In its 115th season, The Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra, under the direction of Keith Lockhart, will bring The Bryce Jordan Center favorite holiday songs just in time for the Christmas season.
Performing for the first time ever in the area, The Boston Pops will bring Boston's favorite Christmas tradition with carols sung by the Cape Cod chorus, Gloriae Dei Cantores at 8 p.m. on Dec. 4.
The chorus has toured 23 countries in Europe, Asia and North America, sings in 18 languages and has achieved grand acclaim for its performance of sacred choral music of all styles from the 11th to 20th centuries.
This will be the only time the Pops will perform in Pennsylvania this season.
Those in attendance will be enjoying a popular tradition which has been active since 1885. Famous for their free outdoor Esplanade concerts held on the east bank of the Charles River, The Boston Pops have had a history of playing to large audiences, with sometimes over 500,000 in attendance.
"When they do tour it's very limited, but we knew they would do well here," said Bernie Punt, director of public relations for the Jordan Center. "The Bryce Jordan Center is the only venue large enough to hold them."
Evening at Pops has been one of the longest running programs on PBS since it began service in 1969. And, previously under the direction of John Williams, this Massachusetts-based orchestra has developed worldwide renown for the musical compositions of such films as Star Wars, Raiders of the Lost Ark, Schindler's List, Jurassic Park, Home Alone, Jaws, Superman and many more.
Now, under the direction of the young charismatic conductor Lockhart, The Boston Pops have presented more than 300 concerts. Lockhart made his Carnegie Hall debut with the Boston Pops Orchestra in 1993 and since then has led twelve national tours and one overseas tour with The Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra in Japan and Korea.
In addition, they have made 38 television shows which include the locally broadcast Boston Symphony Family Concert and 19 new programs for PBS's Evening at the Pops. Also, they have released five albums, and in 1999, received their first Grammy nomination for Best Classical Crossover Recording with The Celtic Album.
Tickets, ranging in price from $39.50 to $49.50, went on sale Oct. 16 and are still available. A limited amount of VIP table seating is also offered at $89.50 with an additional option of a holiday buffet, Punt said, though it is nearly sold out.
