96 | visitphilly.com from left: Bachrach; Derek BraD
the Philly PoPS, the largest stand-alone pops orchestra in the United States, has been called “the finest pops orches- tra in america” by no less a luminary than the legendary composer marvin hamlisch.
music director michael krajewski, the 65-piece
Philly PoPS orchestra, and esteemed musical
guests perform a repertoire of popular songs from
the Jazz age through today’s chart toppers. With
the schedule for the ensemble’s 38th season just
announced, it’s clear they’ll be keeping toes tapping
in 2016 and beyond with a tour of some of the most
exciting musical moments of the past century.
“this is an amazing upcoming season for us,”
says frank Giordano, Philly PoPS ceo and
president. “the PoPS is swinging through every
decade of the best half of the twentieth century.”
It all kicks off in october with “elvis: the
king’s Songbook,” as the PoPS, led on guitar and
vocals by “roots of Pop” performer Dave Bennett,
tackle elvis Presley’s most memorable hits. It’s
the first stop in a season that sees the PoPS mark
ella fitzgerald’s 100th birthday with “ella, louis
& all that Jazz,” and the 50th anniversary of the
Beatles’ landmark album Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely
Hearts Club Band with “a Beatles celebration.”
the music of the ‘70s and ‘80s will get a workout,
too, with “the PoPS rocks: eagles, fleetwood
mac, and Journey.”
how to top off this survey of the 20th-century
musical landscape? on Broadway, of course.
“Broadway’s biggest blockbusters bring the season
home,” says Giordano, “with Les Misérables
and Phantom defying gravity all the way through
to the new millennium when Wicked is an
instant smash.”
A SEASON of
CELEBR ATION
The Philly POPS revels in half a century of popular music icons, from
the King of Rock to the First Lady of Song
Kimmel Center Box Office
300 South Broad St.
Philadelphia
215-893-1999
phillypops.com
The Philly POPS has been wowing audiences for nearly 40 years.
