Little Pops, Orchestration

You've heard about the smaller Holiday Pops orchestra being employed after Christmas. Now, the details on the instrumentation...

Fl/Picc, Ob/EH, Clarinet, 5 saxes (with doubles), 2 hns, 4 tpts, 3 tbns, piano, bass, guitar, drums, percussion, 5 vln I, 4 vln II, 3 vla, 3 cello

TOTAL OF 37

And here's a slightly longer version of a letter that will run in our Sunday paper. It's from Paul Sullivan, an Arlington man who isn't pleased with the cuts and wants Dennis Alves, Pops director of artistic planning, to know.

December 11, 2006

Dear Mr. Alves,
I am extremely upset after reading recent Globe articles concerning the abrupt dismissal of Bruce Hangen and the player cut backs and changes to the last five of the Holiday concerts at Symphony Hall. I am particularly dismayed about the New Years Eve concert. Last year I brought four guests to see the Esplanade Orchestra under maestro Hangen perform. We had such a good time that this year I am bringing in addition to myself seven guests at a cost of $780.00 dollars. When I got the tickets months ago, the brochure specifically stated that Hangen would be conducting the full Esplanade orchestra on New Years. You can imagine my surprise when I found out I was going to hear a “dance band” and not a full orchestra. It is even more disturbing to see that this decision was made back in August, making it apparent that management had no intention of telling patrons or the public what was going on. Mr. Volpe’s remarks in the December 8th Globe article, stating he doesn’t think ticket buyers will be up set saying “ The public wants a great show. They want great festive music, and great energy.” To my mind you get that with a full symphony orchestra on stage, not some anemic little band, that will more than likely have to be miked. I will be attending holiday concerts on December 12th, 18th, 28th and New Years Eve, (the most expensive of the entire Pops Season). I for one will be extremely upset at what I will see on the 28th and especially the 31st, and you can let Volpe know that.


Paul D. Sullivan
Patron No. 210719

CC: Geoff Edgers, Boston Globe
CC: BSO/POPS Members