By Ted AYALA

Just in time for the opening of its first concert of the season on May 13, Glendale Arts, the managing organization of the Glendale Pops Orchestra (GPO), announced that it has named Matt Catingub as the new artistic director and conductor of the GPO.

Matt Catingub, who conducted the GPO last year in a concert featuring American Idol finalist Elliot Yamin, is a well regarded musical jack-of-all-trades. Catingub has worked as arranger who has collaborated with the likes of Rosemary Clooney, Diana Krall, and Kenny Loggins. His work as a composer has won wide renown, with his scores for the films ‘My Best Friend’s Girl’ and ‘Good Night and Good Luck’ being among his most notable works (the soundtrack for the latter film was the winner of a Grammy). He has also conducted symphonic ensembles across the United States and is looking forward to future conducting dates with, among other orchestras, the Cincinnati Pops and the Nashville Symphony.

Asked about his new job as the GPO’s head, Catingub was flushed with joy. “How often does an artist have the opportunity to build an orchestra from the ground up? I get to work in one of the largest markets in the country, with some of the industry’s top musicians, in two thrilling locations. Everything I’ve done up until this point has prepared me for this and I am ready to give this community an orchestra they can be proud of.”

Rick Lemmo, chair of the Glendale Pops Committee, highly praised the talents of the GPO’s new artistic director. “Matt is the complete package,” said Lemmo. “He exudes talent and his vision for the orchestra is fresh and exciting. Glendale has world-class businesses, shopping, and–with [Catingub’s] help–we’ll soon have a world-class pops orchestra.”

The GPO, formerly known as the Glendale Renaissance Orchestra, was founded in 2009 by members of the community that felt Glendale was missing pops concerts in its musical landscape. Barry McComb, CEO of Glendale Arts had this to say: “We’re doing something truly groundbreaking. The GPO the product of a few dedicated community leaders who believed Glendale deserved a vibrant pops music program and helped to make it a reality. In this economy this is a remarkable achievement and we’re proud to be a part of it.”

The GPO’s initial concert of the season will be held at the Alex Theatre in Glendale on May 13th at 8:00 p.m. Dubbed “The Premiere” it will be a program of music from a variety of styles. Kenny Loggins will be the guest star with other guest performers to be announced soon. For more information, please contact Glendale Arts via phone at (818) 552 -2787, or by e-mail at info@glendalearts.org.

For tickets or additional information please go to http://www.alextheatre.org/calendar/events/index.php?com=detail&eID=466&month=05&year=2011

  glendale pops, new director