New York Pops 2012 Season to Feature Norm Lewis, Julia Murney, et al.

On October 12, 2012, The New York Pops orchestra – famous for presenting popular programs with a symphony orchestra of the highest quality – will launch its 30th season; a Carnegie Hall series celebrating the stylistic diversity of some of popular music's greatest icons. Music Director Steven Reineke – described by The New York Times as a "polished, welcoming host" who is "young and vigorous, with a playful attitude that has been a pops orchestral tradition since the heyday of Arthur Fiedler" – will lead the orchestra in an exciting season replete with Broadway favorites by beloved duo Rodgers and Hammerstein, an evening of symphonic music starring the musicians of The New York Pops, the ever popular annual holiday concerts, with special guests Pink Martini in the New York premiere of their new orchestral holiday program, songbook classics by Academy Award-winning songwriter Sammy Cahn and a birthday celebration for lyricist and composer Steven Schwartz.

"I've never been more excited about announcing a season," says Music Director Steven Reineke. "This may be the best one yet, showcasing everything that makes a pops orchestra so unique. I am proud to celebrate the great variety of popular music of yesterday, today and tomorrow."

Friday, October 12, 2012, 8:00PM, Stern/Perelman
Some Enchanted Evening: The Music of Rodgers and Hammerstein
Steven Reineke, Music Director and Conductor
Aaron Lazar, Kelli O'Hara, Paulo Szot, Guest Artists
Essential Voices USA, Judith Clurman, Music Director and Conductor
New York Theatre Ballet, Diana Byer, Artistic Director

Kelli O'Hara and Paulo Szot reunite to perform the timeless music of Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II, the prolific duo who created Oklahoma!, Carousel, South Pacific, The King and I, The Sound of Music and other classic musicals from the golden age of Broadway.

Friday, November 9, 2012, 8:00PM, Stern/Perelman
By Special Request: An Evening with the Orchestra

Steven Reineke, Music Director and Conductor Starring the musicians of The New York Pops, this program features favorite symphonic repertoire including Ravel's Bolero, Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture, Shostakovich's Festive Overture, and the world premiere of a new fanfare composed by Steven Reineke.

Friday December 14, 2012, 8:00PM, Stern/Perelman
Saturday, December 15, 2012, 8:00PM, Stern/Perelman
Pink Martini: Joy to the World
Steven Reineke, Music Director and Conductor

Influenced by Latin music, jazz, cabaret, cinema scores, and more, Pink Martini creates a fabulously eclectic, modern sound. This special multi-denominational holiday concert features songs from the band's best-selling album, Joy to the World.

Friday, March 8, 2013, 8:00PM, Stern/Perelman
Come Fly with Me: The Songs of Sammy Cahn
Steven Reineke, Music Director and Conductor
Seth MacFarlane, Guest Artist

Academy Award–winning songwriter Sammy Cahn helped shape the careers of legends such as Frank Sinatra, Doris Day, and Dean Martin. Modern-day crooner Seth MacFarlane, creator of Family Guy, performs some of Cahn's biggest hits, including "High Hopes" and "Come Fly with Me."

Friday, April 12, 2013, 8:00PM, Stern/Perelman
The Wizard and I: The Musical Journey of Stephen Schwartz
Steven Reineke, Music Director and Conductor

Norm Lewis, Julia Murney, Jennifer Laura Thompson, Guest Artists Celebrate Stephen Schwartz's 65th birthday and the 10th anniversary of his hit musical Wicked, with a program that highlights his compositions.

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. Led by Music Director Steven Reineke, the orchestra performs an annual subscription series and birthday gala at Carnegie Hall, enjoying one of their highest subscription renewal rates. The New York Pops was founded by Skitch Henderson in 1983 with a mission to create greater public awareness and appreciation of America's rich musical heritage. Along with performing at Carnegie Hall, The New York Pops tours throughout the world and gives free concerts in New York City parks. The New York Pops' extensive education programs allow thousands of public schoolchildren to participate in concert and music-making experiences at Carnegie Hall and in schools throughout the five boroughs of New York City.

Subscriptions to the 2012-2013 Carnegie Hall series are available now to renewing subscribers at a special price. New subscriptions, priced at $165, $200, $260, $360, $470 and $520, go on sale April 14, 2012. Subscriptions may be purchased at the Carnegie Hall Box Office, 57th Street and 7th Avenue, or by calling CarnegieCharge at 212-247-7800. Visit www.carnegiehall.org for more information. Single tickets will be available to the public beginning August 27, 2012 and are priced from $37 to $108.

Photo Credit: Walter McBride/WM Photos