The Philadelphia Orchestra "Pops"

The Philly Pops is the largest standalone pops orchestra in the United States. It is the official POPS orchestra of Pennsylvania and the City of Philadelphia’s partner in civic celebration.

The Philly POPS was founded in 1979 by Moe Septee. Peter Nero was the director from from 1979 to 2013. The POPS began its run as a staple of the Independence Week celebrations in the City of Philadelphia in 1980. In 1999, the POPS was designated as the official POPS orchestra of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. In 2001, the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts opened with The Philly POPS as a founding resident company. Following the separation from the Philadelphia Orchestra in 2011, Frank Giordano took the reins of the newly independent organization as President.