Photos: Steven Reineke and The New York Pops Rehearse For AN EVENING WITH MAX VON ESSEN

Commanding introductions have a way of signaling an audience of an impending exciting performance. “Heeeere’s Johnny!”  that famous one kicking off the Tonight Show comes to mind. Likewise, when Maestro/Music Director Steven Reineke walks to the podium in Carnegie Hall, and in his authoritative voice introduces…   “Your New York Pops!,”  it heralds a first-class musical evening for the 2,500 lucky ticket holders of the continuously sold-out concerts.  I was fortunate to be at the afternoon rehearsal for tonight’s performance of  The Pops and here are some photos. 

In addition to the intoxicating sounds of 70-plus musicians under the baton of Steven, the evening features Tony Award nominee Max von Essen with a song list of favorites from Broadway and the Great American Songbook.  It will be a magical New York City musical night…. Carnegie Hall, The New York Pops, Steven Reineke, Max von Essen joined by his longtime accompanist/arranger and pal Billy Stritch at the piano.

Photo Credit: Stephen Sorokoff