Detail: The Boston Pops introduced Americans to the now widespread tradition of the café-style concert, in which the audience sits at tables and is served from a menu of light refreshments while listening to the music. The Boston Pops also introduced a three-part program format that has been widely imitated: an opening section of light classical music, a middle section featuring a classical or popular soloist, and a conclusion featuring music such as Broadway show tunes, film music, hits from the big band era, and patriotic favorites. Since his appointment in February 1995, Keith Lockhart has led the Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra on 28 tours of the United States, and made two Carnegie Hall appearances with the Boston Pops Orchestra.
