Ann Hampton Calloway Sings with New Jersey Symphony Orchestra for HOLIDAY POPS on 12/15 & 16

Ann Hampton Callaway joins the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra for the NJSO's first pops program of the season-"Holidays with the NJSO"-tonight, December 15 in Newark and December 16 in New Brunswick.

Cincinnati Pops conductor John Morris Russell, who last led the NJSO in a classical program in March 2012, conducts the holiday program, which also features the Masterwork Chorus. Callaway, a prolific cabaret performer and songwriter well-known to Broadway audiences, takes center stage for a concert of holiday and pops classics. She brings her tradeMark Holiday improvisation and her interpretations of songs including "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" and "Carol of the Bells"-these performances with full orchestra bring out a special dimension in her lush, rich vocals.

The program will feature the Masterwork Chorus in holiday favorites including the Hallelujah Chorus from Handel's Messiah, "Deck the Halls" and "Go Tell It on the Mountain." The NJSO also performs Rimsky-Korsakov's "Dance of the Tumblers" and more. Performances take place tonight, December 15, (8 p.m.) at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) in Newark and Sunday, December 16, (3 p.m.) at the State Theatre in New Brunswick. The December 16 performance is presented in collaboration with the State Theatre.