POPS SERIES FROM BROADWAY TO HOLLYWOOD The New Haven Symphony’s Pops concerts began in 1945 with the first presentations at the New Haven Arena. The premiere concert featured light classics and riveting tunes from Oklahoma! which had opened on Broadway two years earlier. Pops artists have included Dave Brubeck, Ray Charles, Judy Collins, Dizzy Gillespie, Benny Goodman, Marvin Hamlisch, Skitch Henderson, Wynton Marsalis, Buddy Rich, Doc Severinson, Artie Shaw, James Taylor, and Sarah Vaughan. The 2012-2013 Pops Series concerts were the talk of the town in Hamden and Shelton. Hamden Middle School and Shelton Intermediate School hosted these light-hearted affairs with three dazzling programs. The first, “Broadway A to Z: ABBA to Les MiZ,” celebrated great musicals with timeless tunes from Mamma Mia!, Chicago, Rent, and Phantom of the Opera. Principal Pops Conductor Jerry Steichen led Broadway stars Teri Dale Hansen and Nat Chandler in an unforgettable “Big Apple Showcase.”
Wintergreen Interdistrict Magnet School Choir
The second concert rang in the season through a “Holiday Extravaganza” packed to the brim with yuletide cheer. Led by guest Conductor Matthew Savery, the festive audience sing-along was a sight and sound to behold. This concert was presented as the NHSO’s annual holiday performance at the Quick Center for the Arts at Fairfield University.
Jared Williamson, Shelton Intermediate student, conducting
The final concert gave memorable film soundtracks a “Hooray for Hollywood” with Chelsea Tipton at the baton. Audiences were awed by a century of movie music from classic films to the blockbusters of the present. Together, seven NHSO Pops concerts comprised a delightful season that entertained and enlightened across generations.
A FAREWELL TO JERRY... NHSO Principal Pops Conductor Jerry Steichen, a New Haven institution for 16 years, recently accepted an extended role with Utah Pops as their Principal Pops Conductor. Thus, the 20122013 season marked Maestro Steichen’s final act with the NHSO. “Jerry’s fetching programming and dynamic personality have spurred our Pops programs to sold-out success,” exclaimed Executive Director Elaine C. Carroll. “He has instilled such joy in our audience, guaranteeing that they will surely appreciate Pops concerts for years to come. What a gift to our community! We will miss you Jerry. The New Haven Symphony wishes you all the best in Salt Lake City.”
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