Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular

The 2022 Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular, under the direction of Keith Lockhart, will showcase performances by an extraordinary lineup of guest artists, including music icon and ten-time Grammy Award winner Chaka Khan, The Voice series premiere winner Javier Colon, and Tony and Grammy Award winner Heather Headley, complementing a rich program of patriotic favorites, featuring the Tanglewood Festival Chorus (TFC), the Middlesex County Volunteers Fifes & Drums, and the Honor Guard of the Massachusetts 54th Volunteer Regiment. Those selections include “The Star-Spangled Banner” to open the show, the ever-popular Patriotic Sing-Along, and “The Stars and Stripes Forever,” bringing the music portion of the program to an end prior to the grand finale fireworks display over the Charles River. The musical tribute to the people of Ukraine will include the Ukrainian National Anthem followed by Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture, the event’s signature work with its universal message of freedom and triumph over adversity.

A Stephen Sondheim tribute, to mark the legendary composer’s passing this year, will include an orchestral arrangement of “Comedy Tonight” from A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, and a Sondheim medley featuring “Our Time” from Merrily We Roll Along and “Children Will Listen” from Into the Woods, performed by Ms. Headley, the Boston Pops, and the Tanglewood Festival Chorus (James Burton, conductor).

The program also includes a special work for chorus and orchestra by Julius Williams. “Those Heroes Who Healed the Nation” was commissioned as a chamber ensemble piece for the recent rededication ceremony (June 1) of the restored Robert Gould Shaw and Massachusetts 54th Regiment Memorial, located on the Boston Common and created by Augustus Saint-Gaudens in commemoration of one of the most famous Black regiments to have served in the American Civil War. In honor of this group of extraordinarily brave soldiers, the Massachusetts National Guard’s Honor Guard was re-designated the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Regiment (Selected Honor Guard) in a ceremony at Boston’s State House presided over by Governor Baker in 2008. The July 4 performance will be the world premiere of the orchestra version of Mr. Williams‘ work.

A new work by Randol Bass for fifes, drums, and orchestra will receive its world-premiere performance with the Middlesex County Volunteers Fifes Drums. In addition, Mr. Bass’ arrangement of “America, We’re Proud to Serve”-a tribute to our country’s military men and women that showcases the official songs of five of six branches of the armed services, Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard-will feature the Tanglewood Festival Chorus and orchestra.