The weather could not have been more perfect as ticketholders began to pour onto Windsor’s expansive polo field for the 28th annual May Pops concert hosted by the Indian River Medical Center Foundation, a highly-anticipated affair that has become the traditional end-of-season finale.
Ladies wore colorful springtime dresses, with some also donning Derby hats from the day before. Maintaining a custom that began in 2014, many of the gentlemen sported jaunty bow ties in honor of the late Dick Post, recognizing his penchant for bow ties and generous spirit. Helen Post has continued the tradition she and her beloved husband began more than two decades ago as May Pops’ presenting sponsor, along with the Plansoen Foundation.
“It’s just a glorious day and it’s for such a good cause,” said Post with a smile. “It’s so rewarding.”
VIP ticket holders sat at elegant sponsor tables in neat rows of cabanas at the northern end of the field, dining on a gourmet buffet lunch prepared by Quail Valley Club Executive Chef Joe Faria and his talented associates and staff.
On the southern side of a low picket fence, general admission concert-goers brought lawn chairs and blankets to spread out on the lawn and picnic in equally grand style, their multihued umbrellas providing splashes of color against a brilliant blue sky. And, compliments of Windsor Properties, ice cream was provided for all.
The outstanding Brevard Symphony Orchestra, under the baton of Music Director Maestro Christopher Confessore and joined by celebrated vocalists Rachel York and Ryan Silverman, delighted the crowd with treasured tunes from Broadway and Hollywood. This year’s surprise guest conductor was Nancy Ross, longtime May Pops coordinator, who led the orchestra after intermission in a rousing rendition of Sousa’s “Stars and Stripes Forever.”
York is acclaimed for her roles on and off Broadway, including in “Victor/Victoria” alongside Julie Andrews, who she would star with again in Sondheim’s “Putting it Together.” York has toured in productions nationally and in London, and is equally renowned as a concert artist and for performances on the big screen and television.
A Drama Desk Best Actor nominee for his performance in Broadway’s “Slide Show,” Silverman has won praise for his performances in “Chicago” and “The Phantom of the Opera”, and as Tony in the West End production of “West Side Story.” On tour and regionally, the versatile Silverman has enjoyed roles in numerous productions as well as on TV shows and movies, and is a nationally celebrated concert vocalist.
Before Confessore lifted his baton, Tony Woodruff, IRCF board chairman, thanked the numerous sponsors, volunteers and Windsor for making the event possible. He also shared that a generous donor has offered a $2.275 million challenge grant, to be matched dollar-for-dollar by May 30, toward the cost of a $6.15 million expansion of the hospital’s Endoscopy Department, which will enable more timely access to their gastroenterology services.
For more information, call 772-226-4960.