The Score | Philly Pops at 40

This year is a special one for the Philly Pops: it’s turning 40. During the orchestra’s annual Fourth of July performances, Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney honored the organization’s contributions to the community through its education programs and concert series saluting the military, veterans, and first responders. At each concert in 2018-19, the orchestra is performing music with ties to the Pops’ legacy and showcasing artists and songs with Philadelphia roots. In September, Hamilton’s Leslie Odom, Jr., who grew up in Philadelphia, performed with the Pops at the Kimmel Center, led by Music Director Michael Krajewski. Other Philadelphians in the coming season include jazz educator and performer Terell Stafford and Principal Guest Conductor David Charles Abell, who has Philadelphia roots of his own.