Boston Pops to Produce July 4th Fireworks Spectacular Shows on the Esplanade

PHOTO BY STU ROSNER VIA BOSTON POPS

The beloved Boston tradition of watching Independence Day fireworks on the Esplanade isn’t going anywhere, at least for the time being.

The Boston Pops announced on Monday that outgoing executive producer David Mugar is officially passing the torch to the orchestra, which will produce the annual event starting in 2017. The Pops will take over management responsibility for Boston 4 Productions, the organization that oversaw the production for the past 43 years.

Although it’s a huge responsibility, conductor Keith Lockhart is excited for the new challenge and continuing Boston’s annual July 4th celebration.

“It’s the possibility of starting an exciting new chapter in the life of the event,” Lockhart said. “We feel confident that we can produce really, really great concerts for years to come that will delight our fans here in Massachusetts and around the country.”

In hopes of making sure the transition goes smoothly, Mugar’s longtime executive producing partners Pam Picard and Rich MacDonald will stay on to help out with the event.

While Lockhart admits that it’s “too early to tell” what next year’s show will look like exactly, the conductor assures fans that the Pops performance will remain the centerpiece of the celebration.

“I think between all of us, we’re confident that we have all the tools we need to make the show work,” he said.

Despite the loss of Mugar as executive producer, he will maintain somewhat of a presence at the event in an advisory role. The now former overseer of the Independence Day shows on the Esplanade is also confident that the Pops will maintain the traditions he started and take the event even greater heights.

“I am very pleased that the baton has been passed to the next generation,” Mugar said in a statement. “The Pops will be outstanding stewards of a Boston tradition and I know for certain will lead the event into new chapters of success.”