Night of lively music at 'Pops' on the Green

The lake at Fallbrook’s Grand Tradition was aglow with the light from candles set on tables at the water’s edge. A lone swan slid on the surface as the San Diego Symphony Orchestra thrilled the audience during the 23rd Annual Symphony “Pops” on the Green held on Thursday, August 14. If I had to sum up the evening in two words they would have to be “amazing” and “inspiring.”

This tradition is the highlight of the year for many, including Maxine and Walt Votaw, who were celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary. This is the Votaws’ second “Pops” on the Green. Walt said that they enjoyed it so much last year that they just had to return. I am sure that other concert attendees would concur, but what made this couple’s visit so special is that they drove about two hours from their home at Big Bear Lake and were traveling back after the event.

Occasionally clouds would obscure the full moon and the weather was a bit muggy, but no one seemed to care. In addition to the groups seated at the Grand Tradition’s lakeside tables, people were seated on folding chairs and blankets spread out on the lawn. Some had even toted along their own tables. Many of the tables were draped with linen coverings and some were set elaborately with crystal and china. As the orchestra began with a rousing “Armed Forces Salute” the approximately 1,200 guests quieted.

The program was titled “Sing Out America!” and the guest conductor was Randall Craig Fleischer, who has conducted several major orchestras, including the Israel Philharmonic and San Francisco Symphony. In 1993 he conducted a private concert for Pope John-Paul at the Vatican.

Doug LaBrecque was guest vocalist. He has toured nationally with “Les Misérables,” as well as with other productions, and was featured in Oscar Hammerstein’s 100th Birthday Celebration on Broadway.

The music clearly reached as far as the main building, which was where I was seated. The song repertoire was a collection of homegrown American tunes. Some were military marches but most were an eclectic collection of songs from movie themes to swing to rock ’n roll. Songs such as “Let it Be” by the Beatles to the much-beloved “Over the Rainbow” from “The Wizard of Oz” resounded throughout the grounds.

The theme to “Star Wars” was a thrilling rendition. The live music made me believe that the Imperial Stormtroopers would be marching around the corner at any minute!

The haunting “Music of the Night,” from Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “Phantom of the Opera,” was close to soloist LaBrecque’s heart, as it was a song that he performed while portraying the Phantom onstage.

Although many of the guests brought their own food, John Syroka, the owner of Sweet Lumpy’s Barbeque in Old Town Temecula, catered a meal that 250 guests opted to enjoy. The establishment has been voted Best Barbeque Restaurant by Inland Empire Magazine for four years in a row.

The diners had an entrée choice of smoked-barbequed chicken, pulled pork or smoked tri-tip. The chosen entrée was then served with potato salad, coleslaw, cornbread muffins, brownies and a beverage. Syroka was glad to be the chosen caterer at the event and described the Grand Tradition grounds as “breathtaking and beautiful.” Syroka also praised his staff for the expert manner in which they handled the catering.

“Pops” on the Green was presented by the Fallbrook Music Society and the title sponsor was Supervisor Bill Horn and the San Diego County Board of Supervisors. The Fallbrook Music Society presents a series of nine concerts throughout the year featuring nationally and internationally renowned artists and ensembles. For further information access http://www.fallbrookmusicsociety.org or call (760) 451-8644.

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