Each Fourth of July, the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular brings together music, tradition, celebration and community on one of Boston’s biggest stages. While audiences experience the iconic Pops performance as a joyful and seamless show, there is an incredible amount of planning, coordination, creativity and quick decision-making that happens long before the first note is played.

This panel will pull back the curtain on the Boston Pops show portion of the Spectacular, with a special focus on how the performance is shaped from early concepting through showtime. Panelists from the Boston Symphony Orchestra will share their perspective on what it takes to plan the Pops program, coordinate across partners, prepare for a large-scale outdoor performance and bring the musical experience to life for audiences on the Esplanade and beyond. 

While the conversation will center on the Pops show itself, panelists will also touch on the additional layers that contribute to the full Spectacular experience, including the live event environment, broadcast considerations and the security planning needed to support a safe and successful celebration at scale.   

From selecting the music and managing rehearsals to navigating unexpected challenges and coordinating with teams across production, public safety and media, this discussion will explore how artistry and operations come together to create one of Boston’s most beloved annual traditions.