Westchester Philharmonic’s Annual Winter Pops! to Feature Broadway’s Mary Poppins star Ashley Brown

Conductor Ted Sperling leads concert of Broadway hits plus Bernstein's Times Square and George Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue

On December 20, 2015 at 3 pm the Westchester Philharmonic and one of Broadways brightest stars will light up the Concert Hall at the Purchase Performing Arts Center with its annual Winter Pops! A sold-out seasonal favorite since its introduction nine years ago Winter Pops!, led by Principal Conductor Ted Sperling, this year features the orchestra joined by singer Ashley Brown, who originated the title role in Mary Poppins on Broadway receiving Outer Critics, Drama League, and Drama Desk nominations for Best Actress. Ms. Brown has performed with vi rtually all of the top orchestras in North America including the Boston Pops and the New York Philharmonic and her other Broadway credits include Belle in Beauty and The Beast. Her performances have been described by critics as "golden throated" (Time Our Chicago) and having "perfect pitch" (Chicago Tribune) and Showbiz Chicago called her “the most versatile and noteworthy young talent on the Broadway stages.”

Ashley Brown’s memorable stylings of American songbook standards and holiday favorites will be interspersed with Ted Sperling's favorite classical highlights, including Bernstein's Times Square and George Gershwin's jazz-age masterpiece Rhapsody in Blue, performed by dazzling Juilliard prodigy pianist Joseph Mohan.

Ted Sperling, who is beginning his second season as Principal Conductor of the Westchester Philharmonic recently led a New York Philharmonic production of Show Boat for PBS featuring an all-star cast led by Vanessa Williams. He is also Artistic Director of MasterVoices (formerly The Collegiate Chorale) and Music Director & Conductor for The King and I on Broadway at Lincoln Center.

Audiences can keep the holiday fun going at our popular Pops After-Party! Mingle with Ted Sperling, Ashley Brown and orchestra musicians while enjoying more live music, scrumptious hors d’oeuvres and a wine tasting with Aries Fine Wines & Spirits. Early reservations are a must! Only $25 with a Pops ticket purchase.