HOLIDAY POPS! to Return to Verizon Hall, 12/6-21

Philadelphia's treasured musical tradition Holiday POPS! returns to Verizon Hall at the KimMel Center for nine festive performances, December 6 through December 21, 2013 led by Britain's celebrated American-born conductor David Charles Abell, who is known for conducting the two "Les Miserables" anniversary celebrations, televised throughout the world. As The POPS' exceptional musicians present the beloved seasonal tunes in exciting arrangements, each concert also features three spectacular choirs and the ever-popular audience sing-along, in a rousing program guaranteed to please young and old. For 2013, The Philly POPS is pleased to welcome acclaimed dramatic soprano Angela Brown making her POPS debut during this annual family favorite.

2013 Holiday POPS! schedule includes four matinees and five evening performances, with the first on the feast of St. Nicholas, December 6, and continuing through the December 21st.

· Friday, December 6 at 8 p.m.

· Saturday, December 7 at 3 p.m.

· Wednesday, December 11 at 8 p.m.

· Friday, December 13 at 8 p.m.

· Saturday, December 14 at 3 p.m.

· Sunday, December 15 at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.

· Wednesday, December 18 at 8 p.m.

· Saturday, December 21 at 3 p.m.

The KimMel Center of the Performing Arts is located at 300 S Broad St Philadelphia, PA 19102. Tickets may be purchased throughhttp://www.phillypops.org or by phone at 215-893-1999.

The 2013 holiday series marks The Philly POPS debut of one of England's most recognized conductors, David Charles Abell. Widely considered Europe's premier interpreter of Broadway scores and the music of Leonard Bernstein, Abell is admired worldwide for two televised orchestral presentations of "Les Miserables" staged for the 10th and 25th anniversaries of that landmark musical. With Abell's passion for musical theater, POPS audiences can look forward to a sparkling program that captures all the emotional dimension of the holiday season.

2013's guest vocal soloist is acclaimed dramatic soprano Angela Brown, an operatic star who has received accolades from the New York Times to Oprah Magazine and has performed with both The Philadelphia Orchestra and the Opera Company of PhiladelphiA. Brown makes her Philly POPS debut interpreting holiday standards including "I'll Be Home For Christmas" and "Sleigh Ride." Philadelphia's beloved organist Peter Conte, well known for his performances on the historic Wanamaker organ, will showcase all of the expressive colors of the massive pipe organ built into Verizon Hall.

Choirs are a tremendously popular feature of Holiday POPS! and this year's concert features four. The world renowned Philadelphia Boys Choir is featured in the reverential hymn "Ave Maria." The African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas Gospel Choir, an ensemble from the historic congregation in West Philadelphia, returns with rousing arrangements of praise music. The Pops Festival Chorus --- over 100 voices of the best amateur singers chosen by audition --- has an honored place in the program, joining the orchestra in spectacular arrangements of carols the audience loves to hear. The final "chorale group" is the audience itself! POPS guests look forward to the annual invitation to sing along during a seven minute set, with the lyrics to the all of tunes printed in the program.

After Holiday POPS!, the season continues in 2014 with The Sounds of Simon and Garfunkel and then Marvin Hamlisch: A Musical Tribute featuring Donna McKechnie who starred in "A Chorus Line". In spring, The POPS will present the movie music of legendary John Williams and the season ends with the four original stars of Broadway's "Jersey Boys" now known as The Midtown Men in a hip program of the music of the 60's.

Tickets are currently for sale for all the 2013/2014 Philly POPS season. Performances take place in Verizon Hall at The KimMel Center of the Performing Arts at 300 S Broad St Philadelphia, PA 19102. Tickets may be purchased through http://www.phillypops.org or by phone at 215-893-1999.

Test and expand your Broadway knowledge with our new game - The Broadway Match-Up! How well do you know your Broadway casting trivia?	Play the Daily Game, explore current shows, and delve into past decades like the 2000s, 80s, and the Golden Age. Challenge your friends and see where you rank!
How well do you know your Tony Awards history? Take our never-ending quiz of nominations and winner history and challenge your friends.	Can you beat your friends? Play today’s daily Broadway word game, featuring a new theatrically inspired word or phrase every day!