Steven Reineke Appointed Principal Pops Conductor Of National Symphony Orchestra
Steven Reineke will become the new Principal Pops Conductor of the National Symphony Orchestra, it was announced today, effective September 2011. He will oversee the NSO's pops programming, will conduct a minimum of three of the NSO's six pops weeks per season, and will appear in selected additional events, including the NSO's September 4th performance during Labor Day Weekend at the U.S. Capitol. Programming for his first season will be shared March 8, at the announcement of the NSO and Kennedy Center's 2011-12 programming.
"I'm thrilled to be joining the National Symphony Orchestra," remarked Steven Reineke. "I look forward to presenting world class entertainment at the Kennedy Center and beyond with the fantastic musicians of the NSO."
"It is with great pleasure that we announce Steven Reineke as Principal Pops Conductor," said Executive Director Rita Shapiro. "He brings a broad range of expertise, as well as energy and excitement to all he does. We eagerly look forward to welcoming him to the National Symphony Orchestra."
Steven Reineke is now in his second season as Music Director of The New York Pops, where, in recognition of his successful leadership, his contract has been extended through the 2015-16 season. He made his National Symphony Orchestra debut last April, leading a pops special with Michael Cavanaugh. His next appearances will take place April 13 - 16, leading four performances with Pink Martini as part of the NSO's current pops season. In addition, he is a noted composer and arranger. The NSO has performed his Legend of Sleepy Hollow, Casey at the Bat, and other programmatic works in programs conducted by Jack Everly, Erich Kunzel, and others.
Mr. Reineke, in addition to conducting the New York Pops' annual Carnegie Hall concert series, leads concert tours, recordings and nationwide telecasts, including the Macy's 4th of July Fireworks on NBC Television. He also holds Principal Pops Conductor positions with the Modesto Symphony and the Long Beach Symphony. For 15 years he served as a composer, arranger, and conducting protégé of the late Erich Kunzel. As a guest conductor he has appeared with orchestras throughout North America. He returns to the Boston Pops and Philadelphia Orchestra in 2011, and will also debut with The Cleveland Orchestra at Blossom Music Center this summer. He made his Hollywood Bowl debut in 2007 with the multi-faceted entertainer Wayne Brady and returned to the Hollywood Bowl in 2008 to conduct the Los Angeles Philharmonic. In addition, Mr. Reineke conducted, arranged and orchestrated the music for Mr. Brady's orchestral show and played the same role in his collaboration with rock legend Peter Frampton.
A native of Ohio, Steven Reineke is a graduate of Miami University of Ohio, where he earned bachelor's degrees in trumpet performance and music composition.
For more information about the NSO Pops, please visit http://www.kennedy-center.org/nso.
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