2020-21 Bright Lights! Big City! Season | The Philly Pops
 

2020-21 Bright Lights! Big City! Season

Philadelphia, forever a city of neighborhoods, has always come alive with music... with gospel, rock ‘n roll, with jazz and R&B. Each year, the POPS shines bright in every part of our big city — at the Kimmel Center, The Met Philadelphia, The Mann Center, Independence Mall, and The Benjamin Franklin Parkway. The POPS’ ensembles play in Germantown, in West Philly, in Kensington, in Rittenhouse Square, and Franklin Square. POPS in Schools is active on the Avenue of the Arts from Temple University to CAPA. Join us for our Bright Lights! Big City! Season.

Past Events

A Philly POPS Christmas: Spectacular Sounds of the Season!

Dec 18, 2020-Jan 1, 2021
David Charles Abell, Conductor

OUR GIFT TO YOU!

All the glitter and warmth of Philly’s favorite holiday tradition is back for another dazzling season recorded at The Grand Opera House in Wilmington, Delaware! Returning from last year’s incredible holiday program, David Charles Abell brings the explosive, jaw-dropping talent of Hamilton star Mandy Gonzalez back for her third Christmas with the POPS. This all-new original program will feature the perennial POPS favorites: The Philly POPS Festival Chorus, The African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas Gospel Choir, and The Philadelphia Boys Choir for another can’t-miss holiday extravaganza.

Postponed: Modern Broadway: The Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber, Kander & Ebb and More!

Apr 16-18, 2021
Michael Krajewski, Conductor

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s storied career is well-represented in this magical visit to Broadway.  Philly native Hugh Panaro, the original Phantom, comes home with “Music of the Night” and “Phantom of the Opera."

The advent of the mega-musical brings us some of the greatest composers and lyricists to ever bless Broadway! Unforgettable productions of Phantom of the Opera, Les Misérables, Jesus Christ Superstar, and more stand the test of time.

Ella, Billie, Dinah & All That Jazz

Feb 19-21, 2021
Terell Stafford, Conductor

Philly has a rich history with jazz, and this year, the POPS highlights the three finest powerhouse divas to light up stage and song—Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, and Dinah Washington! All three singers possessed unique qualities—Ella’s effortless range and technical perfection, Billie’s soulful sensitivity, and Dinah’s infectious insouciance. But all three delivered memories to a generation of swing

Postponed: POPS Rocks Paul Simon, James Taylor & Billy Joel with Michael Cavanaugh

Mar 19-21, 2021
David Charles Abell, Conductor

Michael Cavanaugh and his electrifying band join the POPS, the world’s biggest rock orchestra, in showcasing the hits of Paul Simon, James Taylor, Billy Joel, Neil Diamond, and many more! Experience the sweet sounds of Cavanaugh’s trademark energy and enthusiasm as he celebrates the greatest singer/songwriters of the era.

Postponed: Showstoppers! Hello, Dolly!, La Cage & Mame

Apr 16-18, 2021
David Charles Abell, Conductor

POSTPONED:
Broadway’s beloved Jerry Herman represented everything that was lavish, catchy, optimistic, and lighthearted about the Great White Way. Herman’s tunes never fail to leave audiences inspired and humming as they exit the theater. To celebrate his legacy, during what would have been his 90th year, the POPS bring you his greatest showstopping numbers under the baton of Maestro David Charles Abell. Musical selections will include memorable moments from Hello, Dolly!, Mame, La Cage aux Folles, and more!

POSTPONED: POPS ROCKS The Music of The Moody Blues: GO NOW!

Apr 30-May 2, 2021
Michael Krajewski, Conductor

Gordy Marshall toured and recorded with The Moody Blues for twenty-five years. Together with Mick Wilson (lead singer of 10cc for twenty years) they present a super-group of world-class musicians, singers, and songwriters and meticulously recreate the elegance of a Moody Blues concert.