What an incredible, joyful affair it was — fantastic arrangements, amazing musicality, world famous guests. It was the type of concert you would expect to see on TV or at a larger venue.
I would argue the Glendale Pops, led by its incomparable conductor Matt Catingub, is every bit if not more talented than any pops orchestra in the country. I am gratified that we have such a world-class orchestra in our very own backyard.
How many other cities in Southern California can claim this? Kudos to the Glendale Arts organization for helping bring this exceptional entertainment to our city.
The unfortunate news was that the Alex was not sold out for this concert. How disappointing. Out of a population of nearly 200,000, we could not even fill the 1,400 seats in the theater to support this outstanding venture? And on a Friday night?
Glendale aspires to be a world-class cultural arts city, and our officials are doing what they can to achieve this. However, being known as a city of the arts requires that its citizens actually support the arts.
The Glendale Pops Orchestra will be a great test case. Will we Glendale residents support and cultivate this worthwhile endeavor? Or will we squander this unique opportunity?
There are five more Pops concerts over the next year, starting on June 30 at the Americana at Brand. I hope that Glendale residents come out for this event, and show all of Southern California that this city is ready to step up and embrace the arts.
Eric Johnston
Glendale
Garcia should be next city attorney
I would like to see Chief Assistant City Atty. Michael Garcia on the short list of candidates to be our next city attorney come August per your May 13 article “City attorney announces retirement.”
