Role

:

Ensemble

Period

:

Modern

Genre

:

Ballet

 

 

Orchestral

 

The Philadelphia Pops Orchestra is a classical music ensemble that was founded in 1979 by conductor Michael Krajewski. The orchestra is known for its innovative programming and its ability to blend classical music with popular music genres such as jazz, rock, and Broadway show tunes. The founding of the Philadelphia Pops Orchestra was a response to the growing demand for classical music performances in the Philadelphia area. Krajewski, who had previously served as the associate conductor of the Houston Symphony Orchestra, was brought in to lead the new ensemble. Krajewski's vision for the orchestra was to create a more accessible and entertaining classical music experience for audiences. The Philadelphia Pops Orchestra is made up of a core group of musicians, many of whom have been with the ensemble since its founding. The orchestra's main members include a full complement of strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion instruments. In addition to the core group of musicians, the orchestra also features guest soloists and conductors from around the world. Over the years, the Philadelphia Pops Orchestra has performed at some of the most prestigious venues in the United States, including Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, and the Hollywood Bowl. The orchestra has also collaborated with some of the biggest names in popular music, including Elton John, Diana Ross, and Tony Bennett. One of the highlights of the Philadelphia Pops Orchestra's career was its performance at the 2008 Democratic National Convention in Denver, Colorado. The orchestra was invited to perform at the convention by then-Senator Barack Obama, who was running for president at the time. The orchestra's performance was widely praised for its energy and enthusiasm, and it helped to cement the ensemble's reputation as one of the premier classical music ensembles in the United States. In addition to its many performances, the Philadelphia Pops Orchestra has also received numerous awards and accolades over the years. In 1999, the orchestra was awarded the prestigious National Medal of Arts, which is the highest honor that can be bestowed upon an arts organization in the United States. The orchestra has also been recognized for its contributions to the community, and it has received awards from organizations such as the Philadelphia Music Alliance and the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce. Despite its many accomplishments, the Philadelphia Pops Orchestra remains committed to its mission of bringing classical music to a wider audience. The orchestra continues to innovate and experiment with new programming ideas, and it remains one of the most popular and beloved classical music ensembles in the United States.

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