Megan Hilty And The New York Pops Dazzled At Carnegie Hall

Genevieve Rafter Keddy

December 17, 2017

The New York Pops Steven Reinke

The New York Pops Christmas Concert was indeed The Most Wonderful Time of the Year. With the “Holiday Overture” lead by maestro Steven Reinke, both Christmas and Chanukah were acknowledged.

Judith Clurman’s Essential Voices USA

Judith Clurman’s Essential Voices USA, sang their traditional “We Need a Little Christmas” and I realized this was the first time this season I was hearing Christmas music.

Megan Hilty

Megan Hilty and the orchestra performed songs from her holiday album, including the title song, “Winter Wonderland” and “The Christmas Song,” in her first set.

Megan Hilty

Megan, dazzled in a shimmering black evening gown as she released personal stories.

Megan Hilty

A fabulous arrangement of “Carol of The Bells” by David Hamilton had the orchestra showing how truly remarkable they are.

Judith Clurman

Judith Clurman’s Essential Voices USA, also shined on a Hanukkah Medley,called “Songs of Freedom: A Celebration of Chanukah.” This arrangement by Broadway’s Larry Hochman and Judith Clurman was riveting.

Megan Hilty

The personable Ms. Hilty returned with more song from her album. A melody from “White Christmas included “Snow” and “Count Your Blessings.” “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” ended the first act.

Megan Hilty

Essential Voices USA returned with the standard “Merry Christmas, Merry Christmas” as Megan returned looking like Elsa from Frozen.

Megan Hilty

“Santa Baby,” a haunting Joni Mitchell’s “River,” put the audience in a melancholy mood.

Megan Hitly

Essential Voices USA joined the orchestra for “The First Noel,” as the traditional “Sleigh Ride” was conducted by an adorable eight year old.

Santa, Steven Reinke

The orchestra return for the audience favorite “Jingle Bell Rock” as Santa visited the stage.

Megan Hilty

“A Place Called Home” from Madison Square Gardens A Christmas Carol, “I’ll Be Home For Christmas,” and again the traditional “O Holy Night” had Ms Hilty ending the concert.

Megan Hilty

The encore was a “Jingle Jangle Sing-Along,” that made this concert the perfect start of a amazing holiday season.

Elf, Santa, Steven Reinke, Megan Hilty, Judith Clurman

The New York Pops turned out to be the perfect Christmas gift tied up in amazing singing, a heartfelt orchestra and a tradition that I hope will never end.

Elf, Santa, Megan Hilty, Judith Clurman

Heart and Soul featuring James Monroe Iglehart and Capathia Jenkins will happen on Friday, February 2 at 8:00 p.m. and The Best of Hollywood: Blockbuster Film Scores on Friday, March 9 at 8:00 p.m.: concluding with the orchestra’s 35th Birthday Gala on Monday, April 30 at 7:00 p.m. paying tribute to Alan Menken’s contributions to stage and screen.