Country

:

United States of America

Genre

:

Crossover

 

 

Film

 

 

Orchestral

 

 

Orchestral

 

The Cincinnati Pops Orchestra is a world-renowned classical music ensemble that has been entertaining audiences for over 50 years. Founded in 1977 by conductor Erich Kunzel, the orchestra has become a beloved institution in the city of Cincinnati and beyond. Kunzel, who was born in New York City in 1935, was a graduate of Dartmouth College and Harvard University. He began his career as a conductor in 1957, when he was appointed assistant conductor of the Cleveland Orchestra. He went on to conduct many of the world's leading orchestras, including the London Symphony Orchestra, the Berlin Philharmonic, and the New York Philharmonic. In 1977, Kunzel was appointed conductor of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, and he immediately set about creating a new ensemble that would focus on popular classical music. He called this new group the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, and its first concert was held on July 4, 1977, in Riverfront Stadium. The Cincinnati Pops Orchestra quickly became a hit with audiences, thanks in large part to Kunzel's innovative programming and charismatic personality. He was known for his ability to connect with audiences of all ages and backgrounds, and he often incorporated elements of theater and dance into his concerts. Over the years, the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra has featured many talented musicians, including violinist Itzhak Perlman, pianist André Watts, and cellist Yo-Yo Ma. The orchestra has also collaborated with a wide range of artists from other genres, including jazz musicians Dave Brubeck and Wynton Marsalis, and pop singers Barry Manilow and Kenny Rogers. One of the highlights of the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra's history was its performance at the 1980 Republican National Convention, which was held in Cincinnati. The orchestra played a rousing rendition of "Stars and Stripes Forever" as Ronald Reagan accepted the party's nomination for president. Another memorable moment came in 1990, when the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra performed at the opening ceremony of the Goodwill Games in Seattle. The orchestra played a medley of American music, including "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" and "God Bless America," as well as a tribute to the late composer Leonard Bernstein. The Cincinnati Pops Orchestra has also been recognized with numerous awards and honors over the years. In 1992, the orchestra won a Grammy Award for its recording of "Gershwin: Rhapsody in Blue." The orchestra has also been nominated for several other Grammy Awards, including Best Classical Crossover Album and Best Instrumental Soloist(s) Performance (with Orchestra). In addition to its recordings, the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra has also been featured on television and in films. The orchestra has appeared on PBS's "Great Performances" series, as well as on the soundtrack of the 1990 film "Home Alone." Sadly, Erich Kunzel passed away in 2009, but his legacy lives on through the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra. Today, the orchestra is led by conductor John Morris Russell, who has continued Kunzel's tradition of innovative programming and engaging performances. In recent years, the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra has continued to push the boundaries of classical music, with performances that incorporate elements of rock, pop, and other genres. The orchestra has also continued to collaborate with a wide range of artists, including singer-songwriter Rosanne Cash and the rock band Pink Martini.

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