The Boston Pops tries something new this year, launching a new multimedia fall concert series. With six exciting shows, the series features the music of John Williams, circus acts, and Halloween-themed musical concerts. Following the close of the BSO’s summer season at Tanglewood, Symphony Hall roars back to life with two exciting film programs featuring Keith Lockhart and the Boston Pops performing iconic scores by John Williams.
On Sept. 5 and 6, at 7:30 p.m.
, it’s “Star Wars: The Force Awakens in Concert.” Lockhart and the Pops present the 2015 film with a live performance of Williams’ beloved score. This will be the first time the film (Episode VII of the “Star Wars” series) has been screened in concert at Symphony Hall.
Directed by J.J. Abrams, the film earned five Academy Award nominations including for Best Original Score and Best Visual Effects.
On Sept. 7, at 7:30 p.m.
and Sept. 8, at 2 p.m.
, audiences will be treated to “A Grand Suite from “Harry Potter,” which recounts the story of “the boy who lived” through a vivid narration by well-known Boston actress Paula Plum, set to a sampling of Williams’ most magical music from the beloved franchise and performed by Lockhart and the Pops. This will be the first presentation of this program at Symphony Hall. The program will also feature other well-known favorites from Williams’ staggering body of work.
Next, as part of the trio of Opening Weekend events celebrating the start of the BSO’s 2024–25 season, Lockhart and the Pops are joined by members of the internationally acclaimed Cirque de la Symphonie in a thrilling spectacle to delight all ages. On Sept. 20 at 7:30 p.
m., returning for the first time since 2017, “Cirque Goes to the Cinema” combines the peerless artistry of Cirque de la Symphonie’s troupe of world-class circus performers with that of the Pops conducted by Lockhart. Aerial flyers, acrobats, contortionists, dancers, jugglers, balancers, and strongmen tumble and fly as the orchestra plays timeless music from the Silver Screen.
The fusion of these two great art forms offers a multi-dimensional entertainment extravaganza. Finally, this fall’s Symphony Hall schedule includes three programs presented by the Pops that celebrate Halloween and the Day of the Dead. On Oct.
30 at 7:30 p.m., it’s “Nosferatu: Symphony of Horror.
” Organist Brett Miller provides live solo accompaniment to F.W. Murnau’s 1922 genre-defining horror classic: the silent film “Nosferatu,” with a story inspired by Bram Stoker’s “Dracula.
’’ The celebrated film stars Max Schreck as Count Orlok, a vampire who preys upon the wife of his estate agent, bringing a plague to their town. Please note: This program does not include an orchestra. On Oct.
31 and Nov. 2, 7:30 p.m.
, Lockhart and the Pops present Disney’s “Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas in Concert’’ which follows the earnest-but-misguided adventures of Jack Skellington, Halloween Town’s beloved Pumpkin King. The 1993 stop-motion animated film was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Visual Effects. The series also includes a Nov.
1, 7:30 p.m., concert entitled “ Celebrating El Día de Muertos – The Day of the Dead.
” Lockhart and the Pops honor the Mexican holiday. Rooted in the indigenous tradition, El Día de Muertos intertwines life and death in a beautiful tapestry of remembrance and reverence. With traditional Latin American music, food, and festive decorations, the program will be a feast for the senses and a celebration of Latino culture.
Both subscriptions and single tickets to the 2024–25 BSO season including these Pops concerts are available to purchase by calling 888-266-1200 or visiting bso.org. MUSIC, MUSIC, MUSIC: Lots is going on musically around the region, and we encourage you to check your favorite venue for late summer ideas.
A few that interested us include an Elton John tribute concert on Tuesday, Aug. 20, at 8 p.m.
at The Strand in Dover, N.H. Performed by Tom Cridland’s premier Elton John tribute band, you’ll hear such hits as “Bennie and the Jets,” “Rocket Man,” and “Candle in the Wind.
” Visit www.eventbrite.com/e/toms-elton-tribute-at-the-strand-tickets-824883989217 for tickets .
.. Bring your instrument and/or your voice and join the weekly Sing & Jam every Thursday, 7-10 p.
m., at the Parish Center for the Arts, 10 Lincoln St., Westford.
$5 suggested cover fee for drop-in programs. And on the third Friday of the month, bring your banjo, fiddle, voice or just come watch the Bluegrass Jam, 7-10 p.m.
, again at the Parish Center. Everyone has a great time. Visit www.
pcawestford.org or call 978-692-6333 for full lineup ..
. Sign up for Free Class Day at Groton Hill Music, Old Ayer Road, Groton, on Saturday, Sept. 14, 9 a.
m.-5 p.m.
Over 25 classes for all ages and abilities are offered. No experience is necessary. Sign up by Sept.
6 to secure your spot. Visit grotonhill.org/pages/free-class-day-2024/ for info and to sign up.
CANNON KIDS: “Ricky Rock’s Record Hour” is the kids’ and teens’ summer program at Devens-based Cannon Theatre. You can catch the final product at performances next Thursday and Friday, Aug. 22-23 at 7 p.
m. or at the matinee on Thursday, Aug. 22 at 4 p.
m. Performances at Cannon’s 28 Andrews Parkway space. Visit www.
TheCannonTheatre.org for details. Nancye Tuttle’s email is nancyedt@verizon.
net..
