Event
Pops Hits and Power Ballads
Naples Philharmonic Pops
Naples Philharmonic
Stuart Chafetz, conductor
Dee Donasco, vocalist
Micah Wilshire, vocalist and guitar
From the heart-pounding hits of rock legends like Aerosmith and Foreigner to the soul-stirring ballads of Whitney Houston and Adele, this high-voltage pops program celebrates some of rock and pop music’s most electrifying songs and defining moments. Esteemed guest conductor Stuart Chafetz leads the Naples Philharmonic and a duo of talented vocalists in a program that channels the energy, range and emotional magnetism of these enduring hits in bold, richly textured symphonic arrangements.
Music and Museum
Tickets to this performance include same-day admission to The Baker Museum. Museum hours on day of performance: 10am-7:30pm. In addition, the doors to Hayes Hall will open 60 minutes prior to this performance. Arrive early to enjoy the exhibitions and light fare available at Heidi's Place.
The Naples Philharmonic Pops series is generously endowed by Mike and Anne Armstrong.
Naples Philharmonic
Naples Philharmonic
Founded in 1982, the Naples Philharmonic normally performs over 140 orchestral and chamber concerts, as well as opera and ballet, education, community and special event concerts from September through June each year.
Meet the Musicians
Alexander Shelley
Artistic and Music Director Meet Alexander
Jack Everly
Principal Pops Conductor Meet Jack
James Ehnes
Artistic Partner Meet James
Manuel López-Gómez
Associate Conductor Meet Manuel
Stuart Chafetz
Stuart Chafetz
Stuart Chafetz is the newly appointed Principal Pops Conductor of The Phoenix Symphony and currently serves as Principal Pops Conductor of the Columbus, Chautauqua, and Marin Symphonies. Chafetz, a conductor celebrated for his dynamic and engaging podium presence, is increasingly in demand with orchestras across the continent. This season Chafetz will be on the podium in Atlanta, Naples, Kansas City, Vancouver, and Seattle.
Chafetz is well regarded for his experience working with a wide array of artists across many genres. He has led concerts with renowned artists including Rick Ross, Ne-Yo, Leslie Odom, Jr., Kenny G, David Foster w/Katherine McPhee, Chris Botti, Michael Bolton, Kool & The Gang, John Denver, Marvin Hamlisch, and Bernadette Peters. He was recently invited by Nas to conduct his residency at the Wynn Casino in Las Vegas in addition to conducting his show with multiple orchestras across the country.
When not on the podium, Chafetz makes his home near San Francisco, CA, with his wife, Ann Krinitsky. Chafetz holds a bachelor’s degree in music performance from the College-Conservatory of Music at the University of Cincinnati and a master’s from the Eastman School of Music.
Dee Donasco
Dee Donasco
Philippine-born soprano Dee Donasco has attracted attention with a voice that crosses a variety of musical genres. Equally at home with opera, oratorio, recital, jazz, pop and musical theater, and accomplished in classical works ranging from baroque to modern contemporary, she brings a rewarding vocal and dramatic range to her work.
Recently, Donasco made her mainstage debut with Nashville Opera as Mrs. Gobineau in Menotti’s The Medium. She also made performance debuts as a featured guest artist with the Columbus Symphony Orchestra for the Patriotic Pops concert and the Gala Event and with the Seattle Symphony Orchestra for Holiday Pops. She also returned to the Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra for the Independence Day Celebration, with Marin Symphony for Holiday Pops and with Gyros String Quartet in Dallas, Texas, for Pergolesi’s Stabat Mater.
A child prodigy winning the National Music Competition for Young Artists (NAMCYA) of the Philippines at age 10, she has continued to win numerous awards, including first place in the San Antonio Vocal Competition and the SMU Meadows Concerto Competition.
Micah Wilshire
Micah Wilshire
Hailing from Roanoke, Virginia, Micah Wilshire began playing in his family’s band by the age of 3. Under his father’s eye, Wilshire then focused on playing and crafting his knowledge of a variety of instruments throughout his childhood. After finishing high school, he relocated to Nashville with the intent of becoming a session guitarist and singer.
Within two years, Wilshire became a first-call session vocalist and guitarist, appearing on countless recordings and jingles, leading him to be featured on multiple Gold and Platinum albums.
While in Nashville, and as a member of the band Wilshire, he once again relocated to Los Angeles and signed with Columbia Records and Warner-Chappell Publishing. His band, Wilshire, then went on to have their hit single Special shoot up the Billboard charts, leading to tours with Seal and Train. During that time, Wilshire performed on Late Night, The Sharon Osbourne Show, The Wayne Brady Show and Pepsi Smash.
