The second half opened with a brilliant performance by McGovern featuring memorable hits from Hammerstein's and Berlin's Broadway songbook fused with McGovern's own jazzy, soulful style. Nothing short of phenomenal, McGovern's performance was perhaps one of the pinnacles of Friday night's gala and left the crowd singing along to familiar tunes from The Sound of Music and Annie Get Your Gun.
Yet, Williams certainly left the best for last. From the opening celesta solo in "Hedwig's Theme" from the Harry Potter film series to the grand finale of the score from Steven Spielberg's E.T. The Extra Terrestrial, Williams kept the crowd riveted with his world-renown film tracks that have enriched cinema classics over the last 30 years. Above the stage, as the Pops performed the music, a screen showcased clips from the featured films, thereby demonstrating Williams' mastery for composing scores that enhance the overall cinema experience.
After performing excerpts from Harry Potter, Williams conducted a medley to film directors George Lucas and Steven Spielberg with the chilling, pulsing score from Jaws and the majestic themes from Stars Wars, Raiders of the Lost Ark, and E.T, while the audience conducted along with miniature "lightsabers" in a sea of red and yellow illuminating Conte Forum. Closing the night, the Pops performed BC's fight song "For Boston" and classic Sousa medley "Stars and Stripes Forever" to thundering applause and a standing ovation.
After the performance, BC parent Mary Maher said, "It was spectacular! It was just unbelievable to see him in real life. He is just so talented, not to mention so handsome." Lindsey Hennawi, A&S '11, followed up with "Is he single?"
The concert organizers said that the evening was a phenomenal success. In a record-breaking year, the University raised $2 million for need-based scholarships for BC students, thereby making Pops on the Heights the largest fundraiser for the University. Concert organizer Renee LeBlanc said, "No other school can say that they have the Pops or the Boston Symphony Orchestra come to campus and put on this kind of performance." She also added "None of this would be possible without the leadership of Pops on the Heights chairman and BC trustees associate James F. Cleary. He's just one of a kind."
This year's Pops on the Heights definitely hit the high note and hopefully BC will continue to provide enriching opportunities like this one to the Heights community for years to come.
Spring Break
