Glendale youth chorus kick-starts ‘HolidayPop!’

The Glendale Pops Youth Chorus, a newly formed group of Glendale teens, will make their debut as part of a holiday concert by the Glendale Pops Orchestra on Friday at the Alex Theatre. The show includes pianist David Benoit and pop singer Taylor Dayne. Matt Catingub, the artistic director and conductor of the orchestra, spoke about the newly-formed youth chorus and how it will play a role in the “HolidayPop!” show.

Describe your role with the Glendale Youth Chorus and how you got started with it.

We talked about doing a youth chorus for our Christmas show, and various options were thrown about. We realized nothing existed like that in Glendale. It was important for me that it be a Glendale-based youth Chorus.

Will you play any instruments in the show?

I play piano and saxophone. I sing as well. I’m a performer and conductor; there’s not a lot of us who do that. I’ll be playing piano and singing. I’m real loose, sometimes I’ll just decide at the spur of the moment to play something else.

What can the audience expect at HolidayPop?

It’s both a holiday show and a music show. David Benoit is the keeper of the Peanuts/Charlie Brown Christmas music and he’ll be performing many of the favorites of that series. The Glendale Pops Youth Chorus will be making its debut and Taylor Dayne will be singing many of her hits from the 1990s.

What is your background? How long have you been conducting/playing music professionally?

Almost my whole life. I was born into the music/show business. I was mainly a jazz musician and then graduated into the world of symphonic pops as a full-time conductor of both the Honolulu Symphony Pops and the New Mexico Symphony Pops.

Have you performed at the Alex Theatre before?

Many times as both a sideman and a leader and conductor. It is one of the most gorgeous venues anywhere and I am proud to call it the home of the Glendale Pops Orchestra.

DETAILS

What: “HolidayPop!”

Where: The Alex Theatre, 216 North Brand Blvd., Glendale

When: Friday, Dec. 9. at 8 p.m. $26-$80.

Info: (818) 243-2539 or www.alextheatre.org.