Josh Ritter and The New York Pops June 12, 2009

To kick off this year’s Central Park SummerStage season, we are delighted to bring you a special collaborative program starring Josh Ritter performing orchestrated arrangements from his catalog backed by the fabulous New York Pops.

Recently named one of the 100 Greatest Living Songwriters by Paste Magazine, Idaho-born Josh Ritter has been on a steady rise through relentless touring and prolific songwriting. The thirty-one year old has released five albums and appeared on Late Night witrh David Letterman twice. His most recent record, The Historical Conquests of Josh Ritter, has earned critical acclaim worldwide, and his constant touring has made him a star both in the US and overseas. The New York Times writes, “…he sets out to carry a world of ideas on a few basic chords… there is no limit to the depth and ambition of his songs.”

Founded in 1983 by the late Skitch Henderson, The New York Pops has grown to become the largest independent pops orchestra in the United States and the only professional symphonic orchestra in New York City specializing in popular music. This year, new Music Director-Designate Steven Reineke will make his Central Park SummerStage debut. Comprised of seventy-seven of New York City's top musicians, The New York Pops delivers instrumental performances of time-honored American favorites including the works of Leonard Bernstein, Duke Ellington, George Gershwin, Cole Porter, and many others.

Special thanks to The New York Pops and to Robert Pohly and Julie Turaj for their generous support of this program.

Official Website: www.summerstage.org