Photos: Tucson Pops maestro László Veres conducts final concert
After 30 years conducting The Tucson Pops Orchestra, longtime Maestro László Veres performed his final Tucson Pops concert at George DeMeester Performance Center inside Reid Park in Tucson, Ariz. on June 12, 2022.
Veres received gifts, flowers and a surprise visit from his granddaughter while performing for about 6,000 people.
The orchestra played "God Bless America," Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody," Beer Barrel Polka," and more.
Veres started the Tucson Pops Orchestra in 1992.
László Veres retires from Tucson Pop Orchestra
Maestro László Veres faces the crowd while conducting his last song during his final concert with the Tucson Pops Orchestra at George DeMeester Performance Center inside Reid Park in Tucson, Ariz. on June 12, 2022. After 30 years with the Tucson Pops Orchestra, Maestro Veres has retired. Veres has been conductor and music director of the Tucson Pops Orchestra since 1992.
László Veres retires from Tucson Pop Orchestra
Maestro László Veres, right, smiles while talking with a former student Amanda Glenn via FaceTime as well as talking with Glenn's best friend and friend of Veres Amy Roberts, center, and another former student Amber Roberts before Veres's final concert with the Tucson Pops Orchestra at George DeMeester Performance Center inside Reid Park in Tucson, Ariz. on June 12, 2022.
László Veres retires from Tucson Pop Orchestra
Maestro László Veres blows kisses towards the crowd as they cheer for him during Veres's final concert with the Tucson Pops Orchestra at George DeMeester Performance Center inside Reid Park in Tucson, Ariz. on June 12, 2022.
László Veres retires from Tucson Pop Orchestra
An emotional Maestro László Veres smiles while receiving a surprise gift from his granddaughter Karylin Veres during Veres's final concert with the Tucson Pops Orchestra at George DeMeester Performance Center inside Reid Park in Tucson, Ariz. on June 12, 2022. Karylin, who lives in Chicago, flew out to Tucson to surprise her grandfather who was not aware she would be attending.
László Veres retires from Tucson Pop Orchestra
Susan Putt holds up a "Love You Laszlo" sign while Maestro László Veres speaks to the crowd during Veres's final concert with the Tucson Pops Orchestra at George DeMeester Performance Center inside Reid Park in Tucson, Ariz. on June 12, 2022.
László Veres retires from Tucson Pop Orchestra
Maestro László Veres, left, receives flowers from his wife Fran Veres during Veres's final concert with the Tucson Pops Orchestra at George DeMeester Performance Center inside Reid Park in Tucson, Ariz. on June 12, 2022.
László Veres retires from Tucson Pop Orchestra
Maestro László Veres set up his music stand while audience members fill the grass before his final concert with the Tucson Pops Orchestra at George DeMeester Performance Center inside Reid Park in Tucson, Ariz. on June 12, 2022.
László Veres retires from Tucson Pop Orchestra
Maestro László Veres conducts during his final concert with the Tucson Pops Orchestra at George DeMeester Performance Center inside Reid Park in Tucson, Ariz. on June 12, 2022.
László Veres retires from Tucson Pop Orchestra
Maestro László Veres conducts "God Bless America" towards the crowd during his final concert with the Tucson Pops Orchestra at George DeMeester Performance Center inside Reid Park in Tucson, Ariz. on June 12, 2022.
Rebecca Sasnett
Photojournalist
Longtime Tucson musician Khris Dodge will kick off the free "Music Under the Stars" fall series with Linda Ronstadt hits.
Longtime Tucson conductor László Veres retired in June from the Tucson Pops Orchestra, but he's continuing with the volunteer Arizona Symphonic Winds.