2020 Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular canceled due to the coronavirus
The annual Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular and concert has been canceled, but the orchestra will still provide a broadcast on July 4.
One of Boston’s most beloved traditions will not go forward as planned this summer.
The Boston Pops announced Friday afternoon that its annual Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular and concert held on the Charles River Esplanade will not proceed as planned due to the coronavirus pandemic. Instead, the Pops will present “A Boston Pops Salute to Our Heroes,” a pre-recorded broadcast that will both carry on the orchestra’s Fourth of July tradition and honor those who have lost their lives during the COVID-19 crisis.
According to a press release, “A Boston Pops Salute to Our Heroes” will feature a mix of newly created content from the Boston Pops and guest artists, as well as highlights from recent broadcasts of fireworks spectaculars from years past. The special will air on Bloomberg Television, Bloomberg Radio, and Boston’s WHDH-TV, on Saturday, July 4, starting at 8 p.m.
“While disappointed not to be able to present our traditional live concert on the Charles River Esplanade, we are putting all our energies into developing a truly special commemorative broadcast event,” Pops conductor Keith Lockhart said in the release. “We hope A Boston Pops Salute to Our Heroes will bring viewers and listeners the consolation, comfort, and inspiration we all seek during these challenging times. Please join us as we show our appreciation for the heroes of this epic crisis and celebrate the meaningful messages of Independence Day that unite us as citizens of this great and beautifully diverse country.”
The Boston Symphony Orchestra previously announced that its spring Pops season, a planned celebration of Lockhart’s 25th year as conductor, had been canceled.
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