Ryan Gastonguay
(Photo Courtesy of Prescott Pops)
by Ray Newton
Prescott native Ryan Gastonguay has been named director of the Prescott POPS Symphony and will lead the popular music group into its 30th season, which began Aug. 7.
Gastonguay replaces Joseph Place, who ended his seventh year as conductor when he closed the 2021-2022 season May 22. Place has relocated to Phoenix.
Dozens of local musicians form the core of the POPS, which was founded three decades ago by then-music teacher and director Paul Manz. He later retired and moved to North Carolina. Gastonguay is a former student of Manz, who taught music in the Prescott Unified School District.
The 2022-2023 season opened Aug. 7 with An Afternoon with Lerner and Lowe, featuring selections from their award-winning Broadway shows. Manz was present to help open the new season.
Upcoming concerts:
• Sept. 18, A Tribute to Film
Composers
• Dec. 11, Many Moods of Christmas
• Feb. 26, Irving Berlin: From Rags
to Riches
• May 21, Starring Steven Moeckel
All performances begin at 3 p.m. in the Yavapai College Performing Arts Center (YCPAC), 1100 E. Sheldon St., Prescott.
Tickets for season ticket holders or for single performances for all concerts are now available through the ticket office of the YCPAC (928.776.2000) or online at www.ycpac.com.
