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APOxPBS
The American Pops Orchestra has been fortunate to share a close relationship with PBS. This collaboration has led to a number of nationally-televised specials featuring Luke Frazier with APO. The orchestra, in collaboration with Nouveau Productions, has presented shows in a variety of musical styles ranging from Broadway to classic Country and everything in between.
Check out below some of the shows we’ve created! All of these broadcasts are available to watch on Passport: the PBS streaming service. Be on the lookout – there’s more #APOxPBS content coming soon!
How Great Thou Art, A Sacred Celebration
Grammy Award-winning R&B legend Patti LaBelle, Broadway’s Kristin Chenoweth, Grammy Award-winning vocalist Sandi Patty, the MET Opera’s Will Liverman and more join APO for a concert of sacred music of all styles. From gospel songs to hymns, oratorios to chorales; sacred music encompasses a broad range of music across classical, pop, Motown, and country, among other genres. Joining APO and the star-studded cast, is a robust combined choir from community groups and churches in the Washington, DC area, representing the vast fellowship that is united through sacred music. Filmed in front of a live audience in Washington, DC, this 90-minute live concert includes up-beat ensemble numbers, breathtaking ballads, and brand new arrangements created specifically for this national television broadcast.
Broadway's Brightest Lights
A concert featuring the greatest show tunes as performed by APO and some of today’s brightest stars including Megan Hilty (Tony Award-winning Broadway star), Michael Maliakel (star of Broadway's Aladdin and more), Nikki Renée Daniels (Company on Broadway and more), and Tommy Sutter (Amazon’s “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”). Get ready for a show of Broadway’s most beloved music brought to life in fresh new ways.
Ella Wishes You a Swinging Christmas
In collaboration with the Ella Fitzgerald Charitable Foundation, the American Pops Orchestra presents an evening celebrating Ella’s iconic album of holiday classics, starring Vanessa Williams with appearances by Dee Dee Bridgewater, Norm Lewis, Carmen Ruby Floyd, Nova Payton, Dave Detwiler and Morgan James.
We Are Family: Songs of Hope and Unity
Join APO for an evening of music that unites us starring “Crazy-Ex Girlfriend‘s Gabrielle Ruiz; “The Voice” semifinalist Rayshun LaMarr; Broadway star and recording artist Morgan James; Tony Award nominee Laura Osnes, and celebrated recording artist Nova Payton, hosted by Emmy and Tony Award-winner Judith Light.
United in Song: Celebrating the American Dream
Filmed in front of Philadelphia’s historic Independence Hall and hosted by Broadway legend Chita Rivera in 2021, this show features performances by American Idol’s David Archuleta, iconic recording artist Judy Collins, Grammy-nominated Deborah Cox, classical virtuoso Midori, Grammy Award-winning Sandi Patty, American Idol’s Cassadee Pope, Disney’s Lea Salonga, Broadway’s Drew Gehling, and more. The program also featured a newly commissioned performance by The Washington Ballet, choreographed by celebrated choreographer Jessica Lang.
United in Song: Celebrating the Resilience of America
This concert brings us together in the ever-present pursuit of uniting as one America. As part of a national PBS broadcast for New Year’s Eve, the performance was filmed at George Washington’s historic home, Mt. Vernon. This show includes performances and appearances by Grammy Award-winning R&B legend Patti LaBelle, virtuosic violinist Joshua Bell, the Met Opera’s Renée Fleming, Tony Award-winning Audra McDonald, the Met Opera’s Denyce Graves, internationally renown pianist Jean-Yves Thibaudet, iconic cellist Yo-Yo Ma, Broadway and television’s Anna Deavere Smith, Broadway and television’s Brian Stokes Mitchell, and recording artist Juanes.
Wicked in Concert
APO presents a musical celebration of the iconic Broadway score written by legendary composer Stephen Schwartz. This show features brand new, re-imagined orchestrations created in collaboration between APO founder and music director, Luke Frazier, and Stephen Schwartz. The show was hosted by stars of the original Broadway cast, Kristin Chenoweth and Idina Menzel, and featured performances by star of stage and screen Rita Moreno, Academy Award-winner Ariana DeBose, star of stage and screen Stephanie Hsu, Sex and the City’s Mario Cantone, Broadway’s Gavin Creel, star of stage and screen Cynthia Erivo, Sugarland vocalist and The Voice Judge Jennifer Nettles, Tony Award-winning Alex Newell, “Westside Story”’s Isaac Powell, “Glee”’s Amber Riley, “Crazy-Ex Girlfriend‘s Gabrielle Ruiz, and Broadway’s Ali Stroker.
One Voice: The Songs We Share
Broadway
Filmed at The Maryland Theatre in Hagerstown, “Broadway” features music that has traveled from the stage to the Billboard charts. The show features performances by Luke Hawkins (Annie Live!), Amber Iman (Hamilton), Steven Mann (Piano, An American in Paris, National Tour), Alexis Michelle (RuPaul’s Drag Race), Jessie Mueller (Beautiful: The Carole King Musical), Sam Simahk (Carousel), and Ray Wong (Piano, An American in Paris, National Tour).
Sacred
“Sacred” showcases music that has transcended the walls of the sanctuary. Set in Hagerstown’s Trinity Lutheran Church, enjoy hymns and anthems adapted by Elvis, Johnny Cash, and Aretha Franklin. Hear performances from Justin Guarini (American Idol), Maureen McKay (Metropolitan Opera), 16-year-old organ prodigy Daniel Colaner, Broadway star Adam Hyndman (Hadestown), and Michelle Williams (Destiny’s Child).
Country
We traveled to the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia to film the third episode of One Voice. The Poor House Farm Barn and Park created an authentic backdrop for traditional music around a roaring campfire. APO was joined by Jake Blount (2020 Steve Martin Banjo Prize), Clay Elder (Company), award-winning folk dancer Nic Gareiss, Leslie Jordan (“Will & Grace”), and acclaimed singer-songwriter Senora May.
American Roots
Celebrating a few of the many cultures that have shaped popular music, “American Roots” features Irish and Japanese folk music, bolero, negro spirituals, and Native American music. Enjoy performances from Mauricio Martinez (On Your Feet!), Amber Merritt (Hall Johnson Spirituals Competition: 2020 First Place Winner), Jacqueline Schwab (Ken Burns Documentaries), renowned opera star Asako Tamura, and Native American Hip Hop artist Frank Waln.
