70th Anniversary Gala Celebration

70th Anniversary Gala Celebration

On October 2 & 3, the Atlanta Pops Orchestra celebrated their 70th anniversary with a special two-night stand at Oglethorpe University’s Conant Performing Arts Center. The concerts featured performances with a wide variety of special guests, representing the diverse musical styles of Atlanta. The first night was emceed by WSB broadcasting legends Chuck Dowdle and Monica Pearson, and featured former Atlanta Symphony and Henry Mancini trumpeter Cecil Welch, pianist Brent Runnels, blues guitarist Michelle Malone, beatbox protégé HeaveN Beatbox and hip-hop trailblazers Arrested Development. The second night featured jazz trumpeter Joe Gransden, singer Chris Wright (performing a song written by Georgia Governor Nathan Deal), world-fusion duo Montana Skies and Americana singer-songwriter Levi Lowrey. Former Riverdance tap dancer Scott Porter performed with the orchestra on both nights of the Gala, and The Ruby Reds Band performed in the lobby of the Conant to welcome attendees.

Download the program for the Atlanta Pop Orchestra's 70th Anniversary Gala Concert (PDF)
poster design by Cynthia Eggers of Moonlit Creative

In addition to the performances with the special guests, the orchestra performed “Satchmo,” “Hooked on Country,” Albert Coleman’s original “Open Spaces” and other pieces from their 70 year history. The concerts also celebrated the 100th Anniversary of Oglethorpe University’s campus on Peachtree, and a scholarship sponsored by the Atlanta Pops was set up for prospective music majors at Oglethorpe University.

Photos by Jolie Loren Photography and Emily Butler. For more photos, please visit:

Emily Butler Photos – Oct. 2
Jolie Loren Photos – Oct. 2
Jolie Loren Photos – Oct. 3

 

View Program (PDF)