Since the Philly Pops triumphant return during the Wawa Welcome America festivities and performing the Pops on Independence concert in front of Independence Hall on July 3, 2025, the orchestra has been bursting onto the music scene in Philadelphia. The ensemble, that for two years performed as the No Name Pops, is celebrating a new chapter and is honored to have received several accolades and awards this past month.
This high praise includes a generous grant from the William Penn Foundation, Philadelphia Magazine’s Best of Philly® 2025 Award for Most Creative Comeback, and the Nathan Kahn Award from the Regional Orchestra Players Association (ROPA) for outstanding contributions to the professional orchestra industry. This distinction celebrates the orchestra's bold, musician-led resurgence and deep connection to the city’s spirit.
The William Penn Foundation bestowed upon the Philly Pops a $143,726 multi-year award to partner with Artcinia, a local organization dedicated to bringing quality music to underserved areas of Philadelphia. The grant is intended to support a series of community concerts and to develop an equity-driven audience engagement strategy.
Michael Kellerman, President of the Philly Pops Board of Directors, reflected on this award; “We are deeply honored to have received this investment from the William Penn Foundation. This support underscores how the Foundation and the Pops share a joint commitment to expanding inclusive, responsive, high-quality cultural access for all communities in Greater Philadelphia.”
Matthew Koveal, Executive Director of the Pops, shares Kellerman’s appreciation for these awards: "This recognition confirms what our musicians and supporters already knew – that the Philly Pops is here to stay. We’re building on a legacy that spans decades, but we’re also creating something fresh, inclusive, and uniquely Philly."
The Philly Pops also received the esteemed Nathan Kahn Award from ROPA, the Regional Orchestra Players Association, demonstrating great respect for the ensemble’s musicians. The Nathan Kahn Award recognizes outstanding contributions to the growth of the professional orchestra industry. Each year, ROPA recognizes an individual or organization in the conference city that works to promote professionalism, diversity, and strength among orchestral performers. The award honors Nathan Kahn, one of ROPA’s founders. ROPA represents nearly 90 orchestras and over 6,000 musicians across North America, advancing the welfare, professionalism, and artistic well-being of its members.
About this achievement, Kellerman commented: "The Nathan Kahn Award isn’t just about excellence in music. It’s about the values that sustain an orchestra. To be honored by our peers for professionalism, diversity, and resilience is humbling. It’s also a testament to the extraordinary dedication of our musicians, staff, and audience members who clearly believed in this revival from day one."
About the Philly Pops (Pops):
The Philly Pops is the orchestra that knows no musical bounds. Founded in 2023 by a group of passionate and incredibly versatile musicians, today’s Pops is multifaceted. They push boundaries and meld genres, paying homage to the legacy of Peter Nero, iconic pianist and conductor of the original Philly Pops (1979–2013), while playing music that is relevant in Philly today. The Philly Pops embodies this city’s infamous gritty spirit and love for hard work while showcasing Philly talent and leaving an indelible mark on the Philly music scene. For more about the Pops, visit www.phillypops.net.
Liberty Bell Pops, dba the Philly Pops, has no affiliation either legally or artistically with Encore Series, Inc., the former management company of the Philly Pops.
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