FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

New York, NY – The can't-miss family-friendly event of the holiday season is The New York Pops presentation of the beloved children’s tale The Polar Express along with other holiday favorites. On December 19, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. in Stern Auditorium, this concert – a major highlight of the annual Carnegie Hall Family Concert series – will feature the Young People’s Chorus of New York City conducted by John Morris Russell and narration by television and Broadway star John Tartaglia.

Based on the book by Chris Van Allsburg, The Polar Express depicts the story of a young boy who embarks on a journey of self-discovery when he boards a powerful magical train headed to the North Pole on Christmas Eve. This performance features images from Allsburg’s 1985 Caldecott Medal-winning children’s book and a score written by film composer Alan Silvestri, who wrote the music for the 2004 feature film adaptation.

With the new holiday favorite “I Believe” and timeless seasonal classics added to the program, this concert is sure to delight patrons of all ages. Recommended for children ages 5-12, the concerts are a great introduction to music. Every child gets a KidsNotes – a concert program filled with activities and information about the concert. A pre-concert activity featuring storyteller, narrator, and singer Charlotte Blake Alston will take place one hour before the performance and is free to all ticket holders. The special 25th anniversary edition of The Polar Express book, which includes a CD audio recording read by Liam Neeson, a note from Chris Van Allsburg, and a keepsake “All Aboard” ornament, will be available for purchase at The Shop at Carnegie Hall.

The New York Pops celebrates the holidays with three concerts over two days. In addition to Saturday’s afternoon family concert, The New York Pops are joined by Sandi Patty and the Young People’s Chorus of New York City singing traditional Christmas carols and music for Hanukkah on December 18 and 19 at 8:00 p.m.

ARTISTS

John Tartaglia earned a Tony Award® nomination for his performance in the Tony-winning Broadway musical Avenue Q, for which he originated the roles of Princeton and Rod. Tartaglia is currently in the Broadway cast of Shrek The Musical, and was Lumiere in Disney's Beauty and the Beast on Broadway. A 10-year veteran of "Sesame Street," Tartaglia was one of the youngest puppeteers ever to perform on the show, starting at the age of 16. In addition to his work on "Sesame Street," he also starred in Sesame Workshop's innovative English as a Foreign Language project, "Sesame English”. Tartaglia is also executive producer and star of Disney Channel's "Johnny and the Sprites", and has appeared on Discovery Channel's "Animal Jam" and Disney Channel's "Bear in the Big Blue House" and "JoJo's Circus". Tartaglia is a past host of the New York Philharmonic Young People's Concerts.

John Morris Russell has consistently won international praise for his extraordinary music-making and visionary leadership. Since his appointment as Music Director of the Windsor Symphony Orchestra in 2001, he has ushered in a new era of unprecedented artistic growth and has invigorated the musical life of the Windsor-Essex region. As a guest conductor, Mr. Russell has led many of North America’s most distinguished ensembles, including the orchestras of Toronto, Edmonton, Victoria, Detroit, Houston, Indianapolis, Dallas, Minnesota, Oregon, Colorado, and Louisville; Miami’s New World Symphony, New York City Ballet, and New York Philharmonic. Mr. Russell is in his 12th season conducting the concerts of the “LinkUP!” music education program presented by Carnegie Hall’s Weill Music Institute. Last season, he made his debut with the Los Angeles Philharmonic at the Hollywood Bowl and was immediately reengaged for this summer. Mr. Russell previously served as associate conductor of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra for 11 years, where he regularly led concerts at Music Hall and Riverbend Music Center.

Young People’s Chorus of New York City has provided children of diverse abilities and ethnic backgrounds with a unique program of music appreciation and choral performance, while maintaining a model of artistic excellence and harmony that enriches our community. One of the most celebrated and influential children’s choruses today, YPC has performed around the globe, released acclaimed recordings from across the musical spectrum and collaborated with many of the world’s most highly regarded artists. The chorus has commissioned many new works through their celebrated Transient Glory® series, and has had residencies at three of NYC’s major cultural institutions—the 92nd Street Y, Frederick P. Rose Hall at Jazz at Lincoln Center, and WNYC (New York Public Radio). YPC is frequently seen on national television, including PBS’s “From the Top at Carnegie Hall”. Season highlights include return engagements at St. Patrick Cathedral, collaborations with the Kronos Quartet, a Swiss debut with the Geneva Chamber Orchestra, and a 15-city tour of Japan in 2010.

The New York Pops is the largest independent pops orchestra in the United States, and the only professional symphonic orchestra in New York City specializing in popular music. Led by Music Director Steven Reineke, the orchestra performs an annual subscription series and birthday gala at Carnegie Hall, enjoying one of the venue’s highest subscription renewal rates of any series. The New York Pops was founded by former NBC Music Director Skitch Henderson in 1983 with a mission to create greater public awareness and appreciation of America’s rich musical heritage. Along with performing at Carnegie Hall, The New York Pops tours throughout the world and gives free concerts in New York City parks through its Summermusic program. The orchestra’s media projects include performing for the Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular on NBC, nationwide radio broadcasts, and numerous recordings. The New York Pops’ extensive education programs allow thousands of public schoolchildren to participate in concert and music-making experiences at Carnegie Hall and in schools throughout New York City’s five boroughs.

TICKETS Tickets are $9. To purchase, call 212-247-7800 or visit www.carnegiehall.org

PRESS TICKETS For press tickets, interviews, hi-res photos, or additional press materials, contact Whitney Holden at 917-339-7188 or wholden@cohndutcher.com