Soundcheck

Barbie at the symphony

Making Orchestra Pops Concerts Hip

Friday, May 18, 2007

As many summer pops series attempt to reach a coveted younger demographic, some orchestras are turning to indie rock bands for their headlining acts. Still others are introducing programs like "Video Games Live," "Symphonic Harry Potter" AND "Barbie at the Symphony." Today, guests including Boston Pops music director Keith Lockhart and the Decemberists' Colin Meloy explain how orchestras are reinventing a hallowed tradition. Also: the experimental art-pop group CocoRosie talks about recording music in a bathtub, haunted houses and other strange occurrences.

Listen to the whole show

Making Pops Concerts A Hit

With summer just around the corner, outdoor pops concerts can’t be far behind. But this year, pops orchestras aren’t only trotting out the Broadway show tunes, film scores, and light classical pieces. Several American orchestras this summer are presenting indie rock bands. Joining us to explain this emerging trend are Colin Meloy, the leader of the Decemberists; and Keith Lockhart, music director of the Boston Pops. And with us other developments in the pops field is Kendra Whitlock, the Vice President and General Manager of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra.

The Boston Pops' "PopSearch" competition