History of Boston Pops Tours

The Boston Pops and Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra (BPEO) have performed in 43 of the contiguous United States, plus Hawaii and the District of Columbia. During John Williams' tenure as Conductor of the Pops, the orchestra performed in concerts at the White House and the Lincoln Memorial as part of the Pops' centennial celebration in 1985, and the BPEO performed at the Statue of Liberty on the occasion of the monument's rededication in 1986. Williams also undertook three tours of Japan.

Since his appointment in February 1995, Boston Pops Conductor Keith Lockhart has led the BPEO on 28 tours of the United States and made two Carnegie Hall appearances with the Boston Pops Orchestra. Lockhart made his first overseas tour with the Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra to Japan and Korea in June 1997, and returned to Asia in July 2001, 2002, and 2003 for concerts in Tokyo, Osaka, and Seoul. In February 2002, Lockhart and the Boston Pops made history by becoming the first orchestra to be featured entertainment at a Super Bowl, performing a selection of patriotic favorites including the National Anthem with guest vocalist Mariah Carey, during the Super Bowl XXXVI Pregame Show. In February 2004, Lockhart led the orchestra in its first concert at the famed Radio City Music Hall since the Fiedler era, featuring Broadway star Linda Eder as special guest. Lockhart and the orchestra appeared live on national television with Sir Elton John during the NFL Season Kickoff special prior to the first game of the 2004 NFL season at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Massachusetts, in September 2004.

In addition to formal tours, the Boston Pops also has numerous engagements year-round throughout New England and annual summer appearances at Tanglewood.