July 23, 2008

Tickets for the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra’s Spectacular Season
Go On Sale to the General Public at 10 a.m. on August 11

CINCINNATI — Single tickets for the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra’s spectacular 2008-2009 season go on sale to the general public at 10 a.m. on Monday, August 11, and start at only $24.  Tickets will be available online at www.cincinnatipops.org, at the CSO Box Office located in historic Music Hall, or by calling (513) 381-3300.  Subscribers for the upcoming season are able to purchase single tickets starting Monday, August 4.  Subscriptions packages are available now at the CSO Box Office.  

The Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, under the direction of Presidential Medal of Arts-winner Erich Kunzel, is the only international orchestra invited to perform at the opening of the 2008 Summer Olympics is Beijing China in August, and is known the world over for its grand live performances and numerous recordings on the Telarc label.  The orchestra will present seven different concert programs over the course of the 2008-2009 season including all-new shows, a unique presentation of a classic film and the return of some remarkably talented friends.

Back to School on Broadway Opener
Inspired by runaway hit High School Musical, the Pops opening weekend, September 26, 27 and 28, celebrates Broadway’s best in a tribute to those formative years and young love. This thrilling, multi-generational Pops opener covers music from different eras including High School Musical, Hairspray, West Side Story, Grease, Fame, Wicked, and Bye Bye Birdie, among others.  Special guest performers include Christina Marie Norrup, Kristine Reese, Tiffany Haas, Billy Tighe, Mark Willett and Zachary Prince. 

“We’re kicking off the Pops season with a ‘back to school’ bang – a great way to start the season,” said Erich Kunzel.  “This is going to be a fun, fantastic concert, and I promise not to assign any homework!”

From the Top
The national spotlight shines on Cincinnati as acclaimed pianist Christopher O’Riley hosts a special concert presentation of From the Topwith Mr. Kunzel and the Pops October 24-26.  The performance on Saturday, October 25, will be recorded for an upcoming Telarc compact disc.  From the Top is National Public Radio’s weekly showcase of America’s top young classical musicians

"We're delighted to welcome Christopher O'Riley and the From the Top team to Music Hall," said Mr. Kunzel.  "I'm looking forward to performing and recording with some of the nation's most talented young classical music artists."

Happy Holidays from the Pops
No one sets the stage for the holidays like Mr. Kunzel and the Pops, and the 2008 show will be nothing short of spectacular, complete with dancers, members of the May Festival Chorus, the Cincinnati Children’s Choir and special guests from the Madcap Puppet Theatre.  Following her stunning Cincinnati Pops debut in September of 2007 with Chris Botti, celebrated vocalist and American Idol regular Sy Smith also joins Mr. Kunzel for what’s become one of Cincinnati’s most popular holiday traditions.  “Happy Holidays from the Pops” will have four performances in festively decorated Music Hall from December 12-14.

Pops Go British
The Cincinnati Pops welcome back The King’s Singers for three command performances February 6-8.  This internationally renowned ensemble is one of the most sought-after vocal groups in the world and has enthralled audiences from Windsor Castle to Music Hall with their “musicality and sheer ability to entertain” (The Times of London).

“We have had some fantastic collaboration with The King’s Singers including the album, Music of the Beatles,” said Mr. Kunzel.  “We welcome them back across the Atlantic for a concert program fit for a king.”

Over the Rainbow and Into Music Hall, The Wizard of Oz
The Cincinnati Pops continues its tradition of presenting great film music with a unique concert presentation of The Wizard of Oz.  There’s no place like Music Hall to experience the most enduring movie musical of all time – a film that’s delighted audiences for generations. The Oscar-winning score will be performed live by the Pops while the newly restored classic film is presented on the big screen February 28 – March 1.

Doc Severinsen Makes a Run for the Border
The legendary Doc Severinsen brings his signature trumpet sound back to Music Hall for two Sunday concerts with the Pops on March 29 and April 5.  Audiences will treated to the warm, musical breezes of Acapulco as Mr. Severinsen of Tonight Show fame takes them on a trip down Mexico way.  Conducted by Steven Reineke, the program will feature Mr. Severinsen’s soaring trumpet leads played to the colorful rhythms of Mariachi, Flamenco and gypsy jazz.   Joining Mr. Severinsen will be El Ritmo de la Vida (“The Rhythm of Life”) featuring guitarist Gil Gutierrez and violinist Pedro Cartas.

Sandi Patty Returns
Sandi Patty, the most awarded female vocalist in contemporary music history, makes her long-awaited return to the Queen City May 8-10.  Ms. Patty will treat Pops audiences to her trademark, breathtaking talent, performing Broadway classics from Hello Dolly, West Side Story, Guys and Dolls, South Pacific, Peter Pan, Funny Girl and so many more. 

“Cincinnati loves Sandi Patty and we are thrilled to have her coming back to perform with the Pops,” said Mr. Kunzel.  “What a voice!”

Cincinnati Pops Subscriptions
Cincinnati Pops subscribers enjoy numerous benefits, including significant discounts off single ticket prices (up to 20 percent), a completely flexible and free ticket exchange policy, discounts on additional single tickets and recordings, as well as the best seats available in historic Music Hall. With a season full of family-friendly entertainment, subscriptions for children ages 6-18 are also available coming out to $20 per ticket.  Subscribers are also able to purchase additional single tickets on August 4, one week before tickets go on sale to the general public.