Just in: Philadelphia loses an orchestra

Just in: Philadelphia loses an orchestra

News

norman lebrecht

November 17, 2022

ThemPhilly Pops Orchestra is shutting down after its present Christmas concerts. It describes itself as America’s Largest Standalone Pops Orchestra. Here’s the statement:

The Philly POPS has made the difficult decision to cease operations following the conclusion of the current 2022–23 season.  

Despite our best efforts, a combination of circumstances, including the devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, led the Board of Directors to reevaluate how we serve the community that has loved and supported the Philly POPS since 1979.  

With deep support from The Philadelphia Orchestra and Kimmel Center, Inc. (POKC), our Board leadership is working to fulfill obligations to our loyal audiences, generous sponsors, and talented musicians, while identifying ways to continue the celebrated tradition of pops programming in Philadelphia….

Our musicians are the heart and soul of the Philly POPS. As such, we will continue to honor the terms and conditions of the existing contract agreement with our musicians.

Sign of changing times. The company has debts of almost $1m on an operating budget of $7 million.

Statement by the players: The Musicians of the Philly Pops are deeply shocked and saddened by this afternoon’s press release. The musicians were not informed or involved in the decision making process. 

Comments

  • Hayne says:

    Sadly, this is only the beginning.

  • Old Man in the Midwest says:

    Were they any good? What is Pops anymore? Rap and Hip Hop have taken over the gems of Henry Mancini, Leroy Anderson, and the lush movies scores up to about 1980.

    The free market approves or executes.

    The Boston Pops (under the brand of the BSO) is still thriving and has a liquor license for Symphony Hall.

    There lies the gold. Produce a concert, capture liquor revenues, use social media to promote the event at little cost.

    • J Barcelo says:

      Do you ever get the feeling though that the Boston Pops lost something after Arthur Fiedler left? He skillfully blended the great light classics with modern fare and those who followed him just don’t seem to have the same talent.

      • trumpetherald says:

        As a conductor,he had certainly little talent….And his musicianship was also,well nothing to behold….he introduced audiences to orchestra music,yes…..And he had a fantastic orchestra and arrangers at his disposal.Talent????John Williams has more talent in his little finger(in fact many talents!)

      • Old Man in the Midwest says:

        In one word?

        Yes.

        He and Leinsdorf were the two geniuses of programming.

        Pitch it over the plate.
        Do it well.
        Sell some booze
        Make em go home wanting more.

      • Mr. Ron says:

        J Barcelo, No doubt he was great as was Erich Kunzel.

  • drummerman says:

    To paraphrase you-know-who: something is rotten in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

    As recently as the 2017-18 fiscal year, they finished in the black by about $200,000. For 18-19, 19-20 and 20-21, they finished in the red each year by about $500,000. Why the sudden reversal? (To remind all, 2018-19 was before covid.)

    Did they not get Federal covid relief money like other arts organization got?

    In 19-20, Frank Giordano got a salary of $176,715. His bio identifies him as: “President and Chief Executive Officer of The Philly POPS and Atlantic Trailer Leasing Corporation, a transportation and storage equipment company that has been in his family since 1949.” One wonders where he finds the time.

    Their Chief Operating Officer has zero experience in the performing arts. Her work history includes 6 years in museums and 7 years in television.

    Perhaps if Philly Pops had employed true arts/music professionals to run things they wouldn’t in the mess they’re in now. Just a hunch.

  • MoneySaver says:

    This is not a photo of the Philly Pops…it is of the Jazz Orchestra of Philadelphia. Minor detail.

  • Mr. Ron says:

    “COVID-19 pandemic” used as an excuse again. One would have thought the musicians would be the first to know. Maybe they can form their own replacement and move forward.

  • Leporello says:

    Is this a different orchestra from the Philadelphia Orchestra’s Pops ?

  • drummerman says:

    The plot thickens: In the May 21, 20211 issue of the Philadelphia Business Journal, it says this: “In May 2021, a former controller of the Philly Pops was indicted by a federal grand jury for stealing more than $250,000 from the orchestra. “

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