Mary Poppins at the Pops

Ashley Brown. Courtesy of the Westchester Philharmonic

At 3 p.m. Dec. 20, the Westchester Philharmonic and one of Broadway’s brightest stars will light up the Concert Hall at the Purchase Performing Arts Center with its annual “Winter Pops!” concert.

A seasonal favorite since its introduction nine years ago, “Winter Pops!” – led by principal conductor Ted Sperling – features the orchestra joined by singer Ashley Brown, who originated the title role in “Mary Poppins” on Broadway, receiving Outer Critics, Drama League and Drama Desk nominations for Best Actress. Brown has performed with virtually all of the top orchestras in North America, including the Boston Pops and the New York Philharmonic. Other Broadway credits include Belle in “Beauty and The Beast.” Her performances have been described by critics as “golden throated” (Time Our Chicago) and having “perfect pitch” (Chicago Tribune). Showbiz Chicago called her “the most versatile and noteworthy young talent on the Broadway stages.”

Brown’s stylings of American Songbook standards and holiday favorites will be interspersed with Sperling’s classical highlights, including Leonard Bernstein’s “Times Square” and George Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue,” performed by Juilliard prodigy Joseph Mohan.

Sperling, who is beginning his second season as principal conductor of the Westchester Phil, recently led a New York Philharmonic production of “Show Boat” for PBS, whose cast featured Vanessa Williams. He is also artistic director of MasterVoices (formerly The Collegiate Chorale) and music director and conductor for “The King and I” on Broadway at Lincoln Center.

Audiences can keep the holiday fun going at the Phil’s Pops After-Party! Mingle with Sperling, Brown and orchestra musicians while enjoying more live music, hors d’oeuvres and a wine-tasting with Aries Fine Wines & Spirits. Reservations are a must. Party tickets are $25 with the purchase of a concert ticket — $30 to $97. The performance will take place in The Concert Hall at The Performing Arts Center, Purchase College, Anderson Hill Road between Purchase and King streets.

For more, call (914) 682-3707 ext. 10 or visit westchesterphil.org. – edited by Georgette Gouveia

Written By
More from Staff
THE CONSTANT GARDENER
Botanical celebrates Monet’s floral works By Georgette Gouveia He was, of course,...
Read More
Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *