Pops honors the Pack
The Rat Pack is back.
Pacific Symphony’s 2014-15 Pops season premieres with the standards made popular by Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., Bobby Darin and others of the era to charge up the Renee and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall.
The series opening, at 8 p.m. from Nov. 6 to 8, welcomes award-winning vocalist Michael Andrew, who will perform music from the “Great American Songbook” made famous by Sinatra.
Andrew, who was the headline singer and bandleader at the Rainbow Room at Rockefeller Plaza in New York, entertained audiences on his nightly live radio broadcast, “Live from the Rainbow Room.” The opening concert is meant to recall the days when music was delivered by a big band.
Pacific Symphony’s principal pops conductor, Richard Kaufman, returns for his 24th season to lead series.
Kaufman, who began violin studies at age 7, has conducted for John Denver, Andy Williams, Mary Martin and others performers. When Kaufman was a professional violinist in the studios of Hollywood, he experienced Sinatra a number of times up close as a member of orchestras accompanying the singer.
“You find out what makes a legend,” Kaufman said over the phone Wednesday morning.
Classics that Andrew will perform include “Come Fly with Me,” “That’s Life,” “New York, New York” and “My Kind of Girl.” The first half of the concert will focus on patriotic favorites in preparation for Veterans Day. In the lineup are “The Stars and Stripes Forever,” “Strike Up the Band,” “American Salute” and “Armed Forces Salute.”
“Every season is special,” Kaufman said. “It’s always exciting working with an amazing orchestra.”
The first half of the shows will begin with the music of Gershwin and then a presentation of music that accompanied Sinatra’s performance in “The Man with the Golden Arm.”
The season continues with a Christmas celebration featuring five-time Grammy-winner Sandi Patty. Patty is the most-awarded female vocalist in contemporary Christian music, having received 40 Dove Awards. She has released more than 30 albums. Jamie Farr, who played Cpl. Maxwell Q. Klinger in the TV series “M*A*S*H*,” will make a special appearance.
Kaufman, who said the varied styles and performances will continue throughout the season, will welcome the Tenors for Valentine’s Day weekend. The four male singers will perform songs from their 2012 Platinum album, “Lead With Your Heart,” and other favorites.
And for that stroke of luck around St. Patrick’s Day, audiences can enjoy Irish band the Chieftains on March 19 to 21.
“We are all Irish,” joked Kaufman. “They’re the finest Irish group, and it’s really a perfect way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day.”
The series continues with a performance by singer and songwriter Paul Anka, who joins the Symphony from April 9 to 11. He will lend his soulful voice to his signature hits, including “Put Your Head On My Shoulder,” “Puppy Love” and “Time of Your Life.”
To showcase Kaufman’s passion for movie music, the symphony will perform the music to Alfred Hitchcock’s film “Vertigo” from April 30 to May 2.
The season concludes with a rare concert appearance by Herb Alpert and Lani Hall, who will perform songs from their recently released album, “Steppin’ Out.” Classics from “Puttin’ on the Ritz” to “La Vie en rose” will conclude the Pops series on June 6.
“No matter what style of music, their performances are absolutely wonderful,” Kaufman said.
All concerts will take place in the Renee and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall. Single tickets are $35 to $105. For more information or to purchase tickets, call (714) 755-5799 or visit pacificsymphony.org