When Baltimore Symphony Orchestra Principal Pops Conductor Jack Everly pays tribute to a composer, it?s anything but typical. And when the evening rings with the music of classic American songwriter Cole Porter, there?s a particular feel of “night on the town” sophistication that continues after the show.
The Baltimore Choral Arts Society and guest vocalists perform with the BSO in a production that features period costumes, lighting and choreography befitting enduring classics such as “I Get a Kick Out of You” and “I Got You Under My Skin.”
Everly admits that while he has “very many favorite classic songwriters,” Porter?s music speaks to him specifically.
“First and foremost, [it is] the melodic content,” he said, “then the cleverness and sophistication of his lyrics, which at times can be of profound depth.”
Broadway?s Mark Nadler, an award-winning Manhattan cabaret singer who will perform after the show, agrees.
“[Porter] was a homosexual at a time when it was not generally acceptable,” he said. “This is why his love songs are full of conflict and longing.”
Known for his innovative programming and deep knowledge of the symphonic Pops repertoire, Jack Everly is pretty sure he knows the secret to Porter?s enduring popularity among contemporary singers.
“In an age of painfully simplistic melodies which barely add up, the really good talents of today are hungry for the real thing,” he said.
If you go
» Venue: Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall
» Where: 1212 Cathedral St., Baltimore
» When: 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 3 p.m. Sunday
» Tickets: Meyerhoff $25 to $78,
» Information: 410-783-8000, www.baltimoresymphony.org
