Robert De Niro, Morgan Freeman, Ed Harris and Cherry Jones, narrators
Boston Pops Orchestra and Tanglewood Festival Chorus conducted by Keith Lockhart
BSO Classics BP1007



Peter Boyer was commissioned by the Boston Pops Orchestra to create a work celebrating the legacy of John, Robert, and Ted Kennedy, as the centerpiece of the Pops’ 125th anniversary season. The commission marked both the 50th anniversary of JFK’s election year, and the recent passing of Senator Ted Kennedy. The Dream Lives On pays tribute to the call to public service, drive for social change, and legacy of optimism for America’s future epitomized by the Kennedy brothers. The work was premiered at Boston’s historic Symphony Hall in May 2010.

"This project has been a dream of mine for some time, so I was very concerned that we collaborate with a composer whose voice complimented the inspiring words of these three iconic Americans,” said Boston Pops Conductor Keith Lockhart. “I had never performed Peter’s music, but remembered having heard a recording of his Ellis Island. I realized that Peter’s was the perfect voice for the project. His music exults and elevates, while never overpowering. It has a distinctly ‘American’ feel, a buoyancy and optimism that I feel is perfect for the occasion.”

Robert De Niro	Ed Harris	Morgan Freeman	Cherry Jones

The Dream Lives On: A Portrait of the Kennedy Brothers was premiered at Boston’s historic Symphony Hall in May 2010. A stunning cast of Hollywood actors narrated the premiere of Boyer’s work. Two-time Oscar winner Robert De Niro read the words of John F. Kennedy; four-time Oscar nominee Ed Harris read the words of Robert F. Kennedy; Oscar winner Morgan Freeman read the words of Edward M. Kennedy; and Emmy winner Cherry Jones read the words written by Lynn Ahrens for the work. The Tanglewood Festival Chorus (John Oliver, conductor) joined the Boston Pops Orchestra, conducted by Keith Lockhart. The recording, taken from the premiere performances, was released on July 4, 2010 by BSO Classics, the record label of the Boston Symphony and the Boston Pops.

LISTEN TO THE RECORDING


The recording may be purchased (CD or digital download) through the Boston Symphony’s website.
The liner notes for the recording also may be downloaded (as a PDF file) from that web page.
The recording may also be purchased through iTunes or Amazon.com.

“Boyer’s work accomplishes the goals… of amplifying the texts by these three American icons. His writing draws from the traditions of Williams-esque Hollywood film scores, Broadway musicals, and American neo-Romanticism.”

—The Boston Globe

“Everyone who saw it, and heard it, was truly inspired by the performance. It is such a tribute to my father, and to the very best in the American spirit. He and my mother would have loved that politics was transformed into art.”

—Caroline Kennedy, letter to Peter Boyer

“What a gift for the ages! Our whole family was thrilled by your magnificent composition—and so was the entire audience at Symphony Hall. Teddy would have loved it too, and I will always be grateful to you.”

—Victoria Reggie Kennedy, letter to Peter Boyer

“I want to thank you once again for the amazing job that you did putting my family’s words into music. The evening at the Boston Pops was one that I will never forget. Thanks to you, the dream really will live on.”

—Ted Kennedy Jr., letter to Peter Boyer