When the Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra comes out to play at Wolf Trap next Wednesday, August 20, audience members won't be hearing the traditional works of Mozart, Beethoven or Holst but rather those of Elvis, the Beatles and Carole King to name a few.
The appropriately named Baby Boomer Bash Tour will feature medleys of pop tunes from yesteryear (and even a few recent songs) as well as the expected classical selection such as Wagner's "Ride of the Valkyries" and the overture to Rossini's "Barber of Seville," both of which baby boomers will recall from classic Warner Bros. cartoons of their youth. The Pops will also perform excerpts from Leonard Bernstein's "West Side Story Symphonic Dances."
"The core of our audience is definitely the baby boomer generation," said 43-year-old Pops conductor Keith Lockhart. "Leonard Bernstein is the guy who made classical music cool for our generation."
Despite the show’s theme, Chris Guerre, manager of media relations at Wolf Trap, thinks the shows’ audience will be a broad one.
“This is the Pops’ 11th show here and this one especially is for all ages- kids and older folks,” Guerre said.
Lockhart took over as conductor in 1995 from composer John Williams, who has scored such films as "Star Wars," "Indiana Jones," and "Harry Potter." Lockhart himself has a few honors under his belt, including leading the Pops in the pregame show of Super Bowl XXXVI, marking the first appearance of an orchestra at a Super Bowl.
"Of course, that was the year that the Patriots won, so we like to feel like we had a little something to do with that," he said.
He also appeared with the Utah Symphony, of which he is music director, at the Opening Ceremonies of the Winter Olympic Games in Salt Lake City last year.
Sylvia Alimena, music director of the McLean Orchestra and one time Boston Pops member, admires Lockhart and his attempts to modernize and broaden the Pop’s appeal.
“I think he’s trying to attract younger audiences which is essential to the future of Pops music,” Alimena said. “I think it’s always courageous to try something new… It’s easy to do the same old thing but it takes a lot of forethought to do what he’s done.”
Ironically, Lockhart said he doesn't listen to music often in his spare time.
"I don't listen to a lot," he said. "Music is my job, so when I come home for the day, sometimes I just like to avoid it."
He is, however, a fan of many modern singer/songwriters such as Norah Jones, James Taylor, Sheryl Crow and Bruce Springsteen.
"I actually grew up in a rather non-musical household," Lockhart said. "I think it helped me develop a broad appreciation of music and the Boston Pops job certainly requires versatility."
As for the future, the Pops are planning a Christmas tour and to keep brining "good music to the people," Lockhart said. For now, the focus is on the Baby Boomer Bash.
"You haven't heard anything till you've heard 5,000 people singing along to Green Acres. It's a lot of fun."
Tickets for the Baby Boomer Bash are $18-$45 and can be purchased by calling Tickets.com at 703-218-6500, or online at www.wolftrap.org.