The Boston Pops Go Folk with Massachusetts Music

The Boston Pops have announced a new album that will focus on folk music from Massachusetts. The album will feature traditional songs as well as contemporary pieces written by Massachusetts composers.

Introduction

Massachusetts is one of the most musically diverse states in the country. From the world-renowned Boston Symphony Orchestra to the vibrant folk scene in the Berkshires, there is something for everyone. The Boston Pops are no exception. This holiday season, they are teaming up with some of the state’s most talented folk musicians to bring you a truly unique concert experience.

The Pops will be joined by acclaimed fiddler Mark O’Connor, banjo player Béla Fleck, and mandolinist Chris Thile for an evening of traditional and contemporary folk music. The program will feature both solo and ensemble performances, as well as some of the Pops’ signature holiday favorites. Whether you’re a fan of classical music or folk, this is a concert not to be missed.

The Boston Pops and Folk Music

The Boston Pops has announced its 2017 summer lineup, and it includes a special focus on folk music from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The orchestra will be joined by several folk artists from the state for a series of concerts celebrating the music and culture of Massachusetts.

The Pops will kick off its season on May 23 with a performance of traditional Irish music, featuring folk singer Aoife O’Donovan and fiddler Eileen Ivers. The orchestra will also perform a concert dedicated to the music of American composer Aaron Copland, featuring works such as “Appalachian Spring” and “Fanfare for the Common Man.”

Other highlights of the season include performances of popular film scores such as “E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial,” “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest,” and “Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope.” The Pops will also team up with world-renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma for a special concert featuring works by Johann Sebastian Bach.

Tickets for the Boston Pops 2017 season go on sale April 3. For more information, visit the Pops website or call (617) 266-1492.

The History of Folk Music in Massachusetts

Folk music has been a part of Massachusetts culture since the English settled in the 1600s. The Puritans who came over on the Mayflower brought with them music from England, Scotland and Ireland that they sang in their homes and churches. This music was passed down from generation to generation, and over time it developed into a uniquely American form of folk music.

One of the first popular folk songs in Massachusetts was “Yankee Doodle,” which was written during the Revolutionary War. The song became a symbol of American pride, and it is still sung today by the Boston Pops Orchestra during their annual Fourth of July concert.

Other popular folk songs from Massachusetts include “The Massachusetts Waltz,” “The Red Sox are Winning Again” and “Streets of Boston.” These songs capture the spirit of the state and its people, and they are sure to get your toes tapping!

The Influence of Folk Music on the Boston Pops

The Boston Pops has a long-standing tradition of performing a wide variety of music, from classical to pop to folk. The orchestra’s folk music roots can be traced back to its early days under the direction of Arthur Fiedler, when the Pops would often perform arrangements of traditional folk songs. Over the years, the Pops has continued to embrace folk music, incorporating it into both holiday and non-holiday performances.

One of the most recent examples of the Pops’ commitment tofolk music came in 2016, when the orchestra released an album entitled “The Boston Pops Goes Folk,” featuring traditional folk songs from Massachusetts. The album was recorded with special guest artists including Arlo Guthrie, Judy Collins, and Peter Yarrow of Peter, Paul & Mary fame.

In a departure from its usual programming, the Pops also took its show on the road in 2016, performing a series of “pop-up” concerts at locations across Massachusetts. The concerts featured a mix of traditional folk songs and holiday classics, and were performed in a variety of unique venues including schools, community centers, and even a retirement home.

The Boston Pops’ love for folk music is evident in its ability to appeal to fans of all ages. Whether it’s performing well- known classics or introducing new works by emerging artists, the Pops always puts on a great show that is sure to please everyone in the audience.

The Future of Folk Music in Massachusetts

In the past decade, the popularity of folk music has exploded in Massachusetts. The state is home to a vibrant and ever-growing community of folk musicians, and the music scene here is as diverse as it is vibrant.

This diversity is on full display at the annual Boston Folk Festival, which has become one of the leading folk festivals in the country. The festival features a wide range of folk musicians from all over the state, and it is a showcase for the incredible talent that exists here.

The future of folk music in Massachusetts looks bright. The state is home to some of the most talented folk musicians in the country, and there is a growing audience for this type of music. With festivals like the Boston Folk Festival leading the way, it is clear thatfolk music in Massachusetts is here to stay.