WMU News

Boston Pops Christmas comes to Miller Auditorium

Dec. 3, 2002

KALAMAZOO -- Western Michigan University's Miller Auditorium presents Boston Pops Christmas Saturday, Dec. 7, beginning at 8 p.m.

Ticket range from $40 to 67 and may be ordered by calling the Miller Auditorium Ticket Office at (269) 387-2300 or toll free (800) 228-9858. Tickets may also be ordered online at <www.millerauditorium.com> or by visiting the Miller Auditorium Ticket Office, the Epic Center Box Office in downtown Kalamazoo, or the WMU Bookstore on Center Court in Crossroads Mall in Portage.

In 1995, Keith Lockhart was named the 20th conductor of the Boston Pops Orchestra. At age 35, Lockhart is only the third conductor to lead the orchestra since 1929, when Arthur Fiedler began his unprecedented 50 years as conductor of the orchestra. Under Lockhart, the orchestra received its first Grammy nomination when "The Celtic Album" was nominated for best classical crossover recording in 1999. In 2001, "The Latin Album" received a Latin Grammy nod for best pop instrumental album.

Since its first concerts in 1885, the Boston Pops has become an American institution. Through its pioneering concerts at Boston's Symphony Hall, extensive touring, and standard-bearing recording and broadcast history, the Boston Pops has brought great music to audiences around the world, and, in many ways, has redefined how classical music could reach a mass audience. Originally modeled after lighter summer concerts in Europe, the Boston Symphony Orchestra's "Pops" concerts soon took on their own personality.

The Pops introduced Americans to the now widespread tradition of cafe-style concerts, with audience members sitting at tables, able to enjoy light refreshments and beverages during the performance. The Emmy Award-winning "Evening at Pops," now in its 33rd year, airs nationally on PBS throughout the summer, and the annual "Pop Goes the Fourth!" special is seen on the A&E television channel.

Boston Pops Christmas is presented by Coca-Cola, WKFR and WOTV.

Media contact: Krista Iles, 269 387-2298, krista.iles@wmich.edu


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