Latest news with #BostonPops
Boston Globe
20 minutes ago
- Entertainment
- Boston Globe
Boston Symphony Orchestra choral director departing
Advertisement In an internal statement sent to BSO staff in late spring by vice president of artistic planning Anthony Fogg, which was recently shared with the Globe by the BSO, Burton said that he and the TFC had 'enjoyed countless musical adventures, performed many concerts and explored exciting special projects' together. 'It is the passionate dedication of our chorus members who make this possible, and I appreciate hugely their commitment to singing with the BSO and the Boston Pops,' he wrote. Get Starting Point A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday. Enter Email Sign Up In the same statement, orchestra leaders praised Burton's contributions to the organization during his eight-year tenure. BSO music director Andris Nelsons said Burton's 'immense dedication and passion' had 'guided and led the chorus towards tremendous musical achievements.' BSO president and CEO Chad Smith said that the TFC 'has grown substantially under his leadership, achieving an impressive level of musical excellence,' and Boston Pops conductor Keith Lockhart said Burton has been a 'transformative presence' who 'elevated the standard for choral singing within our organization.' Advertisement Burton is only the second director in the history of the Tanglewood Festival Chorus, having stepped into the newly created position of BSO choral director after the 2015 retirement of founding TFC director David Norris, who sang tenor in the TFC for 44 years before retiring last fall, said in a phone interview that Burton expected singers in the all-volunteer ensemble to be invested 'not only in [their] vocal health but [their] skills as a musician,' and he saw that 'reflected in the excellence from the chorus.' Norris said that under Oliver's leadership, re-auditions of existing members were conducted on an as-needed basis, but Burton implemented them as an annual routine, which made for a significant change. In June 2018, shortly after Burton arrived, several singers Globe they had been sent an unsigned form email informing them they'd been cut, while others chose to resign rather than re-audition. One singer who resigned called the situation a 'bloodbath' and 'really unconscionable.' Advertisement In a Norris, who was the chair of the chorus committee for part of Burton's tenure, said in a recent phone interview that every leader develops 'their own culture and community' with the chorus. Burton, he said, was all about continuous improvement. 'No matter what we did, what piece we were performing, whether it was an incredibly involved piece with the symphony or Holiday Pops – at every rehearsal he was striving to continue to tweak and improve our performance. James is somebody who never settled,' Norris said. In the internal statement, Fogg wrote that potential candidates for the choral director position would be invited to Boston during the 2025-26 season. 'This is an extraordinary time of renewal at the BSO, and I am certain we will have great candidates,' he wrote. A.Z. Madonna can be reached at
CBS News
5 days ago
- Politics
- CBS News
Unexpected fireworks show over Boston was put on by state lawmakers convention
A fireworks show over Boston last night, more than a month after the Fourth of July, caught some people by surprise. "We're getting random fireworks in Boston on a Wednesday night and no one knows why," one social media user posted to X, formerly known as Twitter. They weren't someone's backyard fireworks - it was a professional display. "These fireworks been going on so long I'm starting to suspect Boston might be under siege," another person posted. It turns out the fireworks were sponsored by the National Conference of State Legislatures, which just held a three-day legislative summit in Boston's Seaport neighborhood. Among those attending the conference were Texas Democrats who fled their state to prevent a vote on Congressional redistricting plans that could help Republicans retain control of the U.S. House of Representatives. The NCSL closed out its summit with a Leader Bank Pavilion concert that featured the Boston Pops and R&B group Boyz II Men. "This is an event you won't want to miss!" the conference agenda stated. "Please note that there will be a fireworks display following the concert." The group did file a permit with the state Department of Fire Services for the fireworks show a month ago. The paperwork said five-inch firework shells would be fired off three mini barges in Boston Harbor near the Pavilion concert venue. WBZ-TV has reached out to the NCSL for comment and to ask who paid for the fireworks show.
Boston Globe
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Boston Globe
‘I'm starting to expect boston might be under siege.' Unexpected fireworks show in Seaport sparks confusion.
'Wrap up the NCSL Legislative Summit at Leader Bank Pavilion on Boston Harbor with a performance by the iconic Boston Pops and Legendary R&B group Boyz II Men,' a hard-to-find notice on the group's website reads. 'This is an event you won't want to miss! Please note there will be a fireworks display following the concert.' Advertisement Posts about the fireworks began around 9:30 p.m., with people expressing a mix of admiration and annoyance. There are INSANE fireworks over Boston Harbor right now that we can see from the South End? — @HeyRatty (@HeyRatty) They got like a Fourth of July or New Year's Eve fireworks thing going off in the Boston Harbour right now. I don't know how they can allow a disturbance like this. — Sabrina🏳️⚧️⚧️🦯 (@Boston_Blind) Most users wrote to inquire if anyone knew why the fireworks were happening. Information about the event was slowly disseminated in reply sections, but confusion still reigned. these fireworks been going on so long I'm starting to suspect boston might be under siege — snydaho (@snydaho) Can someone explain the fireworks in — IG: simplyoutstanding (@bostonsfavson) By approximately 10:20 p.m., one user resigned himself to the loud display. this Boston fireworks situation is hilarious like there was *no* heads up anywhere other than this conventions website — Nate Gilbert (@NateGilbert) Truman Dickerson can be reached at
Yahoo
05-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Fourth of July fireworks in Boston: 2025 start time, how to watch
Independence Day is nearly here, and Americans around the country are making plans to celebrate the United States' 249th birthday. Booming fireworks, patriotic parades and outdoor barbecues have become annual traditions, and many employees enjoy the day off from work for the federal holiday. The Fourth of July marks the day the Declaration of Independence was adopted and the 13 North American colonies officially separated from Great Britain. Widely considered the "birthplace" of the American Revolution, Boston holds the annual Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular, which has been running for decades. Here's what you need to know about Fourth of July fireworks and celebrations in Boston. This year, the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular will be on Friday, July 4. The concert is schedule to begin at 7 p.m. and the fireworks will start at 9:40 p.m. The show takes place on the Charles River Esplanade between the Longfellow and Massachusetts Avenue Bridges at the DCR Hatch Shell, located at 47 David G. Mugar Way in Boston. Those who can't make the fireworks spectacular in person can catch the show on live TV, airing locally on WHDH from 7-10 p.m. and nationally on The CW Network from 9-10 p.m. Contributing: Bailey Allen, USA TODAY NETWORK - New England Fernando Cervantes Jr. is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach him at and follow him on X @fern_cerv_. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Boston Fourth of July fireworks: Start time, how to watch
CBS News
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- CBS News
Crowds get their spots on the Esplanade for the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular
It was a mad dash to the Hatch Shell on July 4th as people rushed to claim their space for the annual Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular on the Charles River Esplanade. "We got here at 7 a.m. yesterday," said a woman who came all the way from Wareham. Her group was first in line and got a spot up front for the show. People arrive early for good spot on Esplanade The July 4th fireworks and concert in Boston is recognized around the country as one of the biggest celebrations of America's independence. For so many people, it's become a family tradition. "The most important part of it is being with the people that you're with," said John Bonaccorso, who arrived early. "It's a whole day and not just the concert, it's a whole day. It is just amazing." "It's like a family here and all day just hanging out and the laughs," said another spectator. 30th year for conductor Keith Lockhart Boston Pops conductor Keith Lockhart greeted and took selfies with fans earlier in the day. This is his 30th year conducting the July 4th performance. "It's amazing, it's hard to believe that that much time has passed. To think about it, it's almost half of my life," said Lockhart. "And when I think back about the 30 years, so many amazing memories, such an ongoing privilege to be able to stand in the middle of the center of all this and share it with the people of Boston and beyond." All throughout the day, people were enjoying the festive atmosphere, delicious food and creating memories. Edward Fagan arrived early to make sure his family got a good seat for the show and fireworks. "Beautiful day to celebrate America," said Fagan. "Because we are from the West Indies and come to America to have the American dream." This year's Pops performance will feature several guest performers including LeAnn Rimes, Leslie Odom Jr. and Boston's own Bell Biv DeVoe. "Looking to hear it all and then see it all and be a part of the fireworks, entertainment and all of that good stuff and mixing with all of these wonderful people and just enjoy," said Andrea DeCosta, who arrived early to get a good spot.
