Boston Pops Celebrates Keith Lockhart’s 30th Anniversary with Star-Studded Spring Season

BOSTON, Mass. — The Boston Pops will celebrate conductor Keith Lockhartu2019s 30th anniversary with a star-studded spring season, featuring performances by Grammy, Tony, and Emmy winner Cynthia Erivo, masked rhinestone cowboy Orville Peck, and a symphonic tribute to Grateful Dead guitarist Jerry Garcia. The season runs from May 8 to June 7 at Symphony Hall, with tickets going on sale Feb. 4.

Lockhart, who has led the Pops since 1995, has conducted over 2,250 concerts with more than 300 guest stars. Despite his milestone anniversary, Lockhart remains focused on the orchestrau2019s mission. u201cItu2019s not about me,u201d he said in an interview. u201cItu2019s about the work of the Pops, the music, and how we survive in this changing entertainment landscape.u201d

The season kicks off on May 8 with Erivo, a three-time Academy Award nominee, making her Pops debut. Erivo, recently named the 2025 Hasty Pudding Woman of the Year, will perform a diverse selection of songs. u201cWeu2019re really excited,u201d Lockhart said. u201cItu2019s a great way to open the season.u201d

Other highlights include Pride Night on June 5 featuring Orville Peck, a live orchestral performance of u201cJawsu201d (May 9-10), and a celebration of John Williamsu2019 music, including u201cStar Wars: The Story in Musicu201d (May 15). The season concludes with a tribute to Lockhartu2019s 30-year tenure, featuring Broadway stars Mandy Gonzalez and Jason Danieley, as well as Michael Feinstein.

Lockhart, who has no immediate plans to retire, reflected on his legacy. u201cIu2019ve had influence over this period of time, and thatu2019s really cool,u201d he said. u201cBut Iu2019m not going to try for Fiedleru2019s record.u201d Arthur Fiedler, Lockhartu2019s predecessor, served for 50 years until his death in 1979.

The conductor also emphasized the importance of live performances in a digital age. u201cThe pandemic brought people more into themselves and less into the community,u201d he said. u201cThese next few years are critical to how we engage with the arts.u201d

Additional performances include Disneyu2019s u201cFrozenu201d with live orchestral accompaniment (May 24 and 31), Gospel Night with the Boston Pops Gospel Choir (June 7), and a debut by viral sensation Cody Fry (May 28).

Lockhartu2019s final concert of the season, a celebration of his 30 years with the Pops, remains a mystery even to him. u201cItu2019s being planned by my staff,u201d he said. u201cI donu2019t know whatu2019s on it!u201d