JMR to Lead First Pops Season

John Morris Russell

Cincinnati Pops conductor John Morris Russell -- affectionately known as "JMR" -- will conduct six of the nine concerts during the Pops' 2011-12 season, announced Feb. 13.

The season opens with Russell's official inaugural concert on Sept. 16, 2011 with Broadway star Brian Stokes Mitchell and American Idol runner up Katharine McPhee in a program dubbed "My American Dream."

Also on the season roster are Bernadette Peters, country star Wynonna Judd, trumpeter Chris Botti, the New York Voices, Miami-based Cuban ensemble Tiempo Libre and a program of Ray Charles' music featuring Ellis Hall.

There will be a program devoted to music from Walt Disney films and vocalist Sandi Patty will return with her popular holiday show in December.

New York Pops conductor Steve Reineke will guest conduct the Feb . 26 one-night-only concert with Botti.  Guest conductors for Wynonna Judd and Ellis Hall will be announced.

Russell, a nationally known music educator, will lead the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra's Lollipops family concerts next season, also.  Concerts are Nov. 12, "All Aboard," with music of the railroad ("Polar Express," "Thomas and Friends," etc.) and Jan. 28, "It's Storytime!" with Saint-Saens' "Carnival of the Animals" and other childhood fables. 

The 2011-12 Cincinnati Pops season.

Sept. 16-18. “My American Dream.” Katharine McPhee and Brian Stokes Mitchell. May Festival Chorus. John Morris Russell, conductor

Oct. 22 and 23. Wynonna Judd. Conductor to be announced.

Nov. 6 and 20. “Sweet Sounds of the 70s.”  New York Voices. JMR.

Dec. 9-11. “Happy Holidays with the Pops.” Sandi Patty. JMR.

Jan. 20 and 21. “Night in Havana.” Tiempo Libre. JMR.

Feb. 17-19, 2012. “Disney in Concert” Magical Music from the Movies.” JMR.

Feb. 26. Chris Botti. Steve Reineke, guest conductor.

March 25. “The Music of Ray Charles.” Ellis Hall. Conductor tba.

April 20-22. Bernadette Peters. JMR.

Subscriptions are available beginning Feb. 14 at www.cincinnatipops.org or call (513) 381-3300.   Single tickets go on sale to the general public August 10, with prices beginning at $25 ($20 for students). 

Katharine McPhee

Brian Stokes Mitchell

Wynonna Judd

New York Voices

Sandi Patty

Tiempo Libre

Chris Botti

Ellis Hall

Bernadette Peters