East Valley Pops 45th season includes Apache Junction concert

The East Valley Pops Orchestra will open its 45th season with a free holiday concert at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 1, at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Mesa.

The 70-member orchestra will follow the season opener with four Christmas concerts at retirement communities in Mesa and Apache Junction through Dec. 14. Admission fees will apply at the four retirement-community concerts.

“These concerts are designed to make you feel welcome, entertained and part of the celebration,” said longtime conductor Julie Mahoney. “We can pretty much guarantee that people will leave our holiday concerts with a tune in their heads, a smile on their faces and the feeling that their holiday season has truly begun.”

After 33 years leading the orchestra, Mahoney said the holiday performances still bring her a special sense of appreciation and connection.

“There’s great warmth that comes as much from the audience as it does from the orchestra,” she said. “We’ll hush the room with tender strings, then lift it with shining brass and festive percussion. It becomes a wonderful community celebration of the season.”

Made up largely of retirees, the East Valley Pops brings together musicians with varied backgrounds, from former music educators to skilled hobbyists who returned to their instruments after retirement. Over the years, the orchestra has entertained thousands while providing financial support for instrumental music programs in local low-income schools.

Following the holidays, the orchestra’s 45th season will continue with nine concerts in Mesa, Gilbert and Queen Creek.

EVPO holiday concert schedule is:

• 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 1, at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 322 N. Horne in Mesa.
• 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4, at Apache Wells, 5601 E. Hermosa Vista Drive in Mesa.
• 6 p.m. Monday, Dec. 7, at Venture Out, 5001 E. Main St. Mesa.
• 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 11, at Sunland Village East, 2145 S. Farnsworth Drive in Mesa.
• 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 14, at Rock Shadows, 600 S Idaho Road in Apache Junction.

Go to eastvalleypops.org/calendar for more information about tickets.