Boston Pops Orchestra050

Performing its first concert in 1885, the Boston Pops Orchestra or Pops, is part of Boston's rich musical tradition. It is part of the Boston Symphony Orchestra and performs most of its concerts at Symphony Hall.

Arthur Fiedler, beloved conductor of the Pops for over 50 years, brought the orchestra into the national eye. The broadcasts of an Evening at Pops on PBS were, and still are, immensely popular. Fiedler's music intertwined the classical with the fun. Symphonies were paired with marches, Broadway show tunes, and popular music. The Pops' annual July 4th concert at the Hatch Shell is attended by over a half-million people. It now stands as a national Independence Day tradition.

Keith Lockart, director of the Pops, started his tenure in 1995. He follows in the footsteps of Fiedler and John Williams.