Letter from the President

What a pleasure it is to have you with us for this most wonderful time of the year! Tonight’s show-stopping talent will surely fill you with the holiday spirit and a joyful dose of nostalgic cheer.

First, we welcome our Principal Guest Conductor, David Charles Abell, home for the holidays. We also welcome back the incredible Mandy Gonzalez for her second Christmas with the POPS — she’s visiting us fresh from her role as Angelica Schuyler in Hamilton and, fearless as ever. And, making their POPS debut, we welcome viral video stars, The Melodica Men! The humor of these two talented virtuosi will make tonight a performance to remember.

On top of being Philly’s Christmas orchestra, we have a very special set of programs coming up just after the New Year — including a tribute to Marvin Hamlisch from his mentee, Music Director Todd Ellison; a musical celebration of the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin; a rocking night of the best of Phil Collins; a 90 th birthday bash for the inimitable Mr. Stephen Sondheim; and, of course, a dedication to the Chairman himself … Frank Sinatra.

If you’re still looking for that perfect gift this season, give the gift of the POPS! Our special holiday gift cards make a terrific gift for the music lover in your life — get Orchestra Tier seats for three or more of our exciting upcoming shows for just $40 each.

Now, we invite you to relax and be whisked away by the sounds of the talented 300 performers we have with us — including The Philly POPS Festival Chorus, The Philadelphia Boys Choir, and The African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas Gospel Choir.

From the POPS family to yours, we wish you a very merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

With great appreciation for your continued support of all that we do,

Frank Giordano, President and CEO Encore Series, Inc., The Philly POPS