One doesn't usually associate a symphony concert with pop music, but when the Allentown Symphony Orchestra is paired with Grammy Award-nominated piano genius Jim Brickman, it's sure to be a night to remember.

"Jim Brickman Pure Piano with the Allentown Symphony Orchestra," conducted by Ronald Demkee, will be presented at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 21 at Miller Symphony Hall in Allentown.Brickman said there's something about performing at the start of a new year that brings new hope and life into his music."All of these instrumentals of mine have such beautiful orchestrations and, gosh, a lot of them give me goose bumps and I'm in the show," he said during a phone interview. "There's something about it that's very inspirational. I always want my music to be hopeful and bright and leave people with a happy feeling."The concert promises to include the best and brightest of Brickman's hit songs. Some of the chart-topping numbers to look forward to include "The Gift," "Love of My Life," "Valentine" and "Simple Things."Brickman's 1994 Windham Hill Records debut album, "No Words," included the single, "Rocket to the Moon," said to be the first solo instrumental to land on the pop charts."Angel Eyes" and "If You Believe" gained radio airplay from Brickman's second release, "By Heart" in 1995. The following year, the title track, "By Heart," became his first Top 20 adult contemporary hit. The CD, "Picture This," included "Valentine," sung by Martina McBride, and charted on country and adult contemporary stations, with the album certified platinum.Brickman is recognized as Most Charted Adult Contemporary Artist, with 30 charted adult contemporary songs, and best-selling solo pianist. He has had six gold and platinum albums.He is noted for his solo piano compositions, pop-style instrumentals and vocal collaborations with McBride, Lady Antebellum ("Never Alone"), Michael W. Smith ("Love of My Life"), Olivia Newton-John and Johnny Mathis.His Tin Pan Alley sensibility, uncomplicated melodies and down-to-earth nature have taken him from the Grand Ole Opry to the White House.Brickman has filmed five concert specials for PBS, and he's host of "The Jim Brickman Radio Show," now in its 20th year.In addition, he has written three best-selling books, "Simple Things," "Love Notes" and his latest, "Soothe: How to Find Calm Amidst Everyday Chaos."Accompanying Brickman for the Allentown concert will be Anne Cochran, a fan favorite in the Lehigh Valley, and electric violinist Tracy Silverman. The vocals and the instrumentals weave together a beautiful tapestry that complements the performance as a whole.Brickman was born and raised in Shaker Heights, Ohio. He studied composition and performance at the Cleveland Institute of Music while taking business classes at Case Western Reserve University. In 1980, he founded an advertising music company, writing commercial jingles.He says he didn't come from a musical family, but discovered his gift for pop music at an early age. He now advocates for music education, teaches master classes and works hard to make sure young people have the opportunity to develop their talent as he did. During his recent holiday tour, Brickman selected pianists in 10 different cities between the ages of 9 and 17 to perform with him onstage."It's really important to me because I didn't have a lot of guidance, advocacy or direction growing up, so I'm very committed to devoting my time to helping young people discover and nurture that passion."That giving spirit has been evident in Brickman's music from the beginning, and his adoration for the basics of pop music continues to grow even today."Any pop song that plays on the radio now is definitive when the melody creates an emotional connection with the audience," Brickman says. "If a song truly touches you, it can fit into any genre. I have a rare opportunity to come back to Allentown and come to life with these songs that I love."Tickets are available at the Miller Symphony Hall Box Office, 23 N. Sixth St., Allentown; allentownsymphony.org; or by calling 610-432-6715.