COURT HOUSE — The Jersey Shore Pops Orchestra is returning for its first full season on concerts beginning Aug. 17 at Middle Township Performing Arts Center.
Under the direction of Musical Director/Conductor Linda Gentille, the orchestra debuted with a “Legends of Song,” Show. This year’s season is expanded to four concerts.
Gentille has been selling out shows in this county for a decade and of late has been touring the world entertaining with an orchestra on cruise ships from China to India to Africa.
Rehearsals for the first concert “Cinemetastic,” began Tues., June 15 at the PAC Center. The orchestra has been expanded this year to 24 musicians with larger horn and string sections.
The movie songs range from the 1940s and 50s to more recent films such as “Titanic.” Gentille said she believes in giving audiences songs they know rather than trying out untested material.
The second show this season will be a tribute to George Gershwin on September 18.
The third in the series will be music of Broadway with a guest tenor on October 16.
The final Jersey Shore Pops Concert of the year is a holiday show on November 20 entitled “Winter Wonderland.” All shows start at 7:30 p.m.
Gentille said a concert is scheduled for each month August through November similar to the Philly Pops concerts. She said each concert requires a huge amount of music research, arranging and printing charts.
“In total this season, I worked on 60 musical arrangements,” said Gentille.
Some of the songs have been tested with her cruise ship orchestras, she said. A few, very advanced music students are being given an opportunity to play in the orchestra with professional musicians.
“That’s how I got my start with Liberace as a teenager,” said Gentille.
Last year’s concert was a lively affair with Gentille and the orchestra receiving a standing ovation at the close of the show.
Individual tickets are $20 for adults, $18 for seniors and students. Season tickets offer a $20 discount, all for shows for $60.
Group rates are available for ticket purchases or 20 or more for $16 each. Phone orders are available at the box office by calling (609) 463-1924.
Season tickets may also be ordered on the orchestra’s website: www.jerseyshorepops.org
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