The No Name Pops Reclaims the Philly Pops Name

Reported on Friday, July 4, 2025.

Pictured Above: Chris Dragon. Photo Credit: DragonConducts.com.

NEWSROOM POST: PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA

The Philly Pops Rebirth Includes a New Logo, Music Director and an Era of Musician-led Innovation - A Real Philly Story

Philadelphia, PA (June 30, 2025) – It’s a new day for one of Philadelphia’s most iconic musical legacies. On July 1, The No Name Pops was officially reborn as the Philly Pops.

After two transformative years as The No Name Pops, the fiercely independent orchestra formed by the musicians of the former Philly Pops, is officially stepping into a bold new chapter. The ensemble is embracing a familiar name, launching a dynamic new brand, and premiering a new Music Director, 34 year-old Australian Chris Dragon, with a bold vision for the future.

Gifted the name by the family of legendary conductor and pianist Peter Nero, the revitalized Philly Pops is not a return of the old organization—it’s a rebirth. With new leadership, new governance, new partnerships, and a forward-thinking, musician and patron-centric philosophy, the Philly Pops of today is gritty, bold, and unmistakably Philly.

As part of this historic transition, the Pops unveils a new logo and brand identity brought to life by Masters Group Design, reflecting a future that’s vibrant, diverse, and unapologetically audience-driven. The launch campaign is appropriately titled “Philly Pops: [re]Born to Perform.” It includes a logo containing a piano-like image (in respect for Music Director Emeritus Peter Nero) with bold, whimsical letters, celebrating the orchestra’s roots while signaling an innovative path forward.

At the center of this rebirth is Chris Dragon, the internationally acclaimed conductor who takes the helm as Music Director on July 1. Known for his electric energy and genre-defying artistry, Dragon is ready to lead Philly’s most fearless musicians into a new era. “This is about building something lasting — something open, something created by the musicians, for this community,” said Dragon. “We’re not looking backward. We’re looking right at Philly’s future, filled with vitality, joy and heart.”

Founded in 2023 after the former Philly Pops ceased operations, the new organization quickly found its footing under the name, The No Name Pops. In just two short years, the ensemble performed on stages, and in schools, parks, and neighborhoods, connecting with people and communities across the region. At the core of the organization are the musicians themselves, who embody the Pops in everything they do.

Jonathan Fink, one of the founding musicians of the No Name Pops, who serves as Vice President of the Board, couldn’t be more pleased about the future of their orchestra. He said, “The most gratifying part for me has been getting back to performing with our musicians. I am so proud of our new board and that it’s musician-friendly and financially responsible. We are truly creating something. Playing on July 3rd will be a homecoming of sorts for us. I can’t wait to do that show again!”

And Michael Kellerman, President of the Board of Directors, is equally thrilled with the Pops’ rebirth, saying “Reimagining this beloved musical tradition with fresh purpose has been a dream challenge. Our extraordinary musicians, passionate audience, and this great city and region inspire us daily—creating a virtuous cycle that propels us forward as we proudly reinvigorate the Philly Pops name, deepen our presence in the community, and bring new experiences to life.”

Whether playing pop, soul, jazz, classical, hip-hop, or film scores, the Philly Pops makes music that brings people together and gets them out of their seats. It believes that orchestral music belongs to everyone, a belief that powers every performance and every decision. From offering free tickets to students and families, to curating diverse and inclusive programming, to lifting up Philly talent on every stage—this is music with purpose.

“I couldn’t be more thrilled to say: we’re coming home,” says Executive Director Matt Koveal. “Today we officially reclaim the name that has always been ours in spirit, the Philly Pops. This isn’t just a name change, it’s a return to our roots, legacy, and our continued deep connection to the city we love.”

About Chris Dragon:

Chris Dragon’s career has been a whirlwind of innovation and energy. Growing up in Perth, Australia, he quickly developed a passion for music and conducting. He honed his skills at the West Australian Academy of Performing Arts and the University of Tasmania, before going on to create his own orchestra and earn a spot in the Symphony Services International Conducting Development Program. Dragon has studied with legendary conductors such as Paavo Järvi, Neeme Järvi, and Fabio Luisi, and has worked with some of the most prestigious orchestras in the world.

As the Resident Conductor of the Colorado Symphony, the newly appointed Music Director of the Greensboro Symphony, and Music Director of the Wyoming Symphony Orchestra, Dragon’s high-energy performances have dazzled audiences at renowned venues across the globe. He has also collaborated with such iconic artists as Wu-Tang Clan, Joshua Bell, Cynthia Erivo, Ben Folds, Boyz II Men, and Danny Elfman. His guest-conducting engagements include appearances with the San Francisco Symphony, Baltimore Symphony, Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, and Sydney Symphony, with upcoming performances with the Nashville Symphony and Los Angeles Philharmonic. Recent highlights include his debut with the National Symphony Orchestra at the Kennedy Center and performances with Nathaniel Rateliff at Walt Disney Concert Hall.

About The Philly Pops:

The Liberty Bell Pops, founded in 2023, dba originally as The No Name Pops and now as Philly Pops, is a versatile ensemble composed of the former musicians of the pre-2023 Philly Pops with a mission to respect the legacy of Music Director Emeritus Peter Nero and deliver authentic, exceptional musical experiences in the Philadelphia region. Led by its new Music Director Christopher Dragon and featuring world-class soloists, the Pops continues to captivate audiences with its vibrant and diverse repertoire. It melds tradition with an innovative approach unbound by musical genre for concert experiences that entertain and empower the entire community. For more about The Philly Pops, visit phillypops.net.

Liberty Bell Pops, dba The Philly Pops, has no affiliation either legally or artistically with Encore Series, Inc., the management company of the former Philly Pops.