With twinkling lights, classic Christmas carols and even a visit from Santa, you were swept up in the holiday spirit watching “A Philly Pops Christmas Spectacular Sounds of the Season” last weekend at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts in Philadelphia.
Maestro Michael Krajewski conducted the sensational show featuring over 300 musicians and singers, including the 65-piece Pops orchestra, pianist and vocalist Tony DeSare, organist Peter Richard Conte, the Philly POPS Festival Chorus, the Philadelphia Boys Choir and the African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas Gospel Choir.
The Pops sounded exquisite as they performed amongst the twinkling trees on the stage and sparkling lighted snowflakes above. Pops member Matt Gallagher especially stood out as he played “Ding Dong Merrily on High” on the piccolo trumpet.
It’s always a special treat to hear The Philadelphia Boys Choir, especially during “We Need a Little Christmas.”
DeSare sang several beautiful carols including “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” and “Let it Snow” during the first act, but he really shined and appeared most comfortable behind the piano during the second act. His nearly 20 abbreviated versions of “Jingle Bells” was the best part of the evening and had the audience laughing and clapping along. The Randy Newman, Michael McDonald and the Elton John versions were my favorites.
Michael Ludwig, concertmaster and violinist, performed a poignant solo during “Ave Maria,” accompanied by the Boys Choir and the Pops orchestra.
Another highlight was the amazing African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas Gospel Choir. Wearing brightly colored dresses and headwear for the women and robes for the men, the choir members’ exuberant joy of singing was evident as their beautiful voices filled the Kimmel Center. Led by Music Director Waltier Blocker, the choir performs at over 100 services, concerts and celebrations each year.
The “Merry Christmas Sing-Along” featuring the audiences joining in with “Deck the Halls” and “We Wish You a Merry Christmas,” was the perfect ending to a magical show.
Running time: Approximately two hours, including an intermission.
If you go: “A Philly POPS Christmas” runs until Dec. 176 at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts in Philadelphia. For more information, click here.
 |
| The Philly POPS performs their Christmas show. Credit Bachrach Photo. |
Maestro Michael Krajewski conducted the sensational show featuring over 300 musicians and singers, including the 65-piece Pops orchestra, pianist and vocalist Tony DeSare, organist Peter Richard Conte, the Philly POPS Festival Chorus, the Philadelphia Boys Choir and the African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas Gospel Choir.
The Pops sounded exquisite as they performed amongst the twinkling trees on the stage and sparkling lighted snowflakes above. Pops member Matt Gallagher especially stood out as he played “Ding Dong Merrily on High” on the piccolo trumpet.
It’s always a special treat to hear The Philadelphia Boys Choir, especially during “We Need a Little Christmas.”
DeSare sang several beautiful carols including “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” and “Let it Snow” during the first act, but he really shined and appeared most comfortable behind the piano during the second act. His nearly 20 abbreviated versions of “Jingle Bells” was the best part of the evening and had the audience laughing and clapping along. The Randy Newman, Michael McDonald and the Elton John versions were my favorites.
Michael Ludwig, concertmaster and violinist, performed a poignant solo during “Ave Maria,” accompanied by the Boys Choir and the Pops orchestra.
Another highlight was the amazing African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas Gospel Choir. Wearing brightly colored dresses and headwear for the women and robes for the men, the choir members’ exuberant joy of singing was evident as their beautiful voices filled the Kimmel Center. Led by Music Director Waltier Blocker, the choir performs at over 100 services, concerts and celebrations each year.
The “Merry Christmas Sing-Along” featuring the audiences joining in with “Deck the Halls” and “We Wish You a Merry Christmas,” was the perfect ending to a magical show.
Running time: Approximately two hours, including an intermission.
If you go: “A Philly POPS Christmas” runs until Dec. 176 at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts in Philadelphia. For more information, click here.
Comments
Post a Comment