We hope you’ll join us for a very special American Festival Pops Orchestra (AFPO) performance on Saturday, May 14 at 8 p.m. at the Hylton Performing Arts Center. Maestro Anthony Maiello reunites with Broadway veteran and soprano Lisa Vroman for a musical tribute to Broadway in an evening of timeless tunes by Rodgers and Hammerstein, George Gershwin, Cole Porter, Andrew Lloyd Webber, and more! What makes this performance extra special is that this will be Maestro Maiello’s final performance with the orchestra. Read his personal note below and join us to celebrate his 12 years on the podium as founder and conductor of the American Festival Pops Orchestra!
Dear American Festival Pops Orchestra friends,
These past 12 years as founder and conductor of the American Festival Pops Orchestra (AFPO) have been among the greatest highlights in my career. I write to you to share that after a wonderful 12 years with the AFPO, the May 14 “Broadway’s Best” concert at the Hylton Performing Arts Center will be my final performance with the orchestra. The timing of this departure feels right, and I believe in leaving on a high “note.” Please know that I have loved EVERY MINUTE on the podium in front of this fine orchestra and our loyal AFPO audience!
It is time to pass the baton, and I am pleased and excited to announce Maestro Peter Wilson as the next Artistic Director and Conductor of The American Festival Pops Orchestra. Many of you know Peter as AFPO’s longtime Concertmaster and Principal Violinist. His extensive career as a violinist, conductor, arranger, and composer make him the perfect musical ambassador to lead the orchestra forward. Please stay tuned for more information about Maestro Wilson and his new post in the 2022-2023 season. I know you will give him a warm welcome!
From the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU for your support of the American Festival Pops Orchestra over the years and for being a special part of the many happy musical memories I take with me moving forward. I hope to see you at the May 14 performance at the Hylton Center—we’ll make it one for the books!
Most sincerely yours,
Tony Maiello
Interested in furthering Maestro Maiello’s lifelong commitment to music education beyond the podium? Become a part of honoring Maestro Anthony Maiello’s legacy at George Mason University through the Anthony J. Maiello Scholarship Endowment. This fund provides critical scholarships to instrumental music students at Mason on the basis of academic merit and musical talent. Gifts to the endowment are invested so the scholarships honoring Professor Maiello can make a difference in students’ lives for many years to come. To make a gift in honor of Professor Maiello, visit this link, or contact Amanda Snellings at asnelli@gmu.edu or 703-993-1593.
We hope to see you on May 14 at the Hylton Performing Arts Center for this special musical celebration! Purchase your tickets today.