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• The Boston Pops began in 1885 thanks to the vision of Civil War veteran Henry Lee Higginson, who started the Boston Symphony Orchestra four years earlier. 2020 marks the 135th season of the Boston Pops.

• He intended to present (in warmer months), “concerts of light classics and the popular music of the day.” From a practical perspective, Higginson realized that these “lighter” performances would provide year-round employment for his musicians.

• Initially called Promenade Concerts, they were informally known as “Popular Concerts” which eventually became shortened to “Pops,” which was officially adopted in 1900.