The Atlanta Pops Orchestra's Annual Holiday Concert

The Century Bank Entertainment Series at The Grand Theatre continues when The Atlanta Pops Orchestra returns to The Grand on Saturday, Dec. 10 at 7 p.m. This year’s program, under the direction of Dr. Jason Altieri, features a blend of contemporary and familiar holiday classics.

“The annual holiday concert is a Cartersville tradition, and it is a great way to kick off the holiday season,” said theatre Programs Coordinator Terri Cox. “This will be our eighth year featuring The Atlanta Pops, and we will have some our favorite traditional pieces as well as some selections that will bring back childhood Christmas memories.”

Featured songs include, “I Wonder As I Wander,” “Jingle Bells Hoedown,” "White Christmas," and “Sleigh Ride” among other familiar holiday selections."

Cox added that The Grand has a unique relationship with The Pops in which the orchestra works with vocalists from the community.  This year’s soloist is local soprano, Laura Hettinger.  Hettinger is a recent graduate of Kennesaw State University with a degree in vocal performance.  She will be singing “Gesu, Bambino” and “O, Holy Night” in classical style and a lighter piece—“The Christmas Waltz” as well as leading the audience in a holiday sing-a-long.

Tickets are going fast and patrons are advised to call early.  Orchestra level tickets are $25 and balcony level seats are $20. This is a reserved seating event. Purchase your tickets at The Grand Theatre ticket office, located at 7 North Wall Street in downtown Cartersville, or by calling 770-386-7343. Visa, MasterCard, Discover Card and American Express are accepted. The ticket office hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.

The Grand Theatre also has four-event season tickets available for the rest of the series, and they make a great holiday gift. Remaining shows include The Return: Beatles Tribute Band on Feb. 4, comedian Henry Cho on March 3, and country music artist Pam Tillis on April 21. More show information and video samples can be found by visiting The Grand Theatre website at www.thegrandtheatre.org or on Facebook at “Century Bank Entertainment Series at The Grand Theatre.”

About Century Bank

Century Bank is Cartersville’s only locally owned, community bank, specializing in a quality and level of service not available from a megabank. Their core values optimize what a bank should be.  Century Bank of Georgia is located at 215 East Main Street in Cartersville.

About the Atlanta Pops
In 1944 French immigrant Albert Coleman accepted the position of Musical Director for WSB Radio in Atlanta, Georgia and set about forming an orchestra that would include Atlanta’s best musicians and be available for radio dates, public concerts and free performances for the benefit of young people and aspiring musicians. Albert established his first Atlanta Pops in 1945 and led that ensemble for 55 years through appearances in Atlanta and throughout the southeast. In his long career, Mr. Coleman also served as Music Director for Chet Atkins and Boots Randolf and performed with many of the major symphony orchestras throughout the United States and Europe. Most of the concerts in Atlanta were free to the local audiences and drew thousands of attendees. During his tenure, Albert was responsible for discovering and contributing to the careers of many young artists. His contributions won him the honor of membership in the Georgia Music Hall of Fame.

Since Albert Coleman retired in 1998, the orchestra has performed largely non-public events under local guest conductors.  In 2002 former Atlanta Symphony Principal Trumpeter John Head became the Conductor and principal arranger for The Atlanta Pops succeeding Albert Coleman. In 2010 Maestro Head was succeeded by current musical director Dr. Jason D. Altieri, an accomplished conductor of symphony, opera and pops programs.