Boston Pops Seeks “Over the Rainbow” Videos

Yesterday someone from a certain local nationally-known orchestra contacted me with news about the its new Oz-related project:

To pay respect to the shared cultural heritage of the American Songbook, the Boston Pops is asking for video submissions of fans singing “Over the Rainbow” for inclusion in a video collage to be shown at Boston Pops performances throughout the season.

Voted number one on the RIAA and NEA’s “Songs of the Century” list, Harold Arlen [and Yip Harburg]’s “Over the Rainbow” is an American Songbook selection that unites generations and ties the 2011 Spring Pops Season together—from the Opening Night Judy Garland tribute to the finale “Triple Crown” performance celebrating America’s Heartland.

The signature Boston Pops sing-along has long been an audience favorite, so this year the orchestra is opening the sing-along to a national choir. Participants of all ages can submit video of themselves singing “Over the Rainbow,” by adding a video to YouTube and emailing a link and contact info to overtherainbow@bso.org.

Videos will be featured on the Boston Pops YouTube channel, on the Boston Pops website, and at Boston Pops performances throughout the season. All video submissions are due by Saturday, April 26, 2011.

The Pops’ season opens on 11 May with a tribute to Judy Garland featuring singer Linda Eder. Accompanied by the orchestra under the direction of Keith Lockhart, she’ll perform “By Myself,” “Me and My Shadow,” “Zing! Went the Strings of My Heart,” and of course “Over the Rainbow.”