Lionel Bart

The New York Pops: “007: James Bond Forever”

October 28, 2026

The New York Pops opened its Carnegie Hall season on October 23, 2026, with “007: James Bond Forever.” Music director Steven Reineke conducted, with Lena Hall as guest artist. Drawing on 18 films released between 1962 and 2021, the program celebrated a musical identity strong enough to accommodate orchestral suspense, romantic ballads, soul, and hard rock. Hall and the orchestra were strong throughout. The songs carry powerful associations with their original performers, including Shirley Bassey, Paul McCartney, Tina Turner, and Adele. Hall gave this varied material a consistent vocal presence. Reineke kept the orchestra an equal partner, emphasizing how much of Bond’s character lives in the instrumental writing. [more]

New York City Center Encores!: Oliver!

May 7, 2023

When Mary-Mitchell Campbell’s baton brought out the first notes of the "Oliver!" overture from the Encores! Orchestra, the memorable tunes just flowed and didn’t stop until more than two hours later at the standing ovation and exit music. Lionel Bart’s score is rich in melody, the lyrics and the libretto evoking Dickens while still being theatrical. (The late William David Brohn did the lavish orchestral arrangements.) Lear deBessonet, the show’s director (and the Encores!’ artistic director) has fashioned a fast-moving evening filled with great performances starting with the sweet, fresh-faced Oliver of Benjamin Pajak and the incredibly talented ensemble of kids who gambol about with abandon. [more]

Richard Holbrook: “Christmas Magic in the Big Apple”

December 23, 2022

"Christmas Magic in the Big Apple" continues Richard Holbrook's many years of presenting Christmas season shows. What sets his productions apart from many other performers is his view that this time of year is a time for celebrating family and friends. It is not simply a time of religious holidays but more of an all-encompassing recognition of the joyous spirit that moves people to engage with one another in a celebration of life. His shows are a creative mix of holiday songs with a universal theme. Holbrook commented, “Not everyone celebrates Christmas, and I don't want people coming to my show being made to feel uncomfortable." His playlists over the years have exemplified that view, with the current show being the latest in the series. [more]