“A Day in the Life” is a series where we’ll profile a variety of residents to get an intimate glimpse into their day-to-day. These are your neighbors. Get to know them.
“Don’t forget to sing… It has a wonderful effect on the soul…” – Keith Lockhart
Let’s face it – Boston in December just wouldn’t be the same without the Boston Pops holiday music. And fortunately for us, Bostonians are able to experience the annual Holiday magic up close and personal every Christmas season.
But with the Holiday Pops concert series wrapping up at Symphony Hall today (Christmas Eve), the always-busy Boston Pops Conductor Keith Lockhart will soon be celebrating the holiday with his closest family and friends.
Lockhart became conductor of the Boston Pops in 1995, and has since conducted over 1,500 Boston Pops concerts. He’s also been instrumental (no pun intended) in securing prominent jazz and indie artists to perform with the Pops. But today, on Christmas Eve, Lockhart will finally be able to fix his outdoor Christmas lights, spend time with family and even clean his office. Here, Lockhart gives BostInno a glimpse into his daily routine.
Marian White: How do you spend most mornings?
Keith Lockhart: I get up most mornings around 6:45, make the coffee and help corral and dress our two small children. They seem blissfully unaware if I was up late doing a concert the previous night.
MW: What are the top priorities on your to-do list right now?
KL: Toy assembly. Santa’s coming…soon!
MW: What is the worst part and the best part about your typical day?
KL: The best part about this time of year is the great concerts we do at Symphony Hall, and knowledge of the joy they bring to so many. The worst part is not being home and doing all the things most people do as the holidays approach.
MW: What do you enjoy most about the holiday season in Boston?
KL: The snow, which is also what I enjoy least!
MW: If you could impart one piece of advice to our readers, what would it be?
KL: Don’t forget to sing! This is the one time of year when most people forget their inhibitions and sing…at the Pops, to their children, to each other. It has a wonderful effect on the soul, and it works the other 11 months of the year, too.
MW: What would you do if you were suddenly granted a day off from work tomorrow?
KL: Clean my office…it’s a mess! Seriously, Christmas day will be my first day off from work since Thanksgiving. And I plan to spend it with my children, my family and friends. I can’t tell you how much I’m looking forward to it.
MW: What kind of music do you enjoy listening to in your spare time?
KL: I rarely listen to music in my spare time. It’s pretty much all I do in my non-spare time!
MW: If you weren’t answering my questions, what would you be doing instead?
KL: Fixing the outdoor Christmas lights! It’s raining, though, so thanks for giving me a more pleasant task.
Think you have an interesting day-to-day life or know someone who does? Send an email to marian
