Pops bring patriotic show to Conte families

On a normal Friday night in Conte Forum, one would feel something in the air: the tension of a close game, the chills from the ice (or from that annoying BU hockey fan), or the smell of greasy popcorn that never seems to come out of one’s hair.

But last Friday, something else was in the air in Conte Forum: Patriotism.

Maybe it was because the Army game was 14 hours away. Maybe it was the red, white and blue balloons waiting to fall to the floor. Maybe it was the presence of Senator Ted Kennedy in the audience. But it was probably the strong feeling of unity that the nation felt.

The section behind the stage was filled with the University Chorale of Boston College and the Cadet Glee Club of the United States Military Academy. With maroon banners draped behind them, towering red lights and images of blue and white stars, the harmonies of these groups jelled behind the center stage act of the renowned Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra.

Conducted by Bruce Han-gen, the Pops captured the attention of the sold-out arena. Transformed by maroon linens, dispersed votive candles, and gourmet boxed dinners under the bleacher seats, Conte was a perfect setting for an evening of musical classics. Though the Pops have a diverse repertoire, their greatest moments touched closer to home. The most poignant moment of the night was its beginning. After a soulful rendition of “The Star Spangled Banner,” the vocalists and full orchestra led the standing crowd in a moment of silence for those affected by the terrorist attacks.

Amidst a sea of blue glow sticks and tiny candles, the audience viewed a slideshow of rescue workers, the Wall of Prayers, missing firefighters and a nation draped in flags. The Pops then drifted into a night of exceptional symphonic harmonies. Somber melodies such as “When Jesus Wept” were subtly carried by brass and woodwind sections, with the Pops’ signature string section carrying many other pieces. Familiar swing classics such as Glenn Miller’s “In the Mood,” and “Sing, Sing, Sing,” drew audience participation.

The Chorale also showed their distinction with dramatic crescendos and accented notes in songs such as “Ave form-osissima” and “O Fortuna.”

The performance of guest singer Anthony Kearns, one of the three “Irish Tenors,” was a high point of the evening. Kearns sang moving renditions of “La donna e mobile,” from a famous Italian opera. The dramatic melody and message from father-to-son in “Danny Boy” was infused with soul by Kearns’ beautiful voice.

The ninth annual Pops on the Heights raised close to $1.3 million for 119 student scholarship awards. The night ended with plenty of audience participation, prompted by conductor Hangen. Spirited arrangements of “This Land is Your Land,” and “Let There Be Peace on Earth,” incorporated the dynamic styles of the orchestra.

In the finale, the Chorale lightly carried the first verse of “America the Beautiful.” Female voices echoed through the forum, soon joined by all vocal groups and soft instrumental accompaniment. The evening ended with BC’s own “For Boston,” and Sousa’s “Brave Old Army Team,” along with a traditional balloon drop of red, white and blue.

Pops on the Heights turned a sports arena into an elegant theater. Honoring victims and filling the air with patriotism, BC families echoed their pride to the nation.