23/24 Pops Season

John Morris Russell, conductor

Stephen Schwartz, piano & host
Shaleah Adkisson, vocalist

Scott Coulter, vocalist

Debbie Gravitte, vocalist

Michael McCorry Rose, vocalist
John Boswell, piano

Grammy and Oscar-winning composer and musical icon Stephen Schwartz joins conductor John Morris Russell and the Pops for breathtaking performances of his exquisite songs in an unforgettable evening of musical theatre from Godspell to Wicked and beyond. Featuring award-winning Broadway vocalists, the legendary songwriter and his friends open the season with classics like “Day by Day,”  “Corner of the Sky,” “Beautiful City” and “Defying Gravity.”

Andy Einhorn, conductor
Audra McDonald, vocalist

Audra McDonald returns to the Music Hall stage, after her sold-out performance with the Pops in 2018! The winner of a record-breaking six Tony Awards, two Grammys, an Emmy, and the National Medal of Arts, Audra is unparalleled in her versatility as both a singer and actor. Audra has appeared on the Broadway stage in Carousel, Ragtime and Sweeney Todd, and film and television credits include, The Good Fight, Respect and The Gilded Age. This one-night-only event is sure to sell out!

Damon Gupton, Conductor

Join Pops Principal Guest Conductor Damon Gupton and the Cincinnati Pops for a symphonic celebration of Disney music, animation, and memories — 100 years in the making! Favorite characters and soundtracks from Walt Disney Animation Studios and Disney Parks come together live on stage and on the big screen at Music Hall in a live-to-film concert like never before. Journey on a magic carpet ride through the most memorable song, score and movie moments of the first 100 years of The Walt Disney Company, including Peter Pan, Moana, Aladdin, The Jungle Book, Frozen, The Lion King, Fantasia, Encanto, Disney Parks classics and more.

Calling all ghosts and ghouls! Costumes are encouraged for this family-friendly event featuring spooktacular music sure to thrill and delight our youngest listeners, and even those who are young at heart.

Lollipops Family concerts introduce young ones to the world of orchestral music with fun, interactive concert experiences—perfect for children, ages or ability, of 2-9. Come early for activities and crafts!

John Morris Russell, conductor
Capathia Jenkins, vocalist

It’s the most wonderful time of the year with JMR, the Pops and Cincinnati’s beloved Holiday tradition! Music Hall will be decked-out as choruses, dancers, and Queen City favorite Capathia Jenkins bring festive favorites and holiday classics to life.

Anthony Parnther, conductor

The fate of the Resistance hangs in the balance! New heroes and galactic legends join forces as Rey seeks the aid of Luke Skywalker to thwart the rise of Kylo Ren and the First Order. The Last Jedi unlocks mysteries of the Force and shocking revelations of the past on the big screen as the full force of the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra performs John Williams’ acclaimed score live to film.

John Morris Russell, conductor
Denzal Sinclaire, vocalist

JMR and The Pops ring in 2024 with the sophisticated jazz stylings of Edward “Duke” Ellington to celebrate the 125th anniversary of the legendary pianist and composers’ birth. Swing to the classic and elegant sounds of “Duke” as we celebrate New Year's Eve in style.

Steve Hackman, conductor and creator

A transformative exploration of life, death, legacy, struggle and triumph, Notorious B.I.G. x Tupac x Mahler fuses the groundbreaking music of Notorious B.I.G. and Tupac Shakur with Mahler’s Second Symphony, Resurrection. As the symphony unfolds, the words of Biggie and Tupac ring out, speaking of the hard road they faced in ’Everyday Struggle,’ the ravaging of their communities in ‘Ghetto Gospel,’ and social justice in ‘Changes.’ This mixtape reminds us all of the profound legacy of these two artists, who, twenty-five years after their deaths, are as relevant and essential as ever.

Rob Fisher, conductor

Seductive hip thrusts, finger snaps, “wah-wah” trumpets and — murder! Or, rather, an alleged murder. Chicago’s electrifying tale of greed, corruption, exploitation, adultery and yes, murder, is the longest running American musical in Broadway history and has now been reimagined for the concert hall! Roxie, Velma, Amos, Billy, and the Merry Murderesses of the Cook County Jail will bring you everything you know and love about the “Cell Block Tango,” “Mr. Cellophane,” “Nowadays,” and the rest of the dynamic score, including “All That Jazz.” Whether it is your first experience or you’re a long-time fan, Chicago with the Cincinnati Pops will have a special razzle dazzle for you quite unlike any other.

“Once upon a time, there were three hungry Dinosaurs: Papa Dinosaur, Mama Dinosaur ... and a Dinosaur who happened to be visiting from Norway” (Goldilocks & the Three Dinosaurs). Original music by Ben Folds brings author Mo Willems’ fractured and funny iteration on Goldilocks & the Three Bears to life on the Music Hall stage

Lollipops Family concerts introduce young ones to the world of orchestral music with fun, interactive concert experiences—perfect for children, ages or ability, of 2-9. Come early for activities and crafts!

John Morris Russell, conductor

Love the classic sounds of Frankie Valli, The Drifters, The Del Vikings? Join conductor John Morris Russell and the Pops for The Doo Wop Project. From foundational tunes of groups like the Crests and Flamingos through their influences on the sounds of Smokey Robinson, The Temptations, and The Four Seasons all the way to Doo Wop-ified versions of modern musicians like Michael Jackson and Jason Mraz. Featuring stars of Broadway’s smash hits Jersey Boys and Motown: The Musical, the Doo Wop Project brings unparalleled authenticity of sound and vocal excellence to recreate some of the greatest music in American pop and rock history!

John Morris Russell, conductor

Conductor John Morris Russell and the Pops present Peter Boyer’s poignant Ellis Island: The Dream of America, celebrating the historic American immigrant experience and the American dream. Innovative in its format, bringing elements of theater and multimedia, including historical images from the Ellis Island archives, performers share real stories of those arriving to America and the circumstances surrounding their journey. The program opens by showcasing the vibrancy of Cincinnati’s international communities, with choruses and dancers presenting cultural traditions from around the world.