Selections included in the concert are "Mountain Greenery" from Nero's second album, the great jazz standard "Sunday in New York" (written by Nero), and Variations on "I've Got Rhythm", which Nero played on the Ed Sullivan show with the Ray Bloch Orchestra when he was only 21 years of age.
A true legend in the world of music, Peter Nero enjoyed an illustrious career spanning over six decades. Born in Brooklyn, New York, Nero's prodigious talent as a pianist was evident from a young age. He rose to fame as a virtuoso classical pianist and later gained widespread acclaim for his versatility in jazz and popular music and his unique compilation of various genres of music. Peter Nero was a brilliant champion of pops orchestral music in Philadelphia for more than three decades, adorning the cultural landscape of Philadelphia. Known for his charismatic stage presence and innovative musical interpretations, Nero has received numerous accolades, including two Grammy Awards and eight nominations. His discography boasts a rich collection of albums, showcasing his mastery across genres and his ability to captivate audiences with his unique blend of classical and contemporary styles. He is known for scoring the film “Sunday in New York” in 1963, a romantic comedy starring Jane Fonda, Rod Taylor and Cliff Robertson. Nero appeared briefly as himself in the film. Mel Torme recorded his song of the same title. Nero was seen frequently on “The Ed Sullivan Show” and “The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson.” He had a million-selling single on Columbia Records with an instrumental version of the theme from “Summer of ’42,” the 1971 blockbuster film, with a score by Michel Legrand. His album of the same name also sold a million copies. In 1998, Nero was proud that Astronaut John Glenn woke up in space to music he composed and performed on piano called “Voyage into Space.”
The legacy of Peter Nero is cherished by The No Name Pops and an important aspect of the organization’s mission. Matt Koveal, Executive Director of The No Name Pops, takes great pride in this concert. He said, "We are honored to pay tribute to Peter's extraordinary legacy and delighted to offer this celebration of music that has left an indelible – timeless – mark on the city and the world." Jim Gardner, former anchor of Action News, current No Name Pop’s Board member and long-time friend of Nero, said it best: “My good friend Peter laid the foundation for premiere Pops music in Philadelphia. It is only fitting that The No Name Pops present this concert to revere his memory and, most importantly, to continue his tradition of flawless, magnetic performances, the hallmark of his storied career.”
About Carl Topilow – Photo by Susan Bestul
Founding conductor of the Cleveland Pops Orchestra, Carl Topilow’s eclectic programs have been acclaimed by audiences and critics alike. He enjoys a dual career as both conductor and clarinetist. Topilow has performed as guest conductor with 132 different orchestras in 37 states and 12 foreign countries. In addition, he is Conductor of the Firelands Symphony Orchestra, a regional orchestra based in Sandusky, Ohio, and after 42 years as conductor of the National Repertory Orchestra (NRO), a summer festival in Breckenridge, CO, he is continuing an active role with the orchestra as Conductor Laureate. He was named Faculty Emeritus after 37 years as Conductor and Director of the Orchestral Program at the Cleveland Institute of Music (CIM) and has served as principal pops conductor of the Toledo Symphony Orchestra, Southwest Florida Symphony Orchestra and Mansfield Symphony Orchestra. Topilow is the author of The Orchestral Conductor’s Career Handbook, published by Rowman and Littlefield, is now available through www.carltopilow.com and www.rowman.com.
About Award-winning Pianist George Burton – photo by Rob Davidson
George Burton, award-winning pianist, composer, and bandleader, is a transformative figure in contemporary jazz. His musical journey is rooted in Philadelphia's rich musical heritage where he lived in Mt. Airy, attended Creative and Performing Arts High School (CAPA) and won a Peter Nero piano competition. He blends classical, avant-garde, and traditional jazz effortlessly. His illustrious discography exemplifies a persistent pursuit to redefine jazz’s limits. His albums, The Truth Of What I Am: The Narcissist as well as Reciprocity, have garnered global acclaim, with the latter earning a NAACP Image Award nomination in 2021. Burton's latest release, The Yule Log, has been praised as a “stunning package of musical surprises” (LA Jazz Scene). The Yule Log beautifully showcases Burton's talent for merging diverse musical elements, this time weaving a rich classical tapestry accentuated by a powerful string trio, and marking yet another milestone in his boundary-pushing career. Like Peter Nero, Burton’s live performances offer an immersive experience marked by vibrant energy and a remarkable ability to connect with audiences.
About The No Name Pops:
Founded in 2023, The No Name Pops is a new, versatile ensemble composed of the former musicians of The Philly Pops with a mission to deliver authentic, exceptional musical experiences in the Philadelphia region. Drawing from Philly’s rich symphonic pops legacy, melding tradition with an innovative approach unbound by musical genre for concert experiences that will entertain and empower the entire community. The No Name Pops respects the rich legacy of the music of Peter Nero, Grammy Award-winning pianist and conductor who launched Pops music in Philadelphia for over three decades. Led by accomplished conductors and featuring world-class soloists, The No Name Pops continues to captivate audiences with its vibrant and diverse repertoire.
For more information about "Timeless: A Tribute to The Legacy of Peter Nero," please visit www.nonamepops.org and tickets are available at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts Box Office, by visiting www.ensembleartsphilly.org or by calling 215-893-1999.
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