Concert Review #1

Star-Spangled Pops

San Diego Symphony Summer Pops

7/3/2011

Conducted by Matthew Gorbutt

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            This was the first concert of the 2011 Summer Pops Series.

We wish we could attend all the performances.  Unfortunately, without a wealthy patron, that’s impossible.

Originally, Marvin Hamlisch was supposed to conduct this concert but he is down with pneumonia in New York.  Get Well, Marvin.

It was a very enjoyable concert, Matthew was brilliant, and it seemed to end all too soon.

The concert included vocals by Hamlisch protégé Felix Ramsey, former American Idol contestants David Hernandez and LaKisha Jones, and the San Diego Master Chorale.

There had to be a salute to George M. Cohan, the originator of “The Yankee Doodle Boy”.  Which most of us know as “I’m A Yankee Doodle Dandy.”

For me, the highlight of the concert was David and LaKisha singing David Foster’s “The Prayer.”

Prior to this, I had only heard it performed by Andrea Bocelli and Heather Headley on a DVD*.  If you want to see a “grown man” get teary-eyed, just have him listen to this.

Of course the show stopper, predictably, was “Battle Hymn of the Republic”, always a moving piece for any red-blooded American.  I love the fact that they recognize all the veterans and active duty personel in the audience.  There seem to be fewer of us standing each year.

On a personal note:  I hope the lawyers and environmental activists trying to stop fireworks displays lose, after spending a lot of their own time and money.

‘Nuff said.

* Andrea Bocelli – Vivere – Live In Tuscany.