It’s the first week of May, and that means it’s time for the Boston Pops spring season and my annual check-in chat with conductor Keith Lockhart. He calls me “old friend” and I call him “Keith,” and we marvel at how long we’ve been doing this annual talk. It’s been at least 20 years, but it’s probably longer.
This year’s lineup is so current that Lockhart must ask younger folks for the latest trends in entertainment and music. But that’s what makes the Pops relevant in this age of K-Pop.
Season highlights include Opening Night performances by violin virtuoso and online sensation Ray Chen in his Boston Pops debut on Friday and Saturday, May 8 and 9. There will also be the returns of multitalented powerhouse performers Leslie Odom, Jr. on Friday, May 22, Pink Martini (on Saturday, May 23), and Ben Folds on Wednesday, June 3.
There are movie nights, a salute to Pops conductor emeritus John Williams, a Gay Pride night, and the return of the popular Gospel Night.
“I am excited about the diverse array of artists joining us for the 2026 Boston Pops season, and to have the chance to work with collaborators both familiar and ne,” Lockhart said. “We begin with the Boston Pops debut of violinist Ray Chen, whose showmanship, creativity and appeal across different audiences fit perfectly with the mission of the Pops. I am thrilled to share the stage with old friends — Leslie Odom, Jr., Ben Folds, Pink Martini and Jon Batiste (in his Symphony Hall debut)—and to welcome Jacob Collier and St. Vincent in their Pops debuts. And it would not be a Boston Pops season without masterworks from the world of film music, Gospel Night.”
Tickets for the Boston Pops’ spring season at Symphony Hall are available at bostonpops.org or 617-266-1200. Lockhart is also preparing for the annual July 4th Fireworks Spectacular.
“We’ll announce the lineup next week, but I can tell you that it will be the centerpiece of America’s 250th birthday celebration and there will be a lot more fireworks. Everyone has stepped up,” ‘he said.
IN THE WINGS CHRIS CHEW STARS IN SHOW: Ashby resident Chris Chew plays the captain in the New England premiere of the Broadway musical “Swept Away” at SpeakEasy Stage in the Calderwood Pavilion at the BCA on Tremont Street in Boston, running through May 23. Featuring a book by Tony Award-winner John Logan (Red) and music and lyrics by popular folk/rock band The Avett Brothers, it tells the story of four whalers struggling to survive after they are shipwrecked off the coast of New Bedford in 1888. Chew is also superintendent of schools in Westford and has credits in many New England theaters. He received his bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts from the Carnegie Mellon University School of Drama and his Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from Northeastern University. Visit https://speakeasystage.com for tickets and info.
Nancye Tuttle’s email address is [email protected].
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