The New York Pops delivered Christmas treats in style at their holiday concert held at Carnegie Hall. In It's Christmas Time in the City, the orchestra was joined by Essential Voices USA, and guest artists Stephanie J. Block and Brian d'Arcy James, who brought Broadway pizzazz to the proceedings. The concert began with a rousing rendition of "Deck the Halls", which filled the auditorium with a vibrant energy that went on for almost two hours! Shortly after, Ms. Block joined them to sing "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year", and it certainly felt like that, as she showed off her stunning voice, magnetic stage presence and delightful sense of humor. D'Arcy James joined her for "Let i Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!", and if at times in their duets (they performed four times together, including two sets of medleys) he seemed to lag off a bit, it was only because Block added a more spontaneous vibe to her performances.
Maestro Steven Reineke mentioned at one point that one of the reasons why he'd included a certain holiday song to the program, was just to "hear Stephanie J. Block do Mariah Carey", and to say her rendition of "All I Want for Christmas" was a dream come true, would surprisingly be an understatement. She rocked Carnegie Hall! She did that a couple other times too, as she sang a rousing "O Holy Night" joined by the choir, and a moving carol by Wesley Whatley and Bill Schermerhorn called "Yes, Virginia", which she said was about believing in Santa Claus regardless of age, and which she dedicated to her baby girl.
Mr. James' voice was at its best in songs like "The Christmas Song" and "Silver Bells" which made one wish he took on the crooner persona more often (he also looked quite dapper in a perfectly fitted tux). But perhaps it's rue that a New York Pops' show always belongs to the orchestra, and they have rarely been better, not only was their sound impeccable, they also seemed to be having the time of their lives up there. Whether they were playing "Merry Christmas, Merry Christmas" from Home Alone 2, or perennial favorite "Jingle Bell Rock", they made every song sound fresh, something quite unexpected when it comes to Christmas music. Whether you'd been naughty or nice in 2015, It's Christmas Time in the City was a gift to be cherished by all.
