In Tuesday’s (5/5) Boston Globe, Steve Smith writes that Keith Lockhart “was the talk of the town at 35, hired by the Boston Symphony Orchestra in 1995 to lead the Boston Pops…. You saw his smile everywhere … radiating out from billboards and advertisements. His story was irresistible: the energetic, charismatic new conductor … the youthful artist meant to help transform one of the world’s most storied symphonic institutions…. Along with his technical skill and versatility as a musician, Lockhart’s capacity for reaching a broad range of audience members across an equally broad range of circumstances—from Fourth of July extravaganzas … to quieter events no less meaningful at Boston Children’s Hospital—have earned him the respect of his players.” Former Massachusetts governor Deval Patrick notes, “The Pops is part of who we are in this community. It’s a part of our own way of seeing ourselves, and it’s a part of what we project to the rest of the world. And what Keith brings is keeping it current and youthful, because he’s so current and youthful.” The article includes comments from Lockhart, BSO Music Director Andris Nelsons, and Assistant Principal Bassist Lawrence Wolfe.
Posted May 6, 2015
