Prescott POPS to perform inspirational music Sept. 27

Music conveys a wide range of emotions. Some pieces can incite melancholy while others can evoke joy and triumph. Music can also be inspirational, and on Sunday, Sept. 27, the Prescott POPS in its third concert of its 2015-16 season will perform "Music that Inspires."

The concert begins at 3 p.m. at the Yavapai College Performing Arts Center, 1100 E. Sheldon St. Tickets cost $24 and can be purchased online at www.ycpac.com, by calling 928-776-2000 or at the box office.

In an email, Marketing and Media Coordinator Kathy Wells wrote how the season features a "Parade of Conductors," with this one highlighting the talents of Ryan Gastonguay and James D'Leon.

"A POPS musician since high school, Ryan Gastonguay takes the baton for 'Music that Inspires,'" Wells wrote. "And to make this concert even more special, the POPS welcomes the return of the remarkable James D'Leon as he plays and conducts Beethoven's 'Concerto No. 4 in G. Major.'"

Music to be performed at the concert includes "Summon the Heroes" by John Williams and arranged by Calvin Custer, "Chariots of Fire" by Vangelis and arranged by Henry Mancini, "The Sound of Music" by Rodgers & Hammerstein and arranged by Robert Russell Bennett and "The Magnificent Seven (Symphonic Suite)" by Elmer Bernstein and edited by Patrick Ross.

Gastonguay was born in the Prescott area and began piano lessons at the age of 4, picking up the French horn in middle school, the email said. Having studied with Dr. John Ericson at Arizona State University, graduating summa cum laude with a bachelor's degree in music performance, Gastonguya has performed with the Prescott POPS, Phoenix Symphony Orchestra, Arizona Opera Orchestra, Mesa Symphony, Verde Valley Sinfonietta, Arizona Winds and Prescott Chamber Orchestra.

D'Leon also began the piano at the age of 4, according to the email. He attended the San Francisco Conservatory of Music's pre-college program and graduated from Temple University's Esther Boyer College of Music in Philadelphia, further obtaining a fellowship from the Eastman School of Music as well as a doctor of musical arts degree in piano performance and literature.

"This concert will give you not only a live event with quality and variety, but a musical experience to lift your heart and spirit," Wells wrote.

By Jason Wheeler. Follow reporter Jason Wheeler on Twitter @PrescottWheels. Reach him at 928-445-3333 ext. 2037 or at 928-642-5277.