It was Peter Nero and the Philly POPS from the orchestra’s inception in 1979. But after taking over for Nero last July, Michael Krajewski is creating his own signature as music director. In the midst of his first season, the in-demand conductor has high praise for the Philly POPs orchestra as he creates his own brand of the fun, entertainment, and surprise that is part of the POPS experience.
Krajewski, who also conducts POPS orchestras in Atlanta, Jacksonville, and Houston, says the Philly POPs musicians stand apart in their capacity to move between genres - jazz, classical, rock, Motown, and show tunes. The Philly POPS 36th seasonwill include soul, movie soundtracks, music from the era of Abba, and selections from the American Songbook performed by composer, pianist and vocalist Tony DeSare.