The 9 PM celebration is telecast live on NBC television and on 1010 WINS radio from the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum in New York Harbor.

Flaherty (Ragtime, Once on This Island, The Glorious Ones) was commissioned to write "American River Suite" — featuring lyrics by William Schermerhorn — to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the exploration of New York Harbor and the Hudson River.

New York Pops music director Steven Reineke conducts the Pops' performance of the piece that features previously recorded vocals by McDonald (Twelfth Night, Ragtime, Carousel), Menzel (Wicked, Rent) and an appearance from the Choir Academy of Harlem.

The celebration will also include a performance from the Broadway revival of West Side Story, as well as appearances by Rob Thomas and Jewel.

Flaherty's "American River Suite" originally premiered as part of The New York Pops' 26th Birthday Gala in April, featuring Menzel and Tony winner Anika Noni Rose (Caroline, or Change, "Dreamgirls").