Jack Everly. Photo by Andre Ringuette.
Featuring vocalists Jim Hogan, Curtis Bannister, Katie Scarlett Swaney, and violinists Jonathan Carney and Holly Jenkins.
The first ovation for this program occurred immediately when former BSO principal pops conductor Jack Everly walked out onstage in his resplendent black, sequined tuxedo jacket with red bow tie. Audiences are well aware of the superb quality of his programming, especially in the selection of both songs and vocalists. His programs are well-rehearsed, orchestrated, and narrated, especially with regard to Broadway musicals. His narrative stories are interesting, amusing, and much appreciated, as they add so much enjoyment to the entire performance.
…Jack Everly…well-rehearsed, orchestrated, and narrated…
The program started with the BSO playing a wonderful medley of the Broadway music of Stephen Sondheim and followed by each vocalist singing a Sondheim song. Jim Hogan, in a dazzling paisley-designed, dark blue tuxedo jacket, performed “Putting It Together.” Mr. Hogan appeared just two weeks ago at the Hippodrome Theatre in the first national tour of “Kimberly Akimbo.” In addition to a strong, high baritone voice, he showed his acting skill as he moved across the stage and used gestures and perfect diction to enhance the rapidly moving music and lyrics. Mr. Bannister followed with “Being Alive.” His deep bass-baritone voice filled the hall as the song built up to its dramatic ending. His experience as a stage and film actor and his operatic singing style made the lyrics memorable. Ms. Swaney, in a full length black skirt with gold-sequined top, offered the melancholic “In Buddy’s Eyes” with a sweet, expressive, and lilting soprano voice. The first half of the performance concluded with songs from “Waitress,” “Carousel,” and a rousing tango from the jukebox musical, “Moulin Rouge.” The latter selection included a beautifully played violin solo by BSO violinist Holly Jenkins, dressed in a fire engine red, sexy, strapless gown.
Immediately after intermission, the audience was treated to a special performance of a selection from Vivaldi’s “Spring” by Jonathan Carney, played with the precision and technique that his many years being BSO concertmaster have provided for Baltimore audiences. Then followed selections from “Ragtime,” “Wicked” (with Ms. Swaney dressed in an amusing costume as “Glinda”), “The Hunchback of Notre Dame,” and a most emotional, stirring duet from “Maybe Happy Ending” (which will open the Hippodrome’s season in September).
The BSO also performed a spirited and rousing orchestration of “America” from “West Side Story.” The final song returned to Sondheim with all three vocalists singing the title song from “Sunday in the Park with George.” In acknowledging the vocalists and violinists, Maestro Everly also recognized BSO keyboardist, Lura Johnson, who played both piano and celesta with her usual sensitivity and skill.
This concert marked the end of this season’s Pops concerts, a nicely diverse selection of musical events which will continue during the summer, thanks to the newly-established “Live at the Meyerhoff” series. Different types of subscriptions to both classical and popular music events are available now for the 2026-2027 season. Don’t wait to get yours!
Running Time: One hour and 40 minutes, including a 20-minute intermission.
“Broadway Standing Ovations” was performed on May 8, 2026, at The Music Center at Strathmore, 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda MD and on May 9-10, 2026, at the Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, 1212 Cathedral Street, Baltimore MD 21201. For information and to purchase tickets for future events, please contact the Box Office in North Bethesda at 877-276-1444 or in Baltimore at 410-783-8000 or go online. Box Office hours are Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday/Sunday from 12 noon to 5 p.m. The Box Office is also open one hour before each performance and through intermission for walk-up
