Philadelphia, PA (March 12, 2018) — The Philly POPS is proud to announce that it has reached a new agreement with Philadelphia Musicians Union Local 77, American Federation of Musicians (AFM).
The contract, which is now in effect, covers a five-year term, through August 31, 2022. It provides on average 4.1% increase in concert service rate over the life of the agreement.
“We’re glad to have come to a fair and equitable agreement with The Philly POPS,” said Joseph N. Parente, Local 77 President.
“As the POPS continues to expand its programming and community outreach, we’re grateful to have the support of our musicians and proud to have a new, five-year contract with Local 77,” said Frank Giordano, President and CEO, The Philly POPS.
About The Philly POPS
The Philly POPS, the largest standalone pops orchestra in the United States, delights audiences with the inspired performance of American popular music. The POPS celebrates this distinctive musical heritage through an expanding repertoire of innovative concert presentations and a robust set of educational and engagement initiatives.
Now in its 39th season, the official POPS orchestra of Pennsylvania serves a consistently growing audience of over 150,000 annually. Music Director Michael Krajewski and the 65-piece Philly POPS orchestra keeps listeners tapping their toes to an impressive repertoire of songs from American traditions of music up through today’s chart toppers. The Philly POPS BIG Band, an 18-20 piece ensemble performing a rock and rhythm and blues repertoire , premiered in 2017 to enthusiastic response at the July 4 Welcome America Concert on the Parkway.
Outside the concert hall, Salute Series performances – including POPS on Independence on July 3 and the I’ll Be Home for Christmas: A Salute to the Military and First Responders concert – celebrate the American tradition of service around important national holidays; POPS in Schools enhances music education for Philadelphia School District students; and POPS Outside brings POPS music to local communities.
The Philly POPS performs as a founding resident company of The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, and at venues throughout the mid-Atlantic region.