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Pops ready to
get Righteous

I'd like to introduce myself to those of you who don't know me, and reintroduce myself to all of my old friends. I am Matt Catingub, conductor of the Honolulu Symphony Pops. Sometimes those of us in the symphony world forget that not everyone is familiar with exactly what we do and who we are. I'd like you all to know that what we have here in Honolulu is truly unique, and I hope that you will join us this season to experience the power and exhilaration of live music!

Most Pops orchestras perform more traditional music, such as Broadway tunes or light classics. In Honolulu we migrate toward more contemporary music, with big-name stars as our guests.

We have produced ground-breaking concerts such as Yes, Toto, Kenny Loggins and Michael McDonald. We highlight local artists in the first half of many concerts and encourage collaboration between the two.

I write orchestral arrangements for many of the visiting artists that they can take with them and perform in cities throughout the world.

The Honolulu Symphony Pops is an innovator -- and more and more symphonies are following our lead.

Get up on your feet this weekend and sway to the nostalgic sounds of blue-eyed soul, provided by its founder, Bill Medley of the Righteous Brothers.

Even if you weren't born when their music was popular, you can hardly think of the movie "Top Gun" without hearing "You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'," or see Patrick Swayze and Demi Moore throwing pottery without humming, "Ooh, my love," from the timeless "Unchained Melody."

For those who do remember the music from the first time around, prepare to be transported back to the glory days. The Honolulu Symphony Pops orchestra will be rockin' and rollin' with a '60s-themed first half and a multimedia extravaganza in the second half, with Bill Medley invoking the spirit of his famed partner and fellow Righteous Brother, Bobby Hatfield.

After Bobby died in 2003, Medley created this concert to celebrate the unforgettable music the two friends made together. Definite chicken-skin moments!

You will not believe the incredible season we have in store this year.

» Our "Tribute to IZ" will be another chicken-skin experience, bringing never-before-heard audio and video clips of the gentle giant that will accompany music performed by the orchestra.

» Chris Botti is one of the hottest stars in jazz right now, and he'll join us over Thanksgiving weekend.

» Christmas wouldn't be the same without a concert from the Grammy-nominated Brothers Cazimero.

» To top it off, we have legendary Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Famer Elvis Costello in April. Did you know he's written his own symphony and will perform it in the first half of the show?

We have got something for everyone to enjoy, and we want to see you in the concert hall! You can check all of this out on our brand-new Web site, www.honolulusymphony.com

I promise you won't be disappointed!

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