SEATTLE SYMPHONY ANNOUNCES THE JOHN & GINNY MEISENBACH FOUNDATION POPS SERIES FOR 2021–2022 SEASON
FROM CLASSIC ROCK TO SOUL, POPS PROGRAMS’ BROAD RANGE OF MUSICAL GENRES EXPANDS RETURN TO LIVE CONCERTS
Seattle, WA — Today the Seattle Symphony is pleased to announce the exciting lineup of artists and programs for The John & Ginny Meisenbach Foundation Pops Series in the 2021–2022 season. From classic rock to soul to big-band jazz, the Symphony’s popular programming brings six new shows representing a broad spectrum of musical styles and entertainment to the Benaroya Hall stage. The Pops Series joins the previously announced core symphonic repertoire to expand the Seattle Symphony’s 2021–2022 season programming.
The Pops Series begins in December with a program for the whole family — Holiday Pops, which features Broadway star N’Kenge blending her electric vocals with the warm sound of the orchestra in a festive concert of holiday favorites. With guest conductor Stuart Chafetz at the podium, the concert will bring lighthearted holiday cheer to audiences on December 10–12.
The series continues to showcase impressive vocalists with the orchestra in Aretha: A Tribute in January. Seattle favorite Capathia Jenkins brings her soaring voice alongside three-time Grammy Award nominee Adam Shaw and the Witness Mass Choir in a program honoring the beloved Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin. With Lucas Waldin conducting, the concert shares Franklin’s iconic hits with audiences including “Respect,” “A Natural Woman,” “Chain of Fools” and more on January 21–23.
Cirque performance group Troupe Vertigo comes to Benaroya Hall in February with España!, a stunning show that features a variety of artistic disciplines. In an exploration of music by Bizet, Albéniz and Ponce with Jack Everly conducting the orchestra, artists come together to create stories woven through imaginative choreography, stylized lighting and visuals, and moving musical performance. Audiences can experience the fantastical show from Troupe Vertigo and the Seattle Symphony on February 18–20.
The legendary Count Basie Orchestra brings its classic big band sound to Seattle in April. Formed in 1935, the iconic ensemble has sold out concerts all over globe and garnered 18 Grammy Awards for its revered jazz performances. Now under the direction of Scotty Barnhart, the Count Basie Orchestra will be joined by vocalist Carmen Bradford to showcase their considerable jazz chops at Benaroya Hall on April 15 & 16.
In May, The Vinyl Years: A Classic Rock Songbook brings the biggest classic rock hits to life in a symphonic tribute. Featuring Shem von Schroeck, Micah Wilshire and Lori Zabka on vocals and guitar, the concert unites their distinct voices with the richness of the orchestra’s sound under the baton of guest conductor Michael Krajewski. The Symphony takes on anthemic hits by The Doobie Brothers, Fleetwood Mac, Styx, Billy Joel and more on May 6–8.
Bringing the 2021–2022 season’s Pops Series to a close in June is Pride Pops. With the Seattle Symphony’s Douglas F. King Associate Conductor Lee Mills at the podium, the orchestra is joined by the vibrant voices of Alexa Jarvis and the Seattle Men’s Chorus for this special Pride weekend concert event. Also lighting up the stage is drag superstar Thorgy Thor as violinist and host for this musical celebration on June 24 & 25.
Details about tickets for the Pops Series can be found at seattlesymphony.org/subscribe.
Health and Safety
The Seattle Symphony’s top priority remains the well-being of its patrons, staff and musicians. The organization has carefully planned for the safe return of audiences to Benaroya Hall. Comprehensive health and safety measures have been implemented in the current season already to enable continued concert operations, including controlled air filtration, rigorous cleaning procedures and health screening protocol, among others.
Additional guidelines for in-person concert attendance will be announced as the upcoming season approaches. The Seattle Symphony looks forward to welcoming audiences back to Benaroya Hall soon.
SEATTLE SYMPHONY
Led by Music Director Thomas Dausgaard, the Seattle Symphony unleashes the power of music, brings people together and lifts the human spirit. Recognized as one of the “most vital American orchestras” (NPR), the Seattle Symphony is internationally acclaimed for its inventive programming, community-minded initiatives and superb recordings on the Seattle Symphony Media label. With a strong commitment to new music and a legacy of over 150 recordings, the orchestra has garnered five Grammy Awards, 26 Grammy nominations, two Emmy Awards and was named Gramophone’s 2018 Orchestra of the Year. The Symphony performs in Benaroya Hall in the heart of downtown Seattle from September through July, reaching over 730,000 people annually through live performances and radio broadcasts.
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HOLIDAY POPS
POPS SERIES
Friday, December 10, at 8 p.m.
Saturday, December 11, at 8 p.m.
Sunday, December 12, at 2 p.m.
Stuart Chafetz conductor
N’Kenge vocals
ARETHA: A TRIBUTE
POPS SERIES
Friday, January 21, at 8 p.m.
Saturday, January 22, at 8 p.m.
Sunday, January 23, at 2 p.m.
Lucas Waldin conductor
Capathia Jenkins vocals
Ryan Shaw vocals
Nichol Eskridge vocals
Grace D. Ferrell vocals
Philip L. Ferrell II vocals
Witness Mass Choir
ESPAÑA!
POPS SERIES
Friday, February 18, at 8 p.m.
Saturday, February 19, at 8 p.m.
Sunday, February 20, at 2 p.m.
Jack Everly conductor
Troupe Vertigo
COUNT BASIE ORCHESTRA
POPS SERIES
Friday, April 15, at 8 p.m.
Saturday, April 16, at 2 p.m. & 8 p.m.
Scotty Barnhart director
Carmen Bradford vocals
Count Basie Orchestra
THE VINYL YEARS: A CLASSIC ROCK SONGBOOK
POPS SERIES
Friday, May 6, at 8 p.m.
Saturday, May 7, at 8 p.m.
Sunday, May 8, at 2 p.m
Michael Krajewski conductor
Shem von Schroeck vocals & guitar
Micah Wilshire vocals & guitar
Lori Zabka vocals & guitar
PRIDE POPS
POPS SERIES
Friday, June 24, at 8 p.m.
Saturday, June 25, at 2 p.m. & 8 p.m.
Lee Mills conductor
Thorgy Thor host & violin
Alexa Jarvis vocals
Seattle Men’s Chorus
2021–2022 Pops Series Sponsor: The John & Ginny Meisenbach Foundation.
Thomas Dausgaard’s position is generously underwritten as the Harriet Overton Stimson Music Director.
Lee Mills’ position is generously underwritten as the Douglas F. King Associate Conductor.
The Seattle Symphony thanks its entire family of sponsors and donors,
whose gifts help make each and every performance a reality.