| This September, pre-season Symphony Hall activity spotlights the Boston Pops, under the direction of Keith Lockhart, which will present two special programs: on Sept. 22 and 23, A John Williams Tribute, featuring beloved film score music and exclusive interviews by the Boston Pops Laureate Conductor, ranging from The Towering Inferno (1974) to Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015), and on Sept. 23 and 24, Star Wars: The Story in Music, which includes music from all nine Star Wars films. Tickets go on sale beginning on Tuesday, June 20 at 10 a.m.
These two programs anticipate the Pops’ upcoming Japan tour, which will encompass seven concerts in Tokyo and Osaka, from Oct. 6–13. For the September performances of the John Williams Tribute at Symphony Hall, the Boston Pops and Lockhart are excited to welcome two talented young artists who will also appear with the Pops in Japan: violinist Moné Hattori and pianist Hayato Sumino. More details about the Pops’ Oct. 2023 Japan tour may be found in the online press kit.
Born in Tokyo, the 22-year-old Hattori has been described as “dazzling beyond her years” with playing touted as “utter perfection, emotionally touching and passionate, enthusing with radiance, musicality, and perfect technique” (BBC Music Magazine). The classically trained Sumino, who was a semifinalist at the prestigious XVII International Chopin Piano Competition in 2021, has also cultivated a devoted YouTube fan base with his unique arrangements and jazzy improvisations, performed under the name “Canteen.”
“It’s always a pleasure to perform film music from our very own Boston Pops Laureate Conductor John Williams with the extra bonus of introducing two exciting and young Japanese artists to Boston,” says Boston Pops Conductor Keith Lockhart. “Naturally, we’re also excited for the opportunity to share this incredible music with our fans throughout Japan, which we haven’t visited since 2002. Taking ‘America’s Orchestra’ on tour to perform for audiences around the world remains one of my great privileges as Boston Pops conductor.”
Complementing the music-making for the John Williams Tribute is exclusive interview footage with John Williams, who was Boston Pops conductor from 1980 through 1993. Williams celebrated his 91st birthday in February. In 2023, Williams was also nominated for his 53rd Academy Award, setting a record for both the total number and the age of the nominee, for his original score for Steven Spielberg’s film The Fabelmans.
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CONCERT LISTING: SEPTEMBER 2023 SYMPHONY HALL PERFORMANCES BY THE BOSTON POPS
Friday, Sept. 22, 8 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 23, 2 p.m.
Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra
Keith Lockhart, conductor
Moné Hattori, violin [Sept. 22 only]
Hayato Sumino, piano [Sept. 23 only]
A John Williams Tribute
Experience the awe and excitement of cinema’s greatest music featuring the scores of the Boston Pops’ own John Williams, led by Keith Lockhart and including film excerpts and exclusive interview footage featuring John Williams discussing his work.
Saturday, Sept. 23, 8 p.m.
Sunday, Sept. 24, 2 p.m.
Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra
Keith Lockhart, conductor
Star Wars: The Story in Music
Join Keith Lockhart and the Boston Pops as they perform the most extraordinary music from all nine Star Wars movies—tracing the sprawling saga, gripping adventure, and unforgettable characters. This is a must for all Star Wars fans and film music aficionados.
How to Purchase Tickets
Tickets may be purchased through bso.org, by calling 888-266-1200, or by visiting the Symphony Hall Box Office. Tickets for these Sept. Pops programs go on sale on June 20 at 10 a.m.; tickets for the BSO’s 2023–24 season, which begins on Oct. 5, go on sale Aug. 1. Please note the Sept. Pops concerts will have symphony-style seating.
Accessibility
Accessible seats and other accommodations are available for all patrons. Accommodations can be made by calling 617-638-9431 or email [email protected]. For more information, visit bso.org/accessibility.
Sponsorships
Longstanding major corporate partner Bank of America returns as the BSO Lead Season Sponsor for the 2023–24 season.
The BSO is proud to announce that the Arbella Insurance Foundation, a longtime sponsor, is continuing its major sponsorship for the 18th season as the Music For All Sponsor, supporting new audience development initiatives. The BSO is delighted to have Fairmont Copley Plaza continue its 22nd season as the Official Hotel of the BSO. The BSO is thrilled to welcome back Genesis Motor America as a season sponsor and the Official Vehicle of the BSO. |
