Michael Cavanaugh to Open Pacific Symphony's 35th Annual Pops Season, 11/7

Praised as "the new voice of the American rock-and-roll songbook" (Billboard) with both Grammy- and Tony-award nominations, charismatic performer Michael Cavanaugh opens Pacific Symphony's 35th anniversary Pops season with crowd-pleasing pop and rock piano hits during his new show, "Michael Cavanaugh: Songs of Elton John and More." Handpicked by another famous pianist, Billy Joel, to star in the Broadway musical "Movin' Out" in 2001, Cavanaugh quickly gained a reputation for his skillful talents on the piano and lead vocals rivaling those of the "Piano Man" himself.

After the musical closed in 2005, he began touring on his own, reinterpreting the modern pop/rock songbook, and eventually bringing his "Songs of Billy Joel and More" to a full house at the Symphony's Fourth of July concert in 2009. Cavanaugh returns to bring his exuberant energy to the music of the "Rocket Man," for a performance of songs such as "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road," "Benny and the Jets," "Daniel," "Crocodile Rock," "Candle in the Wind" and more-all backed by the lush sounds of the Symphony.

Taking place Thursday-Saturday, Nov. 7-9, at 8 p.m., in the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, tickets are $35-$185. For more information or to purchase tickets, call (714) 755-5799 or visit www.PacificSymphony.org.

"Michael Cavanaugh was such a hit when he joined the Symphony on our summer series that I'm thrilled our regular Pops audiences will be able to enjoy this wonderful singer," says Principal Pops Conductor Richard Kaufman. "Michael is passionate about his music-making, and I know he'll bring the same amazing spirit to the music of Elton John as he did with the songs of Billy Joel."

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