Pops on the Heights is a cherished tradition in the Boston College community. For nearly 30 years, every fall the Boston Pops Orchestra comes to campus to perform with a world-renowned guest artist as the signature event of Parents Weekend. Tickets and tables to the event sell out every year, as the event also serves as a fundraiser for scholarship support for the university, raising more than $12.3 million in 2019.
Due to public health precautions, we shifted the 2020 event to be a virtual gala called “Pops Off the Heights.” The event segments were pre-recorded and live streamed on the same date that would have been our in-person Pops, providing access to a significantly wider audience than is usually possible with the limited capacity of our venue, Conte Forum. The event was incredibly well-received by alumni and friends, many citing how important it was to engage in time-honored traditions at a time when the world felt so uncertain, and what a comfort seeing the campus was when travel is so restricted. The change in format also allowed for the inclusion of an additional student performer, a Zoom call between our guest performer (Josh Groban) and our student performers, and remarks from esteemed alumni who may not have been available for a live event.
From the Judges
Well executed and strong engagement during and after the event.
