It’s hard to say which part of the Holiday Pops was the best. Every single performance stood out on its own. However, if there was a single thing that grasped everyone’s attention, the part of the concert that really took it to another level was “A Christmas Carol” with the orchestra behind it every step of the way.
The Holiday Pops started its run in 1973 and is still going strong. Its debut this year was on Dec. 5, 2017, and is continuing its run until Dec. 24 with a special New Year’s performance on Dec. 31.
The Holiday Pops, conducted by Keith Lockhart, filled the Symphony Hall with holiday music favorites. There was even an appearance from Santa Claus, his merry old self.
Accompanying the Boston Pops, Lockhart, and Santa was a beautifully decorated hall highlighted by great lighting.
I was fortunate enough to attend the show on Dec. 9, the first snowfall this season, and what a way to really get into the holiday spirit. The show really brought the feeling of what Christmas is meant to be: the colors, the lights, and the sounds were a great blend that brought out nostalgic memories of childhood. The music was already at a high level, but the lighting just seemed to go with the mood present. Imagine closing your eyes with music that created visions of snow, bells, and sleighs!
After some wonderful music such as “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” or “Tomorrow is My Dancing Day,” came ” A Christmas Carol,” narrated by Will Lebow with beautiful illustrations by P.J. Lynch. It was as if reading a graphic novel with a soundtrack to go along with it—what a thing of beauty that moment was. The illustrations were so well done: it had beautiful color with a very rustic style that brought the whole story to life.
Ebenezer Scrooge is a staple for Christmas, both for his greediness and for his courage to change. This was a well-timed reminder of how we can get so caught up with our own lives that we forget to help those around us, to give each other thanks and presents from the heart. The concert also featured another illustration of the “‘Twas the Night before Christmas.” That was another classic with a very jovial narration that ignited laughter from the crowd.
Another standout was the performance of “The Twelve Days of Christmas,” which Lockhart jokingly claimed to be the best edition of the song yet. He might just be onto something here.
The Boston Pops added nuances that brought a different feel to the classic. They managed to add different melodies from different songs, such as Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody,” into the song. There were numbers from different members of the Boston Pops displaying the different days of Christmas and the gifts—it was hilarious to see the reactions and joyful acts throughout the performance.
Watching the concert from the cabaret-style tables, one can really feel part of the show. There were times where we all would clap with the music. By the end of it, most crowd members were singing endless Christmas classics. It was a night to remember.
If the holidays haven’t kicked in yet, this is the concert to ignite that feeling.