The New York Pops is the largest independent pops orchestra in the United States.
Led by Music Director Steven Reineke, the orchestra performs an annual subscription series at Carnegie Hall, enjoying one of their highest subscription renewal rates. The New York Pops’ annual birthday gala is celebrated each spring, raising funds for the orchestra and its education programs.
Now in its 31st season, The New York Pops celebrates the diversity of popular music’s evolving songbook. Every concert is a unique experience, with influences ranging from Broadway melodies to film scores, jazz, rock, pop and everything in between. The orchestra collaborates with stars from the stage and screen, such as Tony Bennett, Michael Feinstein, Megan Hilty, Idina Menzel, Kelli O’Hara, Miss Piggy, Pink Martini, John Pizzarelli, and many more. Under the leadership of dynamic Music Director and Conductor Steven Reineke, The New York Pops continues to re-imagine orchestral pops music.
The New York Pops is committed to creating access for all members of the community. An annual collaboration with Central Park SummerStage pairs the orchestra with contemporary artists for free outdoor concerts. Thousands of children and their parents have the opportunity to see The New York Pops during interactive and educational family concerts in partnership with Carnegie Hall’s Weill Music Institute. The orchestra has toured throughout the world. Past media projects include the Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular on NBC Television, a nationally syndicated radio series and performances on PBS. The orchestra’s discography includes recordings of popular standards, theater and film scores, and music for the holidays.
The New York Pops’ extensive education programs allow thousands of New Yorkers of all ages and backgrounds to participate in concert and music-making experiences. Salute to Music offers free instrumental lessons to more than one hundred New York City junior-high school students each year. Kids in the Balcony provides over one thousand free tickets to children to attend The New York Pops’ concerts at Carnegie Hall. Other education programs such as Musical Mentors and Rhythm, Rhyme & Rap teach composition, instrument building, percussion performance and literacy. The New York Pops is dedicated to lifelong learning, and collaborates with public schools, community organizations, children’s hospitals and senior centers throughout the five boroughs of New York City.
The New York Pops was founded by Skitch Henderson in 1983 with a mission to create greater public awareness and appreciation of America’s rich musical heritage through presentation of concerts and education programs of the highest quality. A recipient of grants from the New York State Council on the Arts and the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, The New York Pops is a non-profit organization supported solely through the generosity of individual donations, institutional grants, corporate sponsorships and concert income.
Keywords: New York Pops, Orchestra, New York City