The 55+ Club at St. Anne’s Catholic church in Bethlehem hosted a visit by the Lehigh Valley Pops Orchestra, conducted by George Fennell, Aug. 17. Playing a rich variety of music, the orchestra delighted the audience, which was made up largely of St. Anne’s parishioners. The concert opened with the national anthem of Ukraine, followed by the “Star-spangled Banner.” Then came Fauré’s haunting “Pavane,” which was followed by Broadway favorites and four tunes made famous by Louis Armstrong. A highlight was a performance of Cole Porter’s “Night and Day,” sung by guest artist Christine Catiello.

The LV Pops is an all-volunteer orchestra consisting of 55 members. All sections of a classical orchestra are represented. The players include retired professional musicians, among them the cellist Mardi Metzger, who played for years with several professional orchestras in the Valley. But most players are amateurs who have retired from other careers. According to Mr. Fennell there are no auditions to join. “You just have to be able to play the music.” The orchestra rehearses on Thursdays at the Active Life Center in Allentown.

In the 20 years of the Pops’ existence, this was the tenth concert at St. Anne’s, according to Mr. Fennell. The orchestra plays a dozen concerts a year, all of them free to the public.