“The Philly Pops’ 39th season includes concerts on Memorial Day weekend, July 3-4, and during the holiday season, plus a one-night show by Rufus Wainright,” writes John Timpane in Monday’s (2/13) Philadelphia Daily News. “It reflects the Pops’ continuing effort to maintain and expand its audience…. First on the concert schedule is ‘A Star Wars Celebration Featuring the Music of John Williams.’ … No movies this time—but lots of music, plus storm troopers from Garrison Carida of the 501st Legion…. Michael Cavanaugh, who sold out two Billy Joel-themed dates last year, returns with his band to do hits by [Elton] John and other composers, such as Paul McCartney and Pete Townshend. The ‘Philly Pops Christmas’ … holiday favorites [with] Philly native Justin Hopkins, the Philadelphia Boys Choir, and the African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas Gospel Choir. … Next year is the centennial of the birth of onetime Curtis Institute student Leonard Bernstein…. Philly Pops will explore his music, with Broadway singers.… As part of the Pops in Schools program, Philly Pops in partnership with the School District will present the All-City Jazz Festival.” Michael Krajewski is the Philly Pops’ music director, and Frank Giordano is president and CEO.
Posted February 17, 2017
