The Pops began its most popular series of concerts Wednesday night, the first of seven performances at Heinz Hall that salute the variety of holiday experiences in sight and sound. Projected photos of Pittsburgh scenes sometimes even matched the music being performed, as when the "Skaters' Waltz" was accompanied by shots of the rink at PPG Place.
Resident conductor Daniel Meyer led the excellent musical program, which offered Christmas music in many styles and themes as well as the "Hanukkah Festival Overture" by Lucas Richman, Meyer's predecessor.
Opening with "Hail to Christmas" from Victor Herbert's musical "Babes in Toyland" was both local and arch. Herbert, who was music director of the Pittsburgh Orchestra that was founded in 1896, wrote a portentous introduction for his lilting main theme. Yet Herbert did possess a winning charm, one that is even stronger in "March of the Toys" that followed.
The Children's Festival Chorus made touching contributions in both halves of the show, especially "Away in a Manger" and "Silent Night" in which the purity of the young voices were perfect for telling of the birth of Jesus.
The Mendelssohn Choir also was in fine form, giving a particularly vibrant performance of "The Twelve Days of Christmas" -- the original "shopping song" quipped Meyer.
A few selections from George Frideric Handel's "Messiah" provided the strong conclusion to the first half of the concert. Soprano Katy Shackleton Williams set the stage in two recitatives and arias for the choruses "Glory to God in the Highest" and "Hallelujah." Meyer led a particularly satisfying performance of the "Hallelujah" chorus -- boldly powerful, agile and well-timed.
Two other solo singers added to the evening's success. Baritone Craig Verm sang part of Ralph Vaughan Williams' "Fantasia on Christmas Carols" with enthusiasm and fine young vocalism. But it was the singing Santa who who nearly stole the show on the second half with a jazzy version of "Santa Claus is Comin' To Town."
The Christmas singalong, near the end of the concert is the true highlight of Pops show. The lyrics to the five carols are printed in the program, a smart move because first verses are the ones remembered by most people. Meyer trusts the pros on stage and conducts the audience during the singalong, which not only produces a special kind of glorious sound but can leave individuals with the glow of contributing to holiday cheer and expression of faith.
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