BOSTON (July 7, 2020) – With access to live performances scarce during the COVID-19 pandemic, WGBH and the Boston Pops are teaming up to bring Massachusetts audiences five classic “Evening at Pops” television concerts on Friday nights this summer. Produced by WGBH, “Evening at Pops” was one of the longest-running programs on PBS, showcasing the music of the Boston Pops nationally from 1970 to 2004.

“The 'Evening at Pops' broadcasts are among the jewels of our decades-long collaboration with the Boston Pops,” said Jon Abbott, president and CEO of WGBH. “The program helped to inspire a love of music across generations, and we’re pleased to partner with the Pops to once again bring these world-class performances to Massachusetts audiences.”

Beginning July 10 at 9 p.m., the concert series kicks off with a 1976 performance featuring Arthur Fiedler and jazz icon Ella Fitzgerald. The series will also feature the first performances of composer John Williams and Keith Lockhart as conductors of the Boston Pops before concluding with a 2004 Keith Lockhart-led performance featuring Broadway star Kristin Chenoweth on August 7th.

“‘Evening at Pops’ set a gold standard for filming and broadcasting concerts from Symphony Hall, so we couldn’t be more thrilled that WGBH-TV and WGBY-TV will be broadcasting five of the show’s retrospective performances this summer,” said Boston Pops Conductor Keith Lockhart. “I’ve heard countless stories over the years from fans near and far who have enthusiastically described their favorite performances and how the show affected their lives in positive and meaningful ways. We’re delighted that WGBH will reintroduce these exquisitely filmed concerts and the unparalleled atmosphere of Symphony Hall to families in their living rooms across the Commonwealth.”

The five “Evening at Pops” concerts will air on WGBH 2 in Greater Boston and WGBY in Western, MA allowing audiences across the Commonwealth to enjoy the music of the Pops while live events are on hold.

“Evening at Pops” Summer Series Schedule

All programs will air on WGBH 2 and WGBY at the same date and time.

Friday, July 10, 9 p.m.
“Exquisite Ella” (1976)

Legendary Boston Pops Conductor Arthur Fiedler leads the orchestra and jazz icon Ella Fitzgerald at Symphony Hall.

Friday, July 17, 9 p.m.
“May the Force Be with You, John Williams!” (1980)

Film composer John Williams leads the Pops for the first time as the orchestra’s conductor with special appearances from Hollywood friends including actor Burgess Meredith (The Reivers) and Star Wars characters R2-D2 and C-3PO.

Friday, July 24, 9 p.m.
“John & Bonnie: First Raitt Pops” (1992)

Maestro Williams leads the Boston Pops in a concert highlighted by John and Bonnie Raitt in the father and daughter’s first joint television performance, with an appearance by Nashville fiddler Mark O’Connor.

Friday, July 31, 9 p.m.
“Keith Lockhart Steps Up” (1995)

Keith Lockhart takes the podium for the first time as Boston Pops conductor. Concert is highlighted by special guests Mandy Patinkin, soprano Sylvia McNair and a surprise tribute by John Williams and trumpeter Doc Severinsen.

Friday, August, 7, 9 p.m.
“Kristin Chenoweth from Screen to Stage” (2004)

Maestro Lockhart leads the Boston Pops and sensation Kristin Chenoweth in music from the silver screen to Broadway, including interviews with Oscar-nominated director Rob Marshall.

About WGBH
WGBH Boston is America’s preeminent public broadcaster and the largest producer of PBS content for TV and the Web, including Masterpiece, Antiques Roadshow, Frontline, Nova, American Experience, Arthur, Molly of Denali and more than a dozen other primetime, lifestyle and children’s series. WGBH’s television channels include WGBH 2, WGBX 44, World and Create. WGBH TV productions focusing on the region’s diverse community include Greater Boston, Basic Black and High School Quiz Show®. WGBH Radio serves listeners across New England with 89.7 WGBH, Boston’s Local NPR®; 99.5 WCRB Classical Radio Boston; and WCAI, the Cape and Islands NPR® Station. WGBH also is a major source of digital content and programs for public radio through PRX, including The World and Innovation Hub, a leader in educational multimedia with PBS LearningMedia™, providing the nation’s educators with free, curriculum-based digital content, and a pioneer in services that make media accessible to deaf, hard of hearing, blind and visually impaired audiences. WGBH has been recognized with hundreds of honors: Emmys, Peabodys, duPont-Columbia Awards and Oscars. Find more information at wgbh.org.
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