Need weekend plans?
The best events in the city, delivered to your inbox
Stars abound in newly announced Boston Pops season
From Grammy winners to Broadway stars, the Boston Pops’ 2026 spring season will deliver a star-studded lineup at Symphony Hall, celebrating American music and culture.
The Boston Pops has unveiled its highly anticipated spring season, featuring world-renowned performers and unforgettable shows from May 8 to June 6 at Symphony Hall.
Under the baton of conductor Keith Lockhart, the Boston Pops’ 2026 spring season brings together an eclectic mix of music and offers a blend of iconic performances and fresh faces, with the goal of celebrating diversity of American music.
Notable highlights include Broadway star Leslie Odom, Jr., who will return for his second performance with the Boston Pops, and the multicultural “little orchestra” Pink Martini. Other big names include Ben Folds, Jon Batiste, and Jacob Collier, alongside exciting debuts like St. Vincent and Ray Chen.
Advertisement:
Tickets for all performances are available for purchase through the Boston Pops website or by calling 888-266-1200.
“I am excited about the diverse array of artists joining us for the 2026 Boston Pops season, and to have the chance to work with collaborators both familiar and new,” Lockhart shared in a press release. “In this year of America’s 250th birthday, America’s Orchestra looks forward to welcoming audiences of all ages and backgrounds to Symphony Hall for a blockbuster season.”
Opening night with violinist Ray Chen
Date: May 8-9
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Pops’ 140th season opens with Ray Chen, the internationally acclaimed violinist and social media sensation, in his Boston Pops debut.
Known for his performances with top orchestras around the world and his innovative fusion of classical and gaming music, Chen will perform a mix of classical masterpieces and pieces from his 2024 album “Player 1,” which includes music from “The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom,” “Pokémon,” and “Squid Game.”
Returning stars
Jon Batiste
Date: May 8-9
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Advertisement:
Seven-time Grammy Award-winning artist Jon Batiste will return to Symphony Hall for a highly anticipated performance.
Known for his genre-defying music and commitment to cultural exploration, Batiste will showcase tracks from his Grammy-winning album “Big Money” and more.
Though this isn’t his first time performing with the Pops, the Grammy, Academy, and Emmy Award-winning singer and composer will make his Symphony Hall debut.
Leslie Odom, Jr.
Date: May 22
Time: 7:30 p.m
The Grammy Award-winning actor and singer Leslie Odom Jr. brings his powerful vocals back to the Pops. Known for his iconic role as Aaron Burr in Hamilton, Odom will deliver an evening of Broadway classics and new hits from his live album “An Offering: Live at Speakeasy Studios.”
Pink Martini
Date: May 23
Time: 7:30 p.m
Pink Martini, the genre-blending band, returns to Boston with a vibrant mix of global pop, jazz, and Hollywood glam.
Joined by versatile guest vocalist Jimmie Herrod, a 2021 finalist on “America’s Got Talent,” this concert promises to be a celebration of diversity and musical exploration.
Ben Folds
Date: June 3
Time: 7:30 p.m
The multi-talented Ben Folds returns to Symphony Hall for an evening of his signature storytelling and vivid arrangements. The concert will also feature performances by the winners of the Fidelity Investments Young Artists Competition.
Exciting debuts
Jacob Collier
Date: May 27-28
Time: 7:30 p.m
Advertisement:
Jacob Collier, the British multi-instrumentalist and seven-time Grammy Award winner, makes his Boston Pops debut this season.
Known for his innovative live performances and collaborations with artists like Coldplay, Shawn Mendes, and Yo-Yo Ma, Collier will improvise a piece with the orchestra in real-time, drawing from his groundbreaking work with the National Symphony Orchestra in 2025 — when his live improvisation garnered more than 10 million views.
St. Vincent
Date: June 4
Time: 7:30 p.m
Three-time Grammy winner St. Vincent joins forces with conductor Jules Buckley for a transcendent concert marking both artists’ Boston Pops debuts. With her unique blend of alternative rock and experimental sounds, audiences will watch a captivating performance.
Film favorites
Star Wars: The Story in Music
Date: May 4
Time: 7:30 p.m
May the Fourth be with you … for an exclusive Boston Pops program, “Star Wars: The Story in Music.” It features John Williams’ music from all nine “Star Wars” films and includes narration by acclaimed Boston actor Jeremiah Kissel.
Film Night: Williams on Williams
Date: May 20-21
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Celebrate the legendary John Williams with a special evening of his greatest film scores, including “Harry Potter” and “Superman: The Movie.” This program also features exclusive interview footage of the composer, offering insight into the enduring influence on film music.
How To Train Your Dragon – In Concert
Date: May 30-31
Time: 7:30 p.m., 2 p.m.
Advertisement:
This family-friendly concert pairs live music with the 2010 DreamWorks film “How to Train Your Dragon,” featuring John Powell’s Oscar-nominated score performed live to picture. A thrilling adventure for all ages, this presentation brings the animated world of Vikings and dragons to life.
Closing it out with themed nights
Pride Night
Date: June 5
Alex Newell, Tony Award-winning star of Shucked, will headline Pride Night alongside the Boston Gay Men’s Chorus for a night of music celebrating the LGBTQ+ community.
32nd Annual Gospel Night
Date: June 6
Closing out the season, Tamela and David Mann return for Gospel Night, celebrating the power and spirit of gospel music. Joined by the Boston Pops Gospel Choir and conductor Charles Floyd, this concert guarantees a powerful and moving finale.
Be civil. Be kind.
Read our full community guidelines.To comment, please create a screen name in your profile
To comment, please verify your email address