clint Eastwood, and Patti Austin will perform during the June Visions of America concerts. The Pops is also sponsoring a photo contest where attendees can submit their own photos of an image that represents America to them. The five best photos will be shown at Visions of America concerts throughout the season. More information about submissions can be found here. (Visions of America; May 22, May 26, June 14 through June 16; 8 p.m., Symphony Hall, 301 Massachusetts Ave., 617-266-1492, $22-$92.)
Steve Martin & The Steep Canyon Rangers
We loved him in his movies, and we’ve heard about his singing career, but now Steve Martin is performing at a Pops concert to show what he can do. Martin will perform bluegrass and comedy with The Steep Canyon Rangers. The group recently completed their first album with Martin, “Rare Bird Alert,” and will be performing songs from this, as well as Martin’s 2009 album, The Crow. (Steve Martin & The Steep Canyon Rangers, May 29 through May 30, 8 p.m., Symphony Hall, 301 Massachusetts Ave., 617-266-1492, $22-$92.)
Gospel Night
The Boston Pops Gospel Choir is ready to bring down the house as they celebrate their 20th anniversary. The group will be performing hits from over the years, such as “All the Glory” and “King of Kings.” Charles Floyd will also conduct a concerto for cello and orchestra featuring Pops cellist Owen Young. Soloists Melinda Doolittle and Crystal Aikin will sing as well. (Gospel Night, June 9, 8 p.m., Symphony Hall, 301 Massachusetts Ave., 617-266-1492, $22-$92.)
The Wild West
The Pops is introducing violin and bass trio Time for Three during this western inspired show. The group mixes a variety of genres in their performance, including classical, bluegrass, jazz and pop. In this Western rendition, the Pops orchestra will also play songs from classic films, such as Silverado and The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly. Get a sneak peek of the trio’s style in this clip below. (The Wild West, June 12, 8 p.m., Symphony Hall, 301 Massachusetts Ave., 617-266-1492, $22-$92.)
With their music video, “Stronger,” Time for Three hopes to promote awareness against bullying. The group will perform with the Pops on June 12.
All tickets can be purchased here.
