Beethoven. Bach. Mozart. While no orchestral musician will deny the brilliance of the great classic composers, it is hard to ignore the fact that Johan and Ludwig have declined somewhat in mainstream popularity, especially among younger age demographics. If your average iPod contains any Schumann, it is sure to be buried beneath a digital mountain of Kanye West and John Mayer.

There is a middle ground, however, for orchestral musicians. Contemporary composers for the concert hall, stage, silver screen and even video game arenas are writing traditional symphony music that is more accessible for today’s younger audiences. Out of this new tradition has been born a new type of performance group: the ‘pop’ orchestra.

Many may be familiar with the Boston Pops, led by Keith Lockhart, who perform across the country to great acclaim. There are many more of these groups on the scene, however, such as the San Francisco Pops, Philly Pops and the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, and the style has become popular at many large venues. This Saturday, the University’s very own UMass Pops will be highlighting a grand annual event for some of the university’s most prestigious supporters.

The UMass Amherst Pops is an all-student contemporary orchestra. The group has been performing together for years under the direction of Maestro Lanfranco Marcelletti, Jr., and is made up of some of the UMass Music Department’s most talented performers. The Annual UMass Amherst Pops Gala ‘- the group’s premier performance event ‘- is a high-class event in the style of a Boston Pops concert, held to raise money for the music department.

This Saturday, the Campus Center auditorium will be decked with decorations and tablecloths, filled with waiters, bartenders and well-to-do supporters of collegiate music. Drinks and h’ordeurves will be served, as well as an optional full dinner. Chancellor Holub and his wife will even be in attendance, turning up to support the cause and lending some local star power to the proceedings.

The headlining performers will begin the night with the Salva overture by Leonard Bernstein, legendary composer of ‘West Side Story’ and ‘On The Town,’ among others. Also scheduled are more recognizable tunes, such as the music of George Gershwin, and less recognizable ones, including Bachianas Brasilieras No. 5.

Gershwin’s music will feature heavily into the evening, and being one of the most famous American composers of the 20th century, he carries the ‘pops’ theme quite well.

The Pops are not alone in the performance. The UMass Dancers, under the direction of Professor Hazel Sabas-Gower, will be accompanying the Studio Orchestra, to provide a bit more multimedia performance art. Crowd pleasers are a must at such events, and the Studio Orchestra will be there to fill the bill. The program for this portion of the night includes John William’s ‘Star Wars’ collection, as well as The Sorcerer’s Apprentice, of ‘Fantasia’ fame.

Planned highlights include special choreography, vocal soloists and even a guest conductor, graduate student Matt Bertuzzi.

Tickets for the Sixth Annual Pops Gala are available at the box office for $45, and will not be available at the door. The event has a history of selling out.

Andrew Sheridan can be reached at [email protected].