Symphony Pops: The Paul Simon Songbook

Conducted by Stuart Chafetz

The 2024-25 Pops Series concludes with a nostalgic journey through the iconic works of the legendary singer-songwriter Paul Simon. Featuring Simon's unique artistry as a songwriter from his years with Simon and Garfunkel through his solo albums Graceland and Rhythm of the Saints, the performance will be orchestrated by Jeff Tyzik and highlighted by three solo vocalists – Paul Loren, Emily Drennan, and Daniel Berryman. It will include many of Simon's greatest hits, including "Bridge Over Troubled Water," "Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard," "Mrs. Robinson," "The Sound of Silence," and "50 Ways to Leave Your Lover."

Guest Conductor Stuart Chafetz
Stuart Chafetz is the Principal Pops Conductor of the Columbus Symphony and Principal Pops Conductor of the Chautauqua and Marin Symphonies. Chafetz, celebrated for his dynamic and engaging podium presence, is increasingly in demand with orchestras across the continent. This season, besides Santa Rosa, he will be on the podium in Baltimore, Detroit, Naples, Buffalo, Vancouver, Calgary, North Carolina and Seattle. He enjoys a special relationship with The Phoenix Symphony where he leads multiple programs annually.

Paul Loren

Leading a new generation of soulful crooners, Paul Loren is a singer, songwriter, producer, and consummate entertainer. A native New Yorker, Paul was raised on the rich legacy of soul, classic pop, and the Great American Songbook, and in those musical idioms, he feels most at home. Taking elements from early R&B, jazz, and Brill Building pop, he crafts his music with an ear towards timelessness. Paul recently completed his first headline tour in 2019, also having performed in the past as a support artist for The Temptations and as part of Stamford's Summer Concert Series "Wednesday Night Live."

Emily Drennan

Emily Drennan is a published ASCAP and Recording Academy (Grammy®) producer, lyricist, composer, and recording artist. Originally from Oklahoma, Emily Drennan has been a featured soloist at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and Radio City Music Hall. She was seen in the New York Spectacular, starring the Rockettes at Radio City. She toured Europe and the Caribbean, playing Tanya in Mamma Mia! Emily also played Mezzo in the Lucille Lortel Award-winning, a cappella show, Voca People, performing in its Off-Broadway production, its Israel, Japan, and Dubai tours, as well as on The Jimmy Fallon Show and with Sting. She has shared the stage as a guest soloist with 25 different orchestras, and, as a National Presidential Scholar in the Arts, she was celebrated at the White House, culminating with a performance at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

Daniel Berryman

Most recently appearing with the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, celebrating 100 years of the MUNY under the direction of Ben Whitely, Daniel Berryman has performed in New York's Call Me Madame, Sweeney Todd, The Golden Apple, and The Fantasticks. He also has performed in the national tours of Les Misérables and The Sound of Music, as well as the regional tours of Sweeney Todd, Hello, Dolly!, The Most Happy Fella, and Rent.

Generous support provided by Nancy & Michael Hall, Betty & George Ferris, and Breathless Sparkling Wines

Time: 3:00 pm, 2:00 pm Pre-Show Discussion

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