Memorable Moments

July 2019 Music Director Todd Ellison takes over the “baton” of The Philly POPS. July 2018 The Philly POPS celebrates its 40th Anniversary Season and is honored at the Wawa Welcome America festival. September 2017 The Philly POPS announces the appointment of Principal Guest Conductor David Charles Abell. July 2017 The Philly POPS BIG Band debuts on July 4 at the 25th anniversary of the Wawa Welcome America concert on the Parkway. May 2016 The Philly POPS holds Philadelphia’s first-ever Memorial Day concert: Memorial Salute. December 2015 The Philly POPS performs its first concert with renowned tenor Andrea Bocelli at the Wells Fargo Center. December 2014 The Philly POPS salutes military and first responders by giving away 2,000 free tickets to the inaugural I’ll be Home for Christmas: A Salute to the Military and First Responders concert. July 2013 Michael Krajewski becomes Music Director of The Philly POPS. July 2012 Frank Giordano takes the reins as President and CEO of The Philly POPS. July 2005 The Philly POPS performs with Elton John on Independence Day at the Philadelphia Freedom Concert on the Parkway, organized by Mark Segal. April 2002 Peter Nero and The Philly POPS performs Voyage into Space with astronaut John Glenn at the Kimmel Center. December 2001 The Kimmel Center opens with The Philly POPS as a founding resident company.

September 2015 The Philly POPS performs for Pope Francis on Independence Mall. 1999 The Philly POPS is designated as the official Pops Orchestra of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

June 2015 Launch of POPS in Schools kicks off with a presenting sponsorship of the Philadelphia School District’s All-City Jazz Festival. December 2014 Launch of POPS Outside brings the vibrant programming, musicians and featured guest artists of the POPS family to a growing list of holiday tree lightings and celebrations around the Delaware Valley. 1993 Peter Nero and The Philly POPS performs at Philadelphia’s first July 4 concert. 1979 The Philly POPS is founded by Moe Septee with virtuoso pianist and conductor Maestro Peter Nero as Music Director.