Philadelphia, PA – The 2013-2014 Philly POPS season has surpassed all expectations from ticket sales to fundraising and guest responses. Raves from subscribers and the audience have been extraordinary under the leadership of the new music director, Maestro Michael Krajewski. After each concert, comments like these were sent to The POPS:
• “We were blown away by that show last night!”
• “I am a Philly POPS fan for life!”
• “Michael Krajewski is phenomenal!”
• “Sunday’s performance renewed my faith in what could be done with the Pops.”
The last program of the season sold more tickets than any other three-concert-series in The Philly POPS history in Verizon Hall at The Kimmel Center. Since March 2014 with the Musical Tribute to Marvin Hamlisch series, more concerts sold near-capacity or sold-out performances than at any other time in recent history.
President Frank Giordano said, “It’s been an exciting season for all of us. Our orchestra members and audiences appreciate Michael’s talent along with his warm personality and sense of humor. Plus, they are caught up in the new energy of The Philly POPS as they continually tell us how much they enjoy our concerts. It’s no wonder we are breaking sales records and raising more funds than ever.”
Reinforcing their confidence in the future, Giordano said, “It’s clear we are a revitalized music organization as our subscription and donor base is expanding, and because of this we are launching The Philly POPS Endowment program to secure the ongoing success of our orchestra.” Giordano, who has been the leader of many non-profit organizations, is confident they will be able to raise substantial amount of funds for the endowment.
The refreshing, innovative programming of the season can be credited to Krajewski, who is also Pops conductor of the Houston, Atlanta and Jacksonville symphonies. He said, “I always like to have surprise elements in our programs, and it’s been very rewarding seeing the response of the audiences in Philadelphia.” One example is the first concert of the season, when Krajewski, a fan of “Rocky,” surprised the audience by entering from the rear of the auditorium, raising his arms like a winning boxer entering the ring. The tone was set immediately and the audience loved it.
Giordano and Krajewski agree that The POPS is all about great music and great fun, where surprises are part of the formula for success. Giordano explained, “We want guests to come to the doors of The Kimmel Center and enjoy entertainment and attractions from the moment they arrive – even before they enter the building.” For example, for the first concert series called “Viva Philadelphia”, there were Mummers on the sidewalk welcoming guests and in December, there were Victorian Carolers. In the lobby, musical groups have been performing before shows, and Mr. and Mrs. Claus were there for the Christmas Spectacular series taking photos with guests. In April, prior to the John Williams concert, over 30 Star Wars characters interacted with guests. Even a cameraman from Action News got his photo taken with the characters.
The new season will be launched with the Second Annual POPS Ball on September 17th where guests will dance to the 60-piece Philly POPS orchestra, and, the popular and highly acclaimed singer/pianist Tony DeSare will perform. People are already buying tickets.
Subscription sales for next season are also at a higher level than prior years. Krajewski brings back his innovative programming and lighthearted approach beginning in October, 2014 with the Era of ABBA, followed by Classic Soul. It continues with a salute to the American Songbook Then and Now with Tony DeSare and a visit to the movies with Epic Hollywood Soundtracks. The season ends with the Legends of Rock. Christmas Spectacular is a nine-concert-series with the legendary David Charles Abell as guest conductor, returning by popular demand.