The New Mexico Philharmonic, in collaboration with Spot-On Entertainment, will host a concert featuring hits from Sir Elton John, Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber, and Sir Paul McCartney. Titled 'Music of the Knights,' the event honors the three knighted British songwriters through orchestral performances. It is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Saturday, February 21, at Popejoy Hall on the University of New Mexico campus.
The upcoming concert, produced by Scott Coulter of Spot-On Entertainment, brings together vocalists Campbell Walker Fields and Alex Getlin with the philharmonic orchestra under conductor Karin Hendrickson. The program includes a selection of No. 1 hits from the three composers, structured as a dramatic narrative that captures their distinct styles.
Hendrickson described the event as a compilation that unites the artists under the theme of their knighthoods by Queen Elizabeth II for contributions to music. "It’s a really interesting way to draw three different composers together with a concert title, ‘Music of the Knights,’ because they’ve all been knighted by the queen," she said.
Coulter emphasized selecting timeless songs, noting, "What we set out to do was choose the songs that we think will stand the test of time." The lineup features tracks such as "The Phantom of the Opera," "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road," and "Hey Jude," alongside orchestral interludes and piano-vocal moments.
Walker Fields, a returning performer, highlighted the nonstop appeal: "It’s just like, hit after hit after hit after hit and so there’s never a dull moment within the show." Getlin added that the combination creates a unique genre, with the orchestra revealing new layers in familiar tunes. "You’ll hear things in the songs you’ve never heard before," she said.
Both vocalists and Hendrickson praised the power of live orchestral accompaniment, evoking nostalgia and joy. Hendrickson noted, "It’s very rare that you get to hear 80 pieces supporting a vocalist." Tickets start at $41 and are available at nmphil.org. The concert promises a celebratory atmosphere, blending high energy with reflective moments.
