The Philly Pops announces its 2026/2027 concert season led by Music Director Chris Dragon and held in Marian Anderson Hall at the Kimmel Center in Philadelphia. In addition, the orchestra has announced they have launched their first subscription series. Subscribers have the chance to select seats, have early access to specific performances and will receive a discount when purchasing the subscription. To become a subscriber, visit phillypops.org.
The Philly Pops will also present concerts at a variety of venues throughout the greater Philadelphia area, including the Highmark Mann Center, the Met Philadelphia, Finneran Pavilion at Villanova University, and community venues across neighborhoods.
The season of concerts in the Kimmel Center bring back popular Philly Pops guest artists and music. It begins on October 24, 2026 at 3 p.m. with Broadway à la Nero, a celebration of the Broadway sound through the musical lens of Grammy award-winning pianist and Philly Pops Music Director Emeritus Peter Nero. The concert features Philly’s own Broadway star Hugh Panaro, pianist Charlie Albright, and the Philly Pops Chorus, with Music Director Chris Dragon.
The holiday season returns in grand fashion with A Philly Holiday Spectacular, presented December 11, 12 and 13, 2026. A beloved Philadelphia tradition, this year’s production, conducted by Chris Dragon, features three-time Grammy nominated Ryan Shaw and singer/songwriter Morgan James, along with the Philly Pops Chorus, St. Thomas Gospel Choir, and the Philadelphia Boys Choir.
The series concludes on April 3, 2027 at 3 p.m. with ICON, a program celebrating songs that have shaped decades and generations, the music of Whitney Houston, Diana Ross, Prince, Elvis and many more. Returning to the stage is guest conductor Lucas Waldin, with crowd favorites Capathia Jenkins and Ryan Shaw as featured vocalists.
“We are proud to launch a subscription series at the Kimmel Center,” said Executive Director Matthew Koveal. “This gives our audiences the opportunity to purchase tickets as a package while enjoying added benefits and a deeper connection to the work we are building together.
While we look forward to growing the subscription series at the Kimmel Center, we are equally thrilled to bring concerts to audiences throughout the year. Audiences can also join us for performances with headliners such as Idina Menzel, Boyz II Men, Leslie Odom Jr., and at many others at major venues and community venues across neighborhoods throughout the greater Philadelphia area.”
Other season highlights include:
● June 6, 2026, 8 p.m. – St. Vincent Live with the Philly Pops at the Met.
● July 3, 2026, 7 p.m. – Idina Menzel with the Philly Pops conducted by Music Director Chris Dragon during Wawa Welcome America’s Pops on Independence concert. (Non-ticketed event – bring a lawn chair or blanket.)
● August 21, 2026, 8 p.m. – Gregory Alan Isakov with the Philly Pops for an evening blending indie folk and symphonic sound conducted by Chris Dragon at the Mann Center.
● August 28, 2026, 8 p.m. – A Jerry Garcia Symphonic Celebration at the Mann Center. Celebrate 60 years of the Grateful Dead, an orchestral tribute curated by the Garcia family that brings Jerry’s iconic songs, timeless Dead classics, and an all-star band together with the Philly Pops.
● September 18, 2026, 8 p.m. – Boyz II Men with the Philly Pops at the Mann Center, bringing one of Philadelphia’s most beloved R&B groups together with the orchestra for what promises to be a major hometown event.
● September 25, 2026 – Philly Pops featuring Leslie Odom, Jr. at Finneran Pavilion in Villanova, PA, this is a collaboration with Villanova University to bring the Pops to Villanova for their Family Weekend.
Beyond these major performances, the Philly Pops will continue its commitment to community access with Artcinia concerts in Philadelphia neighborhoods and additional free appearances at locations including Headhouse Square on South Street, Dilworth Park, and the Kimmel Arts Festival.
About the Philly Pops
Founded in 2023, Liberty Bell Pops, dba The Philly Pops, is a versatile ensemble composed of the former musicians of the pre-2023 Philly Pops with a mission to deliver authentic, exceptional musical experiences in the Philadelphia region. Gifted the name Philly Pops by the estate of Music Director Emeritus Peter Nero, the reborn Philly Pops is led by Music Director Christopher Dragon and features world-class soloists. The Pops continues to captivate audiences with its vibrant and diverse repertoire, melding tradition with an innovative approach unbound by musical genre.
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