Published: March 17, 2010
Updated: 5:36 p.m.
Pacific Symphony announces 2010-11 pops season
By TIMOTHY MANGAN
THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
Orange County's Pacific Symphony has announced its 2010-11 pops concert line-up, once again headed by principal pops conductor Richard Kaufman, who will celebrate his 20th anniversary with the group. Natalie Cole, Katharine McPhee, Jim Brickman, Andy Williams and three stars of Broadway's "Phantom of the Opera" will make guest appearances during the season, which also includes music from the James Bond and "Wizard of Oz" films. All concerts will be held in the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall in Costa Mesa.
The pops schedule opens with a Halloween themed program on Oct. 28-30 when three singers who have sung the title role in Andrew Lloyd Webber's "Phantom of the Opera" perform with the group. Craig Schulman, Kevin Gray and Brad Little sing selections from the blockbuster musical along with songs from "Les Miserables," "Miss Saigon," "Guys and Dolls," "Nine" and others.
Principal pops conductor Richard Kaufman will celebrate his 20th season with the Pacific Symphony in 2010-11.
COURTESY OF THE PACIFIC SYMPHONY
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American pop singer Andy Williams will perform with Kaufman and the orchestra shortly after celebrating his 73rd birthday. As part of the "Christmas with Andy Williams" program Dec. 16-18, the veteran crooner will revisit a number of songs that he is most closely associated with, including "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year," "Moon River," "Music to Watch Girls By," "Can't Get Used To Losing You" and "Days of Wine and Roses."
Valentine's Day is marked with a visit from eight-time Grammy winner Natalie Cole, who will sing songs by her father, Nat King Cole, as well as other jazz, pop, swing and soul standards, backed by the full symphony orchestra Feb. 10-12
American Idol runner-up Katharine McPhee and romantic pianist Jim Brickman do their respective things with the ensemble on March 17-19 (2011) and May 12-14 (2011), respectively.
The season ends with two programs devoted to film music. On April 7-9 (2011), the orchestra will screen the 1939 classic "The Wizard of Oz" and perform the music live with the singers on film. Film composer Carl Davis makes a guest appearance with the Pacific Pops leading a James Bond program, June 16-18 (2011), with vocalist Mary Carewe singing hits from "Goldfinger," "From Russia with Love," "Thunderball," "Casino Royale," "Diamonds Are Forever" and "Live and Let Die." Audiences are invited to dress as their favorite Bond character.
Pacific Symphony Pops subscription series tickets are available now, from $147-$1,050. For more information please call 714-755-5799 or visit www.pacificsymphony.org
www.ocregister.com/entertainment/po...phony.html
Contact the writer: 714-796-6811 or tmangan@ocregister.com