San Diego Symphony kicks off annual Summer Pops concert series
Kai Oliver-Kurtin | Downtown News
The San Diego Symphony has taken over the Embarcadero once again with its Summer Pops concert series, set against the backdrop of San Diego Bay. Constructing its summer venue each year from the ground up, the symphony has delivered alfresco musical performances to San Diegans for over 30 years.
Special guest performers vary annually, with music genres ranging from pop, Broadway and rock, to rhythm and blues, disco and classical. Kicking the season off with KC and the Sunshine Band on June 27 with their Tux ‘N Tennies Summer Bash, the Summer Pops lineup includes guest performers En Vouge, Amy Grant, Michael Bolton, Debbie Gibson, Sam Harris and more.
To coincide with Comic-Con on July 18, Distant Worlds: Music from Final Fantasy will showcase music from one of the most popular video games of all time. For animated movie enthusiasts, Pixar in Concert will bring to life some of Disney-Pixar’s most beloved characters with film clips and popular musical scores.
“Summer Pops is a San Diego tradition,” said Stephen Kougias, director of public relations. “It’s a quintessential thing to do when you’re Downtown on the waterfront.
“We don’t have to contend with the weather here,” he said. “With our consistent climate, we can count on these 11 weeks.”
Embarcadero Marina Park South is located behind the San Diego Convention Center, near the Hilton San Diego Bayfront Hotel. The Summer Pops venue holds close to 2,700 people with a variety of seating options beginning at approximately $20 for single ticket purchases.
“Each year we select new guest performers who we feel would appeal to our demographic of San Diegans and tourists,” said Kougias. “It’s a night out for a variety of people, so we make sure it’s a mix that appeals to a wide audience.”
This is the first year that Summer Pops will begin without legendary composer and conductor Marvin Hamlisch at the helm. After his untimely death in August 2012, the symphony paid tribute to the legendary composer and conductor, and will undoubtedly note his absence once again as the series gets underway this year.
Replacing Hamlisch is famed composer Bill Conti, best known for composing theme music for the “Rocky” film series. Conti, an Oscar and Emmy award winner, has also served as the music director during Academy Awards ceremonies.
Conti promises to bring his own taste and individuality to the stage during the Star Spangled Pops performances July 4-6.
“I’ll have my own selection and interpretation of music,” Conti said. “Other than the expected patriotic music, we’re going to bring some unexpected things and different arrangements.”
As with all Friday and Saturday night Summer Pops performances, there will be a fireworks display at the conclusion of every Star Spangled Pops and 1812 Tchaikovsky Spectacular shows during the Independence Day and Labor Day weekends, respectively.
“We’ll bring everything except the apple pie,” Conti said. “If Marvin was known for Broadway, my work will be mostly from film.”
Leading the symphony for the remainder of other Summer Pops performances is principal conductor Matthew Garbutt who has been with the symphony for over 30 years. Ever the showman, Garbutt moonlights as the symphony’s principal tuba player when not conducting.
Also hitting the stage this season is vocalist Nathan Pacheco, who combines the genres of pop and opera; Burt Bacharach performing Top 40 hits; and the Latin group Ozomatli. Other performances include tributes to the Rolling Stones and the Bee Gees, Les Miserables and other Broadway favorites, A Night on the Blue Danube for the classical music fans, and a blend of music and acrobatics from Cirque Musica.
The 2013 Summer Pops series is sponsored by Ashford University. Most concerts begin at 7:30 p.m. and last for two hours, including intermission. Gates open at 6 p.m. with pre-concert entertainment.
Attendees are permitted to bring in food and non-alcoholic beverages, but no glassware is allowed. Concessions may also be purchased inside the food court from Behind the Scenes Catering.
Reserved parking, table service and family pack tickets are also available. Parking for a fee can be found in several nearby surface lots, below the Convention Center and at the Hilton, with shuttles making drop-offs at the park.
For more information and the entire calendar of events, visit sandiegosymphony.org or call the box office at 619-235-0804.
Kai Oliver-Kurtin is a local freelance reporter who also works full-time doing social media marketing for the U.S. Navy. She enjoys covering events, restaurant news, culture and entertainment. Contact her at [email protected]
