Rebecca Luker to Appear with NSO Pops 10/13-15

Steven Reineke and the NSO Pops welcome Rebecca Luker to the opening of the 2011-12 NSO Pops season. The program, to be performed October 13, 14, and 15, with vocalists Rod Gilfry and Aaron Lazar and the National Symphony Orchestra, celebrates the glorious legacy of Broadway giants Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein. The remarkable work of the legendary songwriting team of Rodgers and Hammerstein has given the world some of its most popular musicals, including The Sound of Music, Oklahoma!, South Pacific, and Carousel. Ms. Luker replaces the previously announced Kelli O'Hara, who regretfully cannot perform due to an unforeseen scheduling conflict.

Rebecca Luker's resumé not only includes major roles in Broadway productions of musicals such as Phantom of the Opera (Christine), Mary Poppins (Mrs. Banks), The Music Man (Marian Paroo), and The Sound of Music (Maria Rainer), but also is bestrewn with three Tony Award® nominations and two nominations for Drama Desk Awards, amply attesting to her artistry. Her impressive achievements also include appearances at regional theaters throughout the country, numerous television credits, and many popular recordings. She has also appeared with orchestras across the nation and abroad.

Ms. Luker's relationship with the Kennedy Center began in 2001, with her appearance during the Kennedy Center Honors in tribute to Julie Andrews. She was Clara in Passion in the Kennedy Center's historic Sondheim Celebration in 2002, made her National Symphony Orchestra debut in the 2007-8 season, and has appeared at the Center in Songs for the Theater: The Next Generation as part of Barbara Cook's Spotlight series. She most recently appeared with the NSO in 2009, singing the role of Marian Paroo in a semi-staged production of The Music Man.

Currently tickets to these and other NSO Pops concerts are available through subscription purchase only. Single tickets will go on sale to the public August 10, through the Kennedy Center box office and through Instant Charge at (202) 467-4600. Patrons living outside the Washington metropolitan area may dial toll-free at (800) 444-1324 or visit us online at www.kennedy-center.org.

For more information about the NSO Pops, please visit www.nationalsymphony.org.

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