“Big City Music” is the theme for The Panama City POPS Orchestra’s 22nd season, inspired, in part, by the title of the artwork that will embellish the organization’s marketing materials.
“For the past ten years The POPS has collaborated with the local arts community to tie the performing arts to the visual arts,” states POPS Board President, Tammala Spencer. “A generous artist donates his or her work to adorn The POPS’ promotional materials. At the end of each season, a fundraising raffle is conducted and a POPS patron goes home with an exceptional piece of art.
“This year, The POPS is grateful for the generous gift of internationally renowned artist and local cultural icon, Paul Brent. It exudes the vibrancy of Panama City’s flagship orchestra and stimulates heightened interest in the coming season,” remarked Ms. Spencer. A 27″ x 31″ giclée printed on canvas, framed and signed by the artist will be on display at each POPS concert.
“Art and music are linked in creative expression,” commented artist Paul Brent. “In Big City Music I wanted to connect the instruments and the city environment visually communicating the various styles of music from classical to jazz and pop.”
Concert Schedule and Titles
POPS Conductor and Music Director David Ott returns to the Marina Civic Center stage unveiling an exciting series of classical and popular music evoking distant places and bygone eras. Full symphonies, myriad overtures and countless compositions by composers from every age will be performed by the orchestra.
The season opens in exciting style on October 21 with a program entitled, “Under the Sea” featuring classical selections by Shostakovich, Smetana and Johann Strauss II.
At the second concert on January13, The POPS makes “Musical Overtures,” a proposition from the likes of Mendelssohn, Rimsky-Korsakov and more.
Everyone’s Irish on March 17, and on that date The POPS shares the joy of Celtic music of all kinds. “Celtic Celebrations” presents guest artists The Mithril Duo to transport the audience on an exotic musical journey to Ireland, Scotland and beyond.
On May 5, the POPS season finale, “How Suite It Is,” is a family-focused program which will enlighten music aficionados of all ages. The POPS takes you from Norway to Never Never Land on a magical, musical vacation for the young and young-at-heart! The dramatic and adventurous Peer Gynt Suite No. 2 by Edvard Grieg and the Peter Pan Suite by POPS Conductor and Music Director David Ott headline the program of our family-focused season finale.
“Next season a vast sea of great music awaits you as The Panama City POPS Orchestra escorts you on a musical tour around the world. Your seat awaits you,” invited the Pulitzer Prize-nominated Ott. “Don’t miss a single note.”
Moments with the Maestro
Carrying forward a new tradition instituted last season, The POPS will offer Moments with the Maestro, a pre-concert lecture series which takes place at the Marina Civic Center, Mezzanine Level, 6:45-7:15pm, prior to each regular season concert. Led by the conductor in a comfortable, intimate setting, the public is invited to hear a medley of information such as the thoughts behind the selections, some of the history of the selections, and the nuances to listen and look for during the concert. The series is open to the general public. Admission is free for Baton-level subscribers and $20.00 for all other patrons.
Tickets
Concert dates for the regular 2017-2018 POPS season are October 21, 2017; January 13, March 17 and May 5, 2018. POPS season tickets are available now at www.panamacitypops.org/tickets/. All regular season concerts will be performed at the Marina Civic Center and will start at 7:30 pm.
Individual tickets are available after September 20 at the Marina Civic Center box office, 850-763-4696, or at www.marinaciviccenter.com. Single ticket prices: $29.50 for Adults; $20 for Seniors 65+ and Active Military; $10 for Children
For more information about The POPS call (850) 785-POPS (7677).