Former Boston Pops Conductor John Williams Still Working at 93

Whenever I grouse about having to continue working at the ripe old age of 67, I think about my favorite composer of the Modern Classical Period, John Williams. Williams is 93 years old, and though he spends most of his day in a wheelchair, he's still working.

Williams, a legendary composer of some of the greatest film scores of all time, was the principal conductor of the Boston Pops from 1980 to 1993, filling some pretty big shoes after Arthur Fiedler retired.

It was a rocky start for Williams with the Pops. The New York Times reported in June 1984 that Williams resigned, "following a rehearsal conducted by Mr. Williams," of one of his own pieces.

"A few hisses reportedly came from orchestra players, but such behavior is said to be common towards other composers' works at Pops rehearsals as an expression of opinion," according to the paper.

Williams withdrew his resignation and stayed with the Pops, an offshoot of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, for nine more years.

Williams Became One of Film's Biggest Composers

Williams is currently recording the score for the new Steven Spielberg film Disclosure Day, due for release on June 12, 2026. It is their 30th collaboration. Others included E.T., Raiders of the Lost Ark, Empire of the Sun, Schindler's List, Amistad, Hook, and Saving Private Ryan, to name a few.

An Oscar-Winning Career

Williams' work received 54 Academy Award nominations, winning five Oscars.

Williams recently premiered his first Concerto for Piano and Orchestra in August 2025 with the Boston Symphony Orchestra at Tanglewood in Lenox, Massachusetts. He attended a performance of the piece at Symphony Hall in Boston on January 22, 2026.

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Three years ago, my wife and I attended John Williams Film Night at Tanglewood, in which Williams conducted the Boston Pops. What a thrill that was.

Keith Lockhart replaced Williams as the principal conductor of the Pops in 1995. He celebrated his 30th anniversary last year.