The Cincinnati Pops Orchestra continues its tradition of presenting a rousing concert program on New Year’s Eve at Music Hall. This year’s concert at 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 31 pays tribute to Frank Sinatra, on the occasion of the legendary crooner’s 100th birthday. Joining the Pops (under guest conductor Damon Gupton, also an accomplished Broadway, TV and film actor best known for his roles in The Divide, Whiplash and Unfaithful) will be guest vocalist Tony DeSare, considered “two parts young Sinatra to one part Billy Joel” (The New York Times). Mr. DeSare will serenade the audience with some of Sinatra’s most familiar, jazzy tunes such as “Luck Be a Lady,” “The Lady is a Tramp,” and of course, “Fly Me to the Moon,” providing the perfect soundtrack to reflecting on the past year and making new memories to ring in 2016.
All audience members will be treated to a complimentary glass of sparkling wine along with a Sinatra-style jazz trio from the Cincinnati Contemporary Jazz Orchestra in the decked-out Music Hall lobby before the concert.
“So as you get closer and closer to midnight, everyone kind of takes account of their life—what happened this year, what you hope to happen next year,” said Mr. DeSare in a Q&A about the concert. “And music has the ability to take all of this into account at once. Especially the concert we’re doing. For those who were around in Frank Sinatra’s era it evokes memories. And here in 2015 we’re listening to Sinatra, indicating that as time goes by, everything’s different but everything remains the same. Music has a way of pushing these buttons—it’s kind of a strong cocktail.”
The Pops will not be hosting a post-concert Ball at Music Hall (as in years past), but audience members are encouraged to explore the many New Year’s Eve parties and celebrations in Over-the- Rhine and Downtown Cincinnati.
Tickets start at $12 and are available by phone at (513) 381-3300, on the Internet at www.cincinnatipops.org, or in person at:
· CSO Box Office at Music Hall, 1241 Elm Street, Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
· Will Call at Music Hall on the night of the performance
