On July 4, 2009, The New York Pops and Music Director-Designate Steven Reineke joined Macy's to celebrate America's birthday with a rousing musical score to accompany the nation's largest fireworks display. For a limited time, the music from the telecast is available as a free download from The New York Pops' website, www.newyorkpops.org.
The music of the 2009 Macy's 4th of July Fireworks includes American River Suite, an original composition with music by Broadway composer Stephen Flaherty and lyrics by William Schermerhorn. The piece features the vocal talents of Audra McDonald and Idina Menzel, as well as Sara Caswell on violin, and the Choir Academy of Harlem.
Visitors to The New York Pops website can also download two bonus tracks: River Medley and Americana Medley, both arranged by The New York Pops' Music Director-Designate Steven Reineke. The seven tracks are available for free download for a limited time, exclusively on www.newyorkpops.org, and will not be sold in stores.
"We are thrilled to share this music with the world at large," said New York Pops CEO James M. Johnson. "Since the 4th of July, we have heard from many listeners who loved the premiere of the music on the NBC telecast or the 1010 WINS simulcast. They were anxious to hear the music again, and now through the cooperation of all the artists involved, we are able to make available recordings of the brilliant new score by Stephen Flaherty and Bill Schermerhorn, as well as Steven Reineke's exciting arrangements of the River Medley and Americana Medley. We hope these recordings will bring new fans to The New York Pops and Steven Reineke, who begins his first season as Music Director in October."
The New York Pops' other media projects include producing a nationally syndicated radio series and performing on PBS. The orchestra's extensive discography includes recordings of popular song, film and theater music, and music for the holidays.
The New York Pops is the largest independent pops orchestra in the United States, and the only professional symphonic orchestra in New York City specializing in popular music. The New York Pops is led by newly appointed Music Director-Designate Steven Reineke and was founded in 1983 by former NBC Music Director Skitch Henderson. The New York Pops is a not-for-profit corporation supported solely through individual donations, institutional grants and concert income.
Macy's 4th of July Fireworks® are the nation's largest 4th of July pyrotechnic display. Produced by Macy's and designed in conjunction with SOUSA Fireworks of Rialto, California, Macy's Fireworks are a 30-minute digitally synchronized display of firepower that is choreographed to a rousing patriotic score. Yearly fired from various locations across New York City, Macy's Fireworks feature shells from all over the world. Seen by more than 2 million spectators live and more than 8 million viewers nationwide, Macy's 4th of July Fireworks have become the nation's premiere 4th of July celebration event.
Delta Air Lines is the official airline of The New York Pops. The New York Pops is a not-for-profit corporation supported solely through the generosity of individual donations, institutional grants, and concert income.
