The Modesto Symphony Orchestra (MSO) performs Hollywood Sings! on Friday May 31 at 8 p.m. at the Gallo Center for the Arts in Modesto. Guest conductor, and former MSO Music Director, Michael Krajewski will lead the MSO through iconic movie music composed by John Williams and other favorites from The Wizard of Oz, Beauty and the Beast, and Singing in the Rain. Singer Lori Zabka will also be featured on the evening’s program as she performs popular titles such as Let It Go from Frozen and Don’t Rain On My Parade from Funny Girl.
Hollywood Sings! will be presented at the Gallo Center for the Arts, Mary Stuart Rogers Theater, 1000 I St., Modesto. Tickets range from $19 to $94 and are available through the Gallo Center for the Arts Ticket Office at (209) 338-2100 or www.modestosymphony.org.
Ticket Office Hours are Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays noon to 6 p.m.
“We’re all excited to have Michael Krajewski return to Modesto and bring some of Hollywood’s favorite hits to our audience,” said Caroline Nickel, President and CEO of the Modesto Symphony Orchestra Association. “Michael Krajewski was our Music Director from 1990-2000 and was instrumental in introducing Pops concerts to the MSO. He was also the conductor for our very first Picnic at the Pops in 1994. This will be his first time conducting in the Gallo Center and we’re thrilled to bring his energy and humor back to the stage!” Known for his entertaining programs and clever humor, Krajewski is a much sought after conductor of symphonic pops. He is Music Director of The Philly Pops and Principal Pops Conductor of the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra. He previously served as Principal Pops Conductor of the Houston Symphony and Atlanta Symphony Orchestra.
Lori Zabka grew up in Houston, Texas and began singing at age 5. She nurtured her love for music by singing in church and school choirs, then moved to Nashville, Tennessee to attend Belmont University as a music major. While a student there, she not only landed her first recording contract, but secured a spot as a background vocalist for Gospel Music Artist, Michael W. Smith. She spent the next four years touring as part of Smith’s band, writing songs, and recording. Additionally, as a session singer, she sang background vocals on numerous albums from country, to pop, to gospel.
Later, Zabka became half of the duo “Wilshire” and the band relocated from Nashville to Los Angeles. “Wilshire’s” unique sound quickly caught on, landing them a record deal with Columbia Records and Warner-Chappell Publishing.
