John Morris Russell News

The Cincinnati Pops Orchestra will perform its annual 'Holiday Pops' concert tonight, December 13-15 (Today and Saturday at 8 p.m., Sunday at 2 p.m.) at historic Music Hall under the direction of 'Mr. Christmas,' Pops Conductor John Morris Russell. Multiplatinum-selling vocalist and Broadway veteran Ann Hampton Callaway returns to the Pops as guest artist, performing traditional holiday favorites and up-and-coming classics such as 'My Favorites Things,' 'I Wonder as I Wander,' and 'Somewhere in my Memory' (from John Williams' Home Alone). The rich Pops orchestration, along with the May Festival Youth Chorus, Winton Woods High School Varsity Ensemble and the ever-popular cloggers from the Studio for Dance of Cincinnati, give life to these and other familiar tunes in this highly-entertaining family tradition.

The Cincinnati Pops Orchestra will perform the world concert premiere of Macy's Yes, Virginia in Concert at 2 p.m. on Saturday, December 14, at Music Hall. The family-friendly performance is developed and presented by Macy's and will feature John Morris Russell conducting the Pops along with singers and actors in a semi-staged adaptation under the stage direction of Patrick Boyd. Headlining the cast for the world concert premiere are Broadway veterans Liz Callaway, performing the role of Miriam, and Norm Lewis, as Mr. Church. The role of eight-year-old Virginia O'Hanlon will be performed by Gracie Alexander. This will be the world premiere performance of the fully orchestrated concert version of the musical with book and lyrics by William Schermerhorn and music by Wesley Whatley. "Yes, Virginia The Musical" was created by Macy's in 2012 as part of its annual holiday Believe campaign.

The Cincinnati Pops Orchestra will perform its annual "Holiday Pops" concert December 13-15 (Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m., Sunday at 2 p.m.) at historic Music Hall under the direction of "Mr. Christmas," Pops Conductor John Morris Russell. Multiplatinum-selling vocalist and Broadway veteran Ann Hampton Callaway returns to the Pops as guest artist, performing traditional holiday favorites and up-and-coming classics such as "My Favorites Things," "I Wonder as I Wander," and "Somewhere in my Memory" (from John Williams' Home Alone). The rich Pops orchestration, along with the May Festival Youth Chorus, Winton Woods High School Varsity Ensemble and the ever-popular cloggers from the Studio for Dance of Cincinnati, give life to these and other familiar tunes in this highly-entertaining family tradition.

The Cincinnati Pops Orchestra announces the release of its latest album, Superheroes!, under Pops Conductor John Morris Russell. The recording marks the 92nd Pops recording in its history (adding to an abundant legacy including a Grammy-winner) and the second under Mr. Russell. Superheroes! will appear on the Orchestra's own label, Fanfare Cincinnati, and be distributed by Naxos. The recording showcases some of Hollywood's grandest musical scores from such recent blockbusters as The Avengers, The Dark Knight, Iron Man 2, X-Men: The Last Stand, Captain America and Spider-Man. Special guest Adam West makes a cameo “appearance,” while other guest artists include the May Festival Youth Chorus and

The Cincinnati Pops Orchestra will perform the world concert premiere of Macy's Yes, Virginiain Concert at 2 p.m. on Saturday, December 14, at Music Hall. The family-friendly performance is developed and presented by Macy's and will feature John Morris Russell conducting the Pops along with singers and actors in a semi-staged adaptation. This will be the world premiere performance of the fully orchestrated concert version of the musical with book and lyrics by William Schermerhorn and music by Wesley Whatley. “Yes, Virginia The Musical” was created by Macy's in 2012 as part of its annual holiday Believe campaign.

Anticipation is building for LumenoCity, -two free outdoor concerts at Washington Park, right across the street from Music Hall in Cincinnati's Over-the-Rhine neighborhood. The program will be presented on Saturday, August 3, and Sunday, August 4, and both performances start at 8:30 p.m. This highly anticipated, first of its kind project marries a live orchestral concert experience with mind-blowing visual elements. LumenoCity kicks off a community wide celebration of Louis Langrée's arrival as the next CSO Music Director.

The Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra announces the highly anticipated inaugural season of Louis Langrée, the Orchestra's 13th Music Director. Mr. Langrée will take up the baton at historic Music Hall for six of 20 thrilling subscription concert weekends for the 118 year-old Orchestra. The season lineup honors the CSO's rich traditions of presenting classic orchestral repertoire and exploring new musical territory. Groundbreaking collaborations and a diverse array of repertoire set the stage for a vibrant new beginning for the CSO and Mr. Langrée, drawn together by a passion and vision to transform the live concert experience and create inspiring performances. The 2013-14 season is packed with over 67 works of music through the Masterworks, Ascent and Boundless series, and includes two world premiere commissions and visits from four acclaimed composers.

Ann Hampton Callaway joins the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra for the NJSO's first pops program of the season-"Holidays with the NJSO"-December 15 in Newark and December 16 in New Brunswick. Cincinnati Pops conductor John Morris Russell, who last led the NJSO in a classical program in March 2012, conducts the holiday program, which also features the Masterwork Chorus.

The Toronto Symphony has an exciting 2012-2013 season lined up, with something very special for BWW readers - the addition of New York Pops music director Steven Reineke as the first ever Principal Pops Conductor at the TSO. This appointment means an increased number of the pops Pops concerts, and more Broadway themed programming as well. BWW spoke with both Steven and TSO music director Peter Oundjian about the announcement and what it means for the TSO.

The Cincinnati Pops brings its signature sound outside of Music Hall for what is sure to be an explosive 2011 season at Riverbend Music Center, presented by the Pops Series Sponsor PNC. The Orchestra?s summer at Riverbend kicks off June 25 with Broadway superstar and vocal powerhouse Idina Menzel, who returns to the Tri-state after her blockbuster Pops debut in September. The Riverbend season continues with the family-friendly "Red, White & Boom" Independence Day celebration led by incoming Pops Conductor John Morris Russell (JMR) on July 4, the return of Movin' Out star Michael Cavanaugh performing a "Generations of Rock" show on July 23, and closes with the star-studded "Hallelujah Broadway" on August 6. "Hallelujah Broadway" has been featured recently on PBS, and is based on the simple premise that powerful songs can bring an audience to their feet, gladden their hearts and give them something to really feel good about. Tenor Rodrick Dixon, who recently performed in Music Hall as part of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra?s sold-out "Classical Roots: Lift Ev?ry Voice" concert, soprano Alfreda Burke, "Irish Tenors" star Anthony Kearns and the May Festival Summer Chorus join JMR and the Pops for an unforgettable summer evening.