The Arts

Marvin Hamlisch, principal pops conductor of the Seattle Symphony Orchestra, took a moment out of his warm, delightful holiday show in Benaroya Hall last December to plug SSO's remaining pops programs this season.

Focusing on the orchestra's upcoming "Bond and Beyond" presentation — a tribute to 50 years' worth of theme music for James Bond action films — Hamlisch drew a laugh when he said, with faux wistfulness, that he sure hoped the bill includes "Nobody Does It Better," a song he and lyricist Carole Bayer Sager wrote for the 1977 movie "The Spy Who Loved Me."

As it turns out, Hamlisch's tune, originally recorded by Carly Simon, is not only part of the "Bond and Beyond" extravaganza. It's also guest conductor Michael Krajewski's favorite 007 theme.

"Of course, I also like Paul McCartney's 'Live and Let Die,' " Krajewski says by phone from Orlando. "Both songs will be in the program."

Krajewski, 61, has conducted Bond music before. But he was inspired to put together a bigger, better "Bond and Beyond" when he realized 2012 marks the Golden Jubilee of "Dr. No," the first feature in the long-running franchise.

Krajewski will present vocalist Debbie Gravitte, who made her Broadway debut in the original cast of Hamlisch's "They're Playing Our Song" and won a Tony Award as featured actress in "Jerome Robbins' Broadway."

"She's a great singer, a great personality on stage," Krajewski says.

"When I thought about key themes such as 'Goldfinger,' with that brassy, Shirley Bassey sound, I instantly thought of Debbie, who can give those songs style and panache."

The majority of "Bond and Beyond" is exactly what one would hope for: heavy on John Barry's lush, dark compositions from the early days — the powerful "Goldfinger," the dreamy "You Only Live Twice" — with later material by other composers for variety. (Note: there are no film clips in this show.)

Also on the bill are selections from David Arnold's scores for the two most recent 007 thrillers starring Daniel Craig: "Casino Royale" and "Quantum of Solace."

"Arnold's music is rhythmic, kinetic, with lots of percussion," Krajewski says. "It matches the level of tension and excitement in those long chase scenes."

A former music director for the Modesto Symphony Orchestra, Krajweski has toured exclusively as a pops conductor for the last decade.

"I enjoy bringing music that stirs enjoyable memories," he says. "It's so much fun hearing this music live from a symphony orchestra, a real thrill."

Tom Keogh: tomwkeogh@gmail.com