Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Names Michael Krajewski Principal Pops Conductor
March 19, 2010
ATLANTA, SC – March 19, 2010 – The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra today announced today that its long-time conductor and collaborator, Michael Krajewski, has been named Principal Pops Conductor of the Orchestra’s SuperPops! concert series. The three-year agreement will be effective beginning in September 2010, and will include a minimum of four programs per Pops season. Mr. Krajewski is the first to hold this title with the Orchestra.
Mr. Krajewski, known for his entertaining programs and clever humor during symphonic pops concerts, has been leading the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra’s SuperPops! concerts for 10 years — he has conducted 35 programs and 75 SuperPops! concerts during that time. In the 2010-11 season, he will lead eight concert programs in total, including six SuperPops! concerts, and two concerts in summer 2010 at Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre at Encore Park, summer home of the Orchestra.
“We are delighted to officially welcome Michael as our Principal Pops Conductor,” said Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Board Chair Ben Johnson. ““Michael is first and foremost a terrific conductor but he also possesses a unique sense of humor that has endeared him to our musicians and audience. We all look forward to having him on our podium as our official Pops conductor.”
“I have thoroughly enjoyed working with the wonderful musicians and staff of this renowned Orchestra, and I’m thrilled this appointment guarantees our collaboration will continue into the future,” said Principal Pops Conductor Michael Krajewski. “The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra’s SuperPops! concerts have a loyal and enthusiastic following. I hope even more people will give us a try and discover how much fun a symphony concert can be.”
Michael Krajewski is also the principal pops conductor of the Houston Symphony and Jacksonville Symphony. As a guest conductor, he has led the Boston Pops, the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, and the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra. Other guest conducting appearances include the San Francisco, Dallas, Baltimore, Detroit, Indianapolis, Phoenix and National symphonies, as well as many other orchestras across the United States. In Canada he has led the National Arts Centre Orchestra and the Edmonton and Winnipeg symphonies. Other international appearances include performances with the Hong Kong Philharmonic, Iceland Symphony Orchestra and the Ulster Orchestra in concerts in Belfast and Dublin. Mr. Krajewski is the conductor of the forthcoming video Silver Screen Serenade with violinist Jenny Oaks Baker that airs worldwide on BYU Broadcasting. He has conducted the Houston Symphony on two holiday albums: Glad Tidings and Christmas Festival. He has collaborated with artists including flutist James Galway, mezzo-soprano Marilyn Horne, guitarist Angel Romero, and pop artists such as Roberta Flack, Judy Collins, Art Garfunkel, Ben Folds, Doc Severinsen, Patti Austin, Sandi Patti, the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Pink Martini, Rockapella, Ann Hampton Callaway, Cirque de la Symphonie, Classical Mystery Tour and Big Bad Voodoo Daddy.
About the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra
The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, now in its 65th season, is considered one of America’s leading orchestras, known for the excellence of its live performances, presentations, renowned choruses, and its impressive list of Grammy® Award-winning recordings… (more)
