The Boston Pops Orchestra, founded in 1885, is an American orchestra based in Boston, specializing in light classical and popular music. It was established as an offshoot of the Boston Symphony Orchestra by Henry Lee Higginson, who envisioned concerts of lighter music to provide summer employment for the musicians. Originally known as the "Promenade Concerts," these performances evolved into what is now known as the "Pops" concerts, officially adopting the name in 1900.

The orchestra's first conductor was Adolf Neuendorff, and it had 17 conductors before Arthur Fiedler took over in 1930. Fiedler, the first American-born conductor of the orchestra, led the Boston Pops for nearly 50 years, expanding its popularity through recordings, radio, and television appearances. Under his direction, the orchestra became a national icon.

John Williams succeeded Fiedler in 1980, bringing his Hollywood acclaim and expanding the orchestra's repertoire. Williams continued the tradition of recording and introduced live orchestral accompaniment to film clips, many featuring his own scores.

Since 1995, Keith Lockhart has served as the principal conductor. Lockhart has broadened the orchestra's appeal by incorporating a wide range of musical styles and featuring artists from various entertainment sectors. He has led the orchestra in numerous tours, television shows, and recordings, maintaining the Boston Pops' reputation for diverse and engaging performances.

The Boston Pops is renowned for its annual performances at Symphony Hall and the Hatch Memorial Shell on the Esplanade every Fourth of July, where they famously perform Tchaikovsky's "1812 Overture" with fireworks and howitzer cannons, and Sousa's "The Stars and Stripes Forever" with the unfurling of the American flag. The orchestra continues to be a beloved institution, offering a blend of classical and popular music to audiences in Boston and beyond.