There was a British invasion at the Pops Friday night — and they came singing Beatles songs. That was just one of the highlights of the Pops' elegant and beautiful Christmas show, starring the king'singers. (Since their June 1999 visit, they've changed their name.)

        The six Englishmen, who sang a cappella and with the orchestra, poured on their British charm, wit and excellent musicianship in an attractive program, mainly tried-and-true Christmas favorites. With Music Hall glowing in soft colors and twinkle lights and the crowd at near-capacity, it was the kind of evening you didn't want to end.

        The six gents, each holding a mike, opened with “Gaudete,” in a seamless dialogue with the Pops brass section. Most songs had a new spin: They wove a colorful tapestry in “What Child is This,” setting the carol against modern harmonies. “God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen” swung Dave Brubeck-style in 5/4 time.

        Mel Torme's “The Christmas Song,” in a mellow arrangement by Peter Knight, had a natural warmth. It was a perfect example of what makes the sextet's sound so distinctive: a combination of blend, easy expression and wide range, from the countertenors of David Hurley and Nigel Short, to Stephen Connolly in the basement.

        Maestro Erich Kunzel plunged into “Yellow Submarine” to open the Beatles segment, to be recorded with the king'singers in the Pops' first Beatles disc. (Friday, as it happened, was the 20th anniversary of John Lennon's death.)

        Although the singers were superb, some arrangements were better than others. Paul McCartney's “Hey Jude” took a sad song and made it schmaltzy. “Let it Be” was also in an easy-listening vein.

        But others, arranged by “fifth Beatle” George Martin, were ideal for the group's matchless ensemble. The audience of 3,074 joined in on the refrain of “All You Need is Love.”

        The singers' versatility continued in a meditative “El nino querido,” and a snazzy “Deck the Halls,” where they hammed it up with kazoos. They also got off some election jokes.

        Then they got serious in a beautifully felt “Stille Nacht” (Silent Night). The encore was a mellifluous “Born on a New Day” by John David, to words by baritone Philip Lawson.

        In between, the orchestra took the spotlight in classic Christmas medleys. The maestro was in top form, and the Pops played like a well-oiled machine. Two talented singers borrowed from Cinergy's “Home for the Holidays” — Julie Tolivar and Brandon Cutrell — charmed in “Let it Snow.”

        The Pops repeats at 8 p.m. today. Limited seats: 381-3300.

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