Next year will mark Keith Lockhart’s 20th anniversary as music director and principal conductor of the Boston Pops. A native of Poughkeepsie, N.Y., Lockhart, 54, is married and has three sons (11, 4, and 2). He has played with countless musical ensembles around the globe (he’s also principal conductor of the BBC Concert Orchestra in London) and with performers who run the gamut from Steven Tyler to Yo-Yo Ma. Any musicians with whom he would like to perform, but hasn’t? Bruce Springsteen and Eric Clapton. We caught up with Lockhart to talk about all things travel.
Favorite vacation spot? The Amalfi Coast of Italy. It is so beautiful and relaxing, the air is scented with lemon trees. . . . I’ve only been there once, but going back there is high on the list of return trips. Nothing beats la dolce vita!
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Favorite food or drink while on vacation? Whatever is local and amazing — and always wine . . . everywhere!
Where would you like to travel to but haven’t? Polynesia, Scandinavia, St. Petersburg — Russia, that is — the Galápagos, and the southern part of Africa.
One item you can’t leave home without when traveling? My iPod. There’s always new music to be working on.
Aisle or window? Aisle. I like to get up and walk around.
Favorite childhood travel memory? Camping with my parents across country when I was 11. They spent something like 45 nights with my 9-year-old brother and me in a tent. They must have been out of their minds . . .
Guilty pleasure when traveling? Sleeping late — like past 8 a.m. With little kids at home, that doesn’t happen very often.
Best travel tip? To minimize jet lag, jam yourself into your new time zone as quickly as possible — on the flight over if possible. No half measures, and no naps! I’m not just sightseeing — I have to be on the podium with an orchestra made up of musicians who speak a different language than I do, so I have to have my wits about me. Also, to maximize enjoyment, get out of the hotel and try to be a part of the life of your chosen destination. Don’t just see the sights, but make sure that by the time you leave for home, you really know what it feels like to be there!
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