In celebration of the 100th Anniversary of Fenway Park today, Friday, April 20, legendary composer and conductor John Williams led musicians from the Boston Pops Orchestra in the world premiere of "Fanfare for Fenway," the maestro's special tribute to America's Most Beloved Ballpark, commissioned by the Boston Red Sox for the occasion. Boston Pops conductor Keith Lockhart was also present at the pre-game celebrations to lead the orchestra in a John Williams arrangement of "The Star Spangled Banner" and "Hymn to New England," also composed by the legendary maestro.
"Fanfare for Fenway," just over three minutes long, was recorded Saturday, March 24, at Boston's Symphony Hall, by musicians from the Boston Pops Orchestra with Williams conducting.
[ul]BOSTON POPS LAUREATE CONDUCTOR JOHN WILLIAMS AND THE BOSTON RED SOX[]
Maestro Williams is a loyal and passionate fan of the Red Sox and Fenway Park, and his music has had a long-time connection to the team and ballpark. A portion of the 2005 Opening Day Ring Ceremony, celebrating the first Red Sox Championship in 86 years, was set to a John Williams medley that featured the "Main Theme" from Star Wars, "Raiders March" from Raiders of the Lost Ark, and the "Theme" from Jurassic Park, performed by musicians from the Boston Pops. Williams' music was also featured prominently during the 2008 Opening Day Ceremony as players received their World Series Rings and the second World Championship banner in four years was hoisted to the composers "A Hymn To New England," performed by the Boston Pops Brass Ensemble. That opening ceremony also featured the "Main Theme" to Superman, "Throne and End Title" from Star Wars: Episode IV, and "Raiders March" from Raiders of the Lost Ark.
[ul]THE BOSTON POPS AND THE BOSTON RED SOX[]
The Boston Pops and the Boston Red Sox have had a storied history of working together in recent years. In 2009, the Boston Pops Orchestra released The Red Sox Album, produced in conjunction with the Boston Red Sox and Major League Baseball, on opening day of the Red Sox 2009 season. In celebration of the release, Keith Lockhart and members of the Boston Pops were featured in a performance during the Red Sox opening day festivities. Boston Pops Laureate Conductor John Williams, Boston Pops conductor Keith Lockhart, and Boston Symphony Music Director Laureate Seiji Ozawa have also had the honor of throwing out the ceremonial first pitch at a Red Sox game.
Additionally, various members of the Red Sox, both past and present, have appeared in performances at Symphony Hall including Manager Terry Francona and 1967 Cy Young Award winner Jim Lonborg. Various Pops ensembles have also performed at Fenway Park during some of the Red Sox' most memorable moments. On July 4, 2007, right in the middle of what would become a World Series-winning season for the Red Sox, Keith Lockhart led members of the Boston Pops in the "The Star-Spangled Banner." Later that fall, for Game One of the 2007 World Series, the ensemble returned to Fenway Park for another performance of the National Anthem, this time under the direction of John Williams.
For more information about Fenway Park's 100th Anniversary, visit fenwaypark100.com. For information about the Boston Pops, visit bostonpops.org.
[ul]PRESS CONTACTS:[]
Bernadette Horgan, BSO Director of Public Relations, (bhorgan@bso.org) 617-638-9285
Kathleen Drohan, BSO Assoc. Director of Public Relations, (kdrohan@bso.org) 617-638-9286