Author: Mark Anthony Martinez II
Saturday December 20th, 2025 – On December 20, in an all-holiday concert entitled A Place Called Home, the New York Pops, featuring Essential Voices USA and guest artist Megan Hilty, brought the charm of home to Carnegie Hall.
What I love about the Pops is how skillfully they create a mood and atmosphere that everyone, from the most seasoned music veterans to those seeing an orchestra for the first time, can enjoy.
Even before the orchestra began, the festive mood was set by a giant, light-filled wreath hanging over the stage. As Maestro Steven Reineke walked out (with a cane, which I initially thought was a nod to A Christmas Carol, but which turned out to be the result of slipping on ice), applause erupted, and the audience settled in as the music began.
Without introduction, Reineke cued the orchestra, launching into the classic carol Deck the Halls (arranged by Carmen Dragon), joined by the full force of Essential Voices USA. The piece opened with sleigh bells, immediately setting the musical tone. It’s always thrilling to hear a choir paired with a full orchestra, and tonight was no exception.
What I particularly appreciated about the program was its balance: beloved classics like Deck the Halls alongside pieces deeply associated with the holidays but not necessarily top-ten staples. One such example was We Need a Little Christmas from Mame, which followed shortly after.
As the orchestra began the next number, It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year, Megan Hilty (who most recently starred in the new Broadway musical Death Becomes Her) strode onstage in a stunning red sequined gown, delivering the famous tune with flair.
The concert flowed seamlessly between orchestral, choral, and solo moments, keeping the program dynamic and engaging throughout the evening.
I was struck when Maestro Reineke introduced the fan favorite Carol of the Bells by highlighting its Ukrainian origins. He shared that he has programmed the piece for the past four years in solidarity with the Ukrainian people as they endure the war with Russia, and that he plans to continue doing so for as long as the conflict persists.
One of my favorite pieces of the night was a newer work by composer Benny Oschmann. Drawing on the familiar motif from God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen, the piece took a cinematic, almost video game–like turn. Oschmann, who primarily composes for video games, brought a distinctive energy that made the work stand out amid the traditional repertoire.
Another standout moment came when Hilty (now in a sparkling silver dress with a regal black cape) performed River by Joni Mitchell. I had never fully considered the song a Christmas piece, but hearing Hilty’s soulful rendition and noticing its recurring references to Christmas trees made its seasonal connection unmistakable.
Hilty’s performance of Santa Baby was another highlight. Channeling her inner Eartha Kitt, she delivered a sultry interpretation complete with verses I had forgotten, or perhaps never fully noticed, particularly those in which the singer asks Santa for increasingly extravagant gifts.
For Chanukah Joy and Peace, Essential Voices USA conductor Judith Clurman (who also composed the piece) took the podium to lead both choir and orchestra. Her conducting style, marked by sweeping gestures, contrasted noticeably with Reineke’s and brought back memories of my own days singing in a school choir. The piece was beautiful, and its message felt especially poignant given Reineke’s earlier acknowledgment of a recent mass shooting at a Chanukah celebration in Australia.
Later in the evening, during A Place Called Home from A Christmas Carol, Santa and one of his elves suddenly rushed down the aisle and joined the performers onstage. It was a delightfully cheerful moment, particularly the playful exchange between Reineke and Santa as they joked about congestion pricing and how it affects Santa’s annual worldwide journey.
After the magical duo exited, the concert continued with one of the night’s biggest showstoppers: O Holy Night. As Hilty, the orchestra, and the choir joined together in full force, the audience responded with an enthusiastic ovation.
With one final piece remaining, Reineke invited the audience to sing along to a closing medley of famous carols. As the music swelled, Santa and his elf returned to the stage to help bring the evening to a close, ending a truly festive and joyous night.
~ Mark Anthony Martinez II
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Oberon's Glade 