A "Doc" and two divas will join the Memphis Symphony Orchestra for its 2007-08 Pops Series. The belated announcement follows a highly publicized search for a new principal pops conductor, which fizzled when the winning candidate couldn't accept the job due to contractual conflicts.
Guest conductors will be featured instead, a decision that means more variety for both the audience and the players.
The season opens with a concert by powerhouse vocalist Jennifer Holliday, the Tony-Award winning originator of Effie in "Dreamgirls." Her solo "And I Am Telling You, I'm Not Going" is remembered as the definitive version of that Broadway hit. She brings composer and arranger Steven Reinecke to conduct the performance.
In October, Johnny Carson's flashy bandleader and jazz trumpeter Doc Severinsen leads the orchestra in a South-of-the-border style concert. Severinsen, 80, began his musical career with legendary bandleaders Tommy Dorsey and Benny Goodman, and after five decades in the business, has recorded nearly 40 albums.
The December concert is the MSO's traditional "Home for the Holidays" featuring conductor Scott Speck, music director of the Mobile Symphony and co-author of "Classical Music for Dummies."
In January, conductor Robert Moody performs the annual Elvis Birthday Pops.
A valentine-themed concert in February highlights the music of Henry Mancini and Johnny Mercer. A conductor will be announced at a later date.
The Pops season closes with a performance by pop and Christian singer Amy Grant, whose hits include "Baby, Baby," and "Takes a Little Time." David Hamilton, her personal arranger, producer and keyboard player, will conduct.
Memphis Symphony Orchestra 2007-2008 Pops Series:
Sept. 29: Jennifer Holliday
Oct. 20: Doc Severinsen
Dec. 1: Home for the Holidays
Jan: 5: Elvis Tribute Pops
Feb. 16: "Mancini and Moonlight"
April 26: Amy Grant -- www.memphissymphony.org
Comment and add to the story without registration, but keep the comments meaningful please. Links are not accepted.
![The Shins reveal 2012 North American tour dates, B-side September [VIDEO]](http://www.huliq.com/files/imagecache/medium_thumb/news_article/images/220px-The_Shins.jpg "The Shins reveal 2012 North American tour dates, B-side September [VIDEO]")
