Photo Coverage: New York Pops Presents 'The Music of ABBA'

On October 15, 2010 at 8:00 PM, The New York Pops launched its 28th season; a Carnegie Hall series celebrating the stylistic diversity of some of popular music's greatest icons. In this opening night program, Music Director and Conductor Steven Reineke led the orchestra in "The Music of ABBA", an electrifying concert featuring the acclaimed Finnish vocal ensemble Rajaton in performances of "Dancing Queen," "Mamma Mia," "Take a Chance on Me", and other hits by the Swedish supergroup ABBA. A bona fide pop phenomenon in their native Finland, Rajaton's singing style and presentation has proven them a prodigious talent on the world stage.

This vibrant opening night program launches the orchestra's five-concert 2010-11 Carnegie Hall subscription series, which explores chart-topping pop hits, American musical theater, holiday favorites, sizzling Latin rhythm, and timeless Hollywood classics. On November 19, The New York Pops will present Carnegie Hall's one and only concert celebration of Stephen Sondheim's 80th Birthday; on December 10, the orchestra is joined by Tony Award-winner Brian Stokes Mitchell for a festive holiday concert of carols and traditional favorites; on January 28, trumpet virtuoso and former Tonight Show bandleader Doc Severinsen unveils his sizzling new Latin music experience, El Ritmo de la Vida; and on March 11, The New York Pops commemorates the 50th anniversary ofJudy Garland's Carnegie Hall debut with a reprise of her historic 1961 concert, featuring such Broadway stars as Ashley Brown, Heather Headley and Karen Olivo. For more information about upcoming concerts, please visit www.newyorkpops.org.

The Finnish word Rajaton translates as "boundless" - a word that accurately describes the way this six-voice a cappella ensemble approaches music. Regularly performing over 100 concerts and workshops each year, Rajaton exposes audiences to the kind of diversity of repertoire, singing style, and stage presentation that has made them a phenomenon on the world stage. In 2010, Rajaton celebrates 13 years of music-making with one double-platinum, two platinum and eight gold records in Finland to their credit, which includes Joulu, Rajaton sings ABBA with Lahti Symphony Orchestra and Maa. Rajaton's latest gold-selling album is entitled Best of 1999-2009, a compilation of the finest moments of their hugely successful career as recording artists. For more information, visit www.rajaton.net .

Steven Reineke's boundless enthusiasm and exceptional artistry have made him one of the nation's most sought-after pops conductors, composers and arrangers. In 2010-2011, Reineke begins his second season as Music Director of The New York Pops. In addition to conducting the orchestra's annual Carnegie Hall concert series, Reineke leads concert tours, recordings, and nationwide telecasts, including the Macy's 4th of July Fireworks on NBC Television. Mr. Reineke also serves as Principal Pops Conductor of the Long Beach and Modesto Symphony Orchestras and he retains the title of Associate Conductor of the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, where for fifteen years he served as a composer, arranger, and conducting protégé of the late celebrated pops conductorErich Kunzel. Steven Reineke's notable guest conducting appearances include the National Symphony Orchestra, Boston Pops, Philadelphia Orchestra and his debut at the Hollywood Bowl in 2007. Mr. Reineke is also an established symphonic composer, with the most recent performances of his works by the New York Philharmonic and Los Angeles Philharmonic.

The New York Pops is the largest independent pops orchestra in the United States, and the only professional symphonic orchestra in New York City specializing in popular music. Led by Music Director Steven Reineke, the orchestra performs an annual subscription series and birthday gala at Carnegie Hall, enjoying one of the venue's highest subscription renewal rates of any series. The New York Pops was founded by former NBC Music Director Skitch Henderson in 1983 with a mission to create greater public awareness and appreciation of America's rich musical heritage. Along with performing at Carnegie Hall, The New York Pops tours throughout the world and gives free concerts in New York City parks. The orchestra's media projects include performing for the Macy's 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular on NBC, nationwide radio broadcasts, and numerous recordings. The New York Pops' extensive education programs allow thousands of public schoolchildren to participate in concert and music-making experiences at Carnegie Hall and in schools throughout New York City's five boroughs.