Bay Philharmonic (formerly Fremont Symphony) is thrilled to present The Kings of Soul & Swing on March 4 and 5 in Union City. The evening will feature Hamilton: The Musical star Julius Thomas lll and Glenn Miller Band lead vocalist Mark Kopitzke as they join forces to showcase popular hits from Broadway’s Hamilton, Michael Bublé, Stevie Wonder, The Jackson 5, Tom Jones, and more. Thomas III and Kopitzke will also share inspiring stories, from growing up with hopeful dreams, to reaching the top of the musical world. These two iconic, one-of-a-kind voices will be accompanied by the world-class Bay Philharmonic and conducted by Jung-Ho Pak. Tickets ($35-$67) and full program information are available on the new Bay Philharmonic website, bayphil.org.
Julius Thomas III is an NAACP Theatre award-nominated actor from Gary, IN. He starred as Alexander Hamilton in the smash hit musical, Hamilton, and as Berry Gordy in the mega box office hit, Motown: The Musical. His resume boasts four Broadway shows, six Broadway national tours, a host of regional theatre roles, and TV appearances on Modern Family, Sesame Street, and more. For the past nine years, Mark Kopitzke reverently evoked 1940s nostalgia with his honey-toned vocals and charismatic stage charm as a soloist and occasional frontman with the Glenn Miller Orchestra’s international contingent. Kopitzke experienced the worldwide love of this timeless music performing in over 200 shows throughout Australia, Thailand, New Zealand, the Philippines, and more.
Under the leadership of newly appointed Executive Director Barett Hoover and Artistic Director Jung-Ho Pak, the Bay Philharmonic begins a new era of arts and entertainment experiences for all audiences. Executive Director Hoover joined the organization in July of 2022. Before his work with the Bay Philharmonic, Hoover held a leadership position as General Manager with Chamber Music Hawaii, and with the Leeward Theatre and Hawaii Opera Theatre.
Hoover’s appointment coincided with the announcement that Jung-Ho Pak would take a larger leadership role as Artistic Director and Conductor to elevate the organization’s mission and impact in the community. Pak joined the organization in 2018 and helped navigate its artistic direction through the COVID-19 pandemic. Pak has also held the same title with the Cape Cod Symphony Orchestra in Massachusetts since 2007. With this new role, Pak will elevate Bay Philharmonic into an exciting new era.
“Our name reflects that we belong to the entire Bay Area and beyond. Our community gives us the energy to captivate millions to its shores to live, work and dream. Its beauty inspires us to create high-quality music and theatrical experiences. The word Philharmonic means the "love of harmony, " meaning we are a source of beautiful sounds and diverse co-existence. We invite you to see for yourself just how the Bay Philharmonic creates an experience built for you,” said Barett Hoover. “With much beauty and joy, our goal is to present the most imaginative and extraordinary shows. We believe that our audience is the primary reason we exist, and we want to exceed their expectations at every performance,” continued Jung-Ho Pak.
What: Bay Philharmonic Presents The Kings of Soul & Swing
When: Saturday, March 4, 7:30 pm
Sunday, March 5, 3:00 pm
Where: James Logan High School Performing Arts Center, 1800 H Street, Union City, CA 94587
Tickets and info: Please visit BayPhil.org
Who: Julius Thomas lll, vocalist
Mark Kopitzke, vocalist
Jung-Ho Pak, Artistic Director/Conductor
Barett Hoover, Executive Director, Bay Philharmonic
About Bay Philharmonic:
For the past 56 years, Bay Philharmonic has served the Bay Area as the Fremont Symphony. The Bay Philharmonic has a unique mission. With much beauty and joy, their goal is to present the most imaginative and unusually entertaining shows. They believe that their audience is the primary reason they exist and want to always exceed their expectations.
The word “Philharmonic” means the "love of harmony", which means they are a source of wonderful sounds and diverse co-existence.
