There is something singularly enchanting about celebrating the season with The New York Pops, and this year’s concert, A Place Called Home, was no exception. Under the inspired baton of Maestro Steven Reineke, the Pops—joined by Broadway powerhouse Megan Hilty and the luminous Essential Voices USA—delivered a joyous, heart-expanding evening of music, memory, and holiday spirit.
Maetstro Steven Reineke Photo Genevieve Rafter Keddy
The New York Pops and Essential Voices USA Photo Genevieve Rafter Keddy
Megan Hilty Photo Genevieve Rafter Keddy
The concert opened with a rousing rendition of “Deck the Halls,” as the full orchestra sparkled with sonic cheer. Joined by Judith Clurman’s Essential Voices USA, the momentum continued with a buoyant “We Need a Little Christmas”from Mame—instantly transporting the audience into a world of warmth and nostalgia.
Megan Hilty Photo Genevieve Rafter Keddy
Megan Hilty Photo Genevieve Rafter Keddy
Megan Hilty Photo Genevieve Rafter Keddy
Hilty, radiant in a holiday-red gown, lit up the hall with “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” her voice equal parts sugar and steel. She followed with a charming “Winter Wonderland” and a velvet-smooth “The Christmas Song,” setting a golden tone for the evening.
Megan Hilty Photo Genevieve Rafter Keddy
Megan Hilty Photo Genevieve Rafter Keddy
Megan Hilty Photo Genevieve Rafter Keddy
The orchestra returned with a stunning performance of “Carol of the Bells,” offered as a tribute of solidarity with Ukraine, followed by the delightful “Santa’s Epic Ride.” In a highlight that blended humor and heart, Andrea Reiser, the winner of a charity auction, made her conducting debut—gracefully guiding the Pops in a sparkling copper gown, a testament to the joy of participation and philanthropy.
Andrea Reiser Photo Genevieve Rafter Keddy
Andrea Reiser Photo Genevieve Rafter Keddy
Andrea Reiser and Steven Reineke Photo Genevieve Rafter Keddy
Essential Voices USA’s rendition of “The First Noel” shimmered with angelic beauty, perfectly poised and ethereal under Clurman’s expert direction. Hilty returned with a medley from White Christmas, and a sassy, jazz-laced version of “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.”
Megan Hilty Photo Genevieve Rafter Keddy
Megan Hilty Photo Genevieve Rafter Keddy
Megan Hilty Photo Genevieve Rafter Keddy
The real showstopper was John Williams’ energetic “Merry Christmas, Merry Christmas” from Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, performed with punch and precision by Essential Voices USA. Hilty brought humor and playfulness to “Santa Baby” and aching beauty to Joni Mitchell’s haunting “River.”
Megan Hilty Photo Genevieve Rafter Keddy
Megan Hilty Photo Genevieve Rafter Keddy
Megan Hilty Photo Genevieve Rafter Keddy
The standout moment came with “Chanukah Joy and Peace,” a powerful and timely piece written to counter antisemitism, with an appearance by Judith Clurman herself to conduct her own composition (with David Chase)—a stirring moment of spiritual unity as Christmas and Chanukah melodies harmonized in sacred space.
Megan Hilty Photo Genevieve Rafter Keddy
Santa Photo Genevieve Rafter Keddy
Santa and Steven Reineke Photo Genevieve Rafter Keddy
The grand finale included Santa, Pecan Pie and crowd-pleasers like “Jingle Bell Rock” and Alan Menken’s tender “A Place Called Home”from A Christmas Carol, with Hilty’s heartfelt “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” and a soaring “O Holy Night” bringing the house to tears. The annual “Jingle, Jangle Sing-Along” wrapped the night with cheer, leaving the audience glowing.
Santa and Megan Hilty Photo Genevieve Rafter Keddy
Megan Hilty Photo Genevieve Rafter Keddy
Megan Hilty and Steven Reineke Photo Genevieve Rafter Keddy
In a world that can feel chaotic, this concert reminded us of what truly matters: connection, joy, and the music that brings us home.
Megan Hilty and Steven Reineke Photo Genevieve Rafter Keddy
Pecan Pie, Santa, Megan Hilty and Steven Reineke
Pecan Pie, Santa Claus, Andrea Reiser and Steven Reineke Photo Genevieve Rafter Keddy
Pecan Pie, Santa Claus, Karen Gabbard, Eric Gabbard and Steven Reineke Photo Genevieve Rafter Keddy
Andrea Reiser and Steven Reineke Photo Genevieve Rafter Keddy
Judith Clurman and Steven Reineke Photo Genevieve Rafter Keddy
Engelberger, Mardie Cohn, Trent Soto, Judith Clurman, Sarah Baumgardner McKee, Steven Reineke, Norman Schwab, Maria Schwab, Heidi Krump, Michael Douris, Hallie August, Janice Dehn, Gianna DiTucci, Fay Parris Photo Genevieve Rafter Keddy
Steven Reineke and Jamie deRoy Photo Genevieve Rafter Keddy
Megan Hilty Photo Genevieve Rafter Keddy
Megan Hilty Photo Genevieve Rafter Keddy
Steven Reineke and Megan Hilty Photo Genevieve Rafter Keddy
Megan Hilty, Steven Reineke and Judith Clurman Photo Genevieve Rafter Keddy
Pecan Pie, Santa Claus, Megan Hilty, Ronan and Santa Claus Photo Genevieve Rafter Keddy
Pecan Pie, Santa Claus, Megan Hilty and Steven Reineke Photo Genevieve Rafter Keddy
Parris, Hallie August, Sarah Baumgardner McKee, Mardie Cohen, Janice Dehn, Pecan Pie, Santa Claus, Megan Hilty, Steven Reineke, Riley Engelberger, Trent Soto, Michael Douris, Heidi Krump, Maria Schwab, Norman Schwab, Gianna DiTucci, Photo Genevieve Rafter Keddy
Dining and Cooking