BWW Interview Exclusive: The Toronto Symphony Orchestra Names Steven Reineke Principal Pops Conductor

The Toronto Symphony’s 2012-2013 Season Announcement had something very special for Broadway fans, the appointment of Steven Reineke as their first ever Principal Pops Conductor.  The TSO has had Pops programming for many years, but this new announcements means we will see increased and diversified programming under the watchful eye of Mr. Reineke.

Steven Reineke is currently the music director of the New York Pops and the Principal Pops Conductor of the National Symphony Orchestra, where he has been combining his love of Broadway and classical music together to create innovative and dynamic programming that holds a unique appeal to a younger generation.  His Toronto concerts have always been a favourite in the TSO season for BWW readers, often including special guests direct from Broadway that we otherwise wouldn’t get to see perform. 

Mr. Reineke took a few minutes to speak with BWW from his New York home after the announcement was made official, and he told us all about his plans for the upcoming season and what the appointment means for the Toronto Symphony.  We were also able to speak with Toronto Symphony Music Director Peter Oundjian about this new position and programming:

First, congratulations on joining The Toronto Symphony Orchestra! When did you first become involved with them?

SR: It was in 1997 when Erich Kunzel had a show to do and become ill and I had to fill in for me.  After that they gave me my own concert and I’ve been returning as a guest conductor ever since.  It’s actually the second longest relationship I’ve had with an orchestra besides the Cincinnati Pops. 

What is the main difference between being a guest conductor and coming on board as the Principal Pops Conductor?

SR: Well, the Pops started back in the seventies when Erich Kunzel began doing more popular style concerts with the symphony, but the TSO has never had someone specifically in charge of the Pops programming.  The management and Peter Oundjian decided that now was a good time to expand the popular programming and needed someone to spearhead the efforts and act as an artistic advisor, director and conductor.  It’s an honour to be the first Pops conductor there.

What it basically means is that I will work with the team to put together an entire season of Pops programming.  We’re looking to expand on what they already do.  Right now the Pops only perform on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, so we are going to look at branching out and doing more concerts.  We would also like to do more special events and expand our audience base.

PO: The TSO has a long-standing tradition of presenting excellent pops programmes to our dedicated audience.  Naming Steven Reineke as the TSO’s Principal Pops Conductor brings one of the most talented conductors and arrangers in the Pops arena to Toronto.  He’ll be working with the TSO to continue our commitment to outstanding Pops performances while also creating new, popular programmes that will develop a younger, future audience for great Pops music.

SR: It’s also a nice collaboration because I’m also working with the National Symphony and the New York Pops so we are already discussing ways in which the three of us might be able to co-produce and combine our efforts to create shows here in Toronto. 

How did you choose Steven for the position? 

PO: The TSO has enjoyed a long association with Steven.  He was first introduced to us by the legendary Erich Kunzel, who was the founder of the TSO Pops series in 1970 (then at Ontario Place).  Erich remained a strong presence in our Pops series for decades.  Steven clearly respects the variety of music and genres represented in Pops programming.  We’re delighted that Steven has agreed to join the TSO family, and we know his vast knowledge and creativity will be enjoyed by our audience.

What kinds of programming do you have planned?

SR: I’m going to open the season in October with an all Rodgers and Hammerstein concert called Some Enchanted Evening.  It will appeal to Broadway lovers and feature music from The King and I, Carousel, Oklahoma, South Pacific and Sound of Music.  I’ve got two big Broadway stars joining me for that show – Aaron Lazar and Ashley Brown.  I also just recently hired a Canadian baritone by the name of Jonathan Estabrooks and I’m looking forward to having him join us as well.

We have some great holiday concerts planned, including a Christmas special with the Barenaked Ladies who I’m really looking forward to working with.  For Valentine’s we have a special show that showcases all the great love songs from classic films, including Titanic, Dirty Dancing, Breakfast at Tiffany’s and Moulin Rouge.  We are also going to be featuring a James Bond themed concert showcasing the brilliant music from that movie franchise.  We wrap up the season with a screening of the classic West Side Story in which the TSO will play the music live while the movie is shown to the audience.

Sounds like you’ve got a diverse and exciting first season lined up.  Can you pick one that you’re most excited for?

PO: It’s difficult to choose a favourite Pops concert from next season, since we’ll be welcoming Steven to the TSO family and welcoming back TSO Pops favourites Jeff Tyzik and John Morris Russell.  But, I am really looking forward to the music of West Side Story presented with the film (May 28 & 29, 2013).   In finding a favourite of our past concerts, as a proud father I think I would have to pick Erich Kunzel’s Holiday Pops.  My children were thrilled to sing in those performances as members of the Canadian Children’s Opera Chorus.

Finally, do you have plans to explore our Canadian talent now that you will be spending more time in Toronto?

SR: Absolutely.  That’s something I’m very much looking forward to doing.  I’ve already found and hired Jonathan, but I know that you’ve got some great singers up there and it’s a great theatre town and I’m looking forward to exploring that talent. 

PO:  In Toronto we have a great love-affair with Broadway.  Showcasing Canadian talent is something we strive to do in all of our programming, and we’re looking forward to supporting our wonderful Canadian artists as much as possible.

When and Where?

For full details on The Toronto Symphony Orchestra’s 2012-2013 Pops Season please visit their official website: http://www.tso.ca/Subscriptions/Subscription-Series/Pops-Concerts.aspx

Tickets for the season are on sale now and can be purchased in person at the box office, by phone at 416-598-3375 or online at www.tso.ca

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