The Boston Pops play for children at Franciscan Children's Hospital in Brighton. Photo: WBZ News Radio / Emma Friedman
BOSTON (WBZ News Radio) – The Boston Pops took time on Tuesday to get out of Symphony Hall and bring the music to those who can’t travel to see a show, playing for the children at Franciscan Children’s Hospital in Brighton.
“I have to say for a lot of us, in what is a very busy month in Symphony Hall, this is many of our favorite moments,” said conductor Keith Lockhart. “It is a real chance to see the impact you can make.”
The Pops encouraged the children to sing along, even allowed some to become part of the concert by using “jingle sticks” to join in on the music making.
The Franciscan Children’s Hospital treats children with complex medical conditions, special education needs, and mental health challenge. Some families are there in their darkest days, but this music brought light.
“You see immediately the impact that the music has on people. On their expressions, on their bodies. People start dancing and singing and clapping,” said Pops horn player Rachel Childers.
Often horn players like Childers can end up somewhere in the back, away from the audience. When the orchestra gets the chance to get out into the community, she gets to be right next to people enjoying her music.
“The feedback we get is just so amazing,” she said.
Lockhart says for so many of the parents in the group, this experience means just that much more.
“The chance to get out of our wonderful, comfortable spot in Symphony Hall and do something good for the community is something that means a lot to all of us," Lockhart said.
The group also travelled to Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital to share the music with adults facing long recoveries as well.
"It is a real chance to see the impact you can make, that music can make."
WBZ NewsRadio’s Emma Friedman (@EmmaFriedmanWBZ) reports.