Orchestra, noted singers visit modern Broadway

"Rock" in association with Valentine's Day usually means the sparkly, shiny, wearable kind. But not when it comes to the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra's annual Valentine's weekend Pops concert.

"It's a great tradition we have at the symphony, the Pops Broadway concert," says associate conductor Geoffrey Robson, who will be at the helm for Broadway Rocks! on Saturday and Sunday at Pulaski Academy's Connor Performing Arts Center.

This year's trip to the Great White Way will have a slightly different, more modern spin.

"This time it's focused on contemporary music, not necessarily what you'd hear every time you go to a Broadway-themed concert," he says.

That means no Rodgers and Hammerstein, Rodgers and Hart or Lerner and Loewe. Expect Schwartz, Shaiman and Webber instead. The lineup will feature songs from Hairspray, Rent, Wicked, Dreamgirls and Phantom of the Opera along with a smattering of non-Broadway tunes like "Proud Mary."

"We're always looking to mix in elements, to bring something new to show our audience and also preserve tradition," Robson explains. "This will be a good mix of that."

To help the symphony present this collection of songs, there will be three guest artists, all "seasoned veterans of Broadway." Christiane Noll, who has performed with the ASO before, starred in Jekyll & Hyde and Chaplin. New to ASO concerts are Rob Evan, a featured performer with the Trans-Siberian Orchestra who has been in Les Miserables; and Little Shop of Horrors; and Capathia Jenkins, who has appeared in Newsies and Caroline, Or Change.

"These performers are A-list performers," Robson says. "They'll bring a huge amount of energy to the concert. It's not often that the audience gets to see singers of this caliber singing with the ASO."

The songs were chosen with the guest artists and their voices and personalities in mind. It's a combination that should create a special, meaningful experience for the audience.

"They're songs close to the artists' hearts," Robson says, making it a more personal, intimate experience.

But while hearing and seeing performers of this level of skill is a treat for audiences, singing with the symphony is a treat for the artists as well.

"One thing I love is that the soloists get so much joy from singing with a 90-piece orchestra behind them. It's an experience different from even what they would have on Broadway."

It may be a Valentine's Day concert, but it's not a couples-only event. Families are welcome and encouraged to attend, particularly the Sunday concert, which offers Entergy Kids Tickets: Students in 12th grade and under can get a free ticket with every paid adult ticket.

With the combination of the lush orchestral sound, skilled singers and captivating songs, Robson says, "It will be a wonderful experience in the concert hall."

Weekend on 02/11/2016