SIDNEY — When the Boston Symphony decided to present concerts of light music they turned to Arthur Fiedler, then a violinist in the Orchestra, to create the Boston Pops.
These concerts became so popular they were broadcast on radio and TV across North America. Their success was based upon a repertoire of light classics, combined with popular music and compositions specially written for the Orchestra by Leroy Anderson.
When Fiedler retired, the baton was taken over by film composer John Williams who continued the tradition.
The Boston Pops continues today under the direction of Keith Lockhart who is also the conductor of the BBC Concert Orchestra in London, England.
For its tribute to the Boston Pops, conductor Charles Job and the Palm Court Light Orchestra will be playing a selection of Leroy Anderson’s music including The Syncopated Clock, The Typewriter and The Sandpaper Ballet. They will also be presenting light music by Canadian icon Robert Farnon. Farnon, born in Toronto, led the Canadian Armed Forces Band during the Second World War, remained in the U.K. and became famous for his original compositions, radio and TV shows, recordings and arrangements for Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett and George Shearing.
In order to present an authentic tribute to the Boston Pops, the Orchestra has included Henry Mancini’s Moon River, Emil Waldteufel’s Skaters Waltz and Francis Lai’s theme from Love Story. Soloists will perform Ennio Morricone’s Gabriel’s Oboe from the film The Mission and concertmaster Pablo Diemecke will perform John Williams’ moving violin solo from Schindler’s List.
The Palm Court Light Orchestra Boston Pops Tribute at the Charlie White Theatre is Tuesday, Dec. 10 at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are available from the Mary Winspear box office by calling 250-656-0275.
— Submitted