The Philly Pops to cease operations at end of 2022-23 season

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- The Philly Pops has announced that it will cease operations at the end of the 2022-2023 season.

Orchestra officials made the announcement Wednesday night, saying in a statement, "Despite our best efforts, a combination of circumstances, including the devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, led the Board of Directors to reevaluate how we serve the community."

Chief Operating Officer Karen Corbin says, without question, COVID-19 played a major role in the decision.

"We weathered the storm. We continued to perform throughout. We did a full season last season. No one expected that this season's sales numbers would be lower than last," said Corbin.

But if there is a silver lining, she does say they will be able to finish out their 2022-2023 season at the Kimmel Center for an encore. It will include the 10 scheduled dates and times of "A Philly POPS Christmas: Spectacular Sounds of the Season" in December.

She also hopes there will be a future for the Pops in Philadelphia.

"I want to invite the fans to come and celebrate this music with us and celebrate this legacy and with these amazing musicians. Our sign-off is normally 'see you at the Pops.' So, that would be my message," said Corbin.

The Philly Pops' last show is in June and tickets are available now.

You can read the full announcement below:

"The Philly POPS has made the difficult decision to cease operations following the conclusion of the current 2022-23 season.

Despite our best efforts, a combination of circumstances, including the devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, led the Board of Directors to reevaluate how we serve the community that has loved and supported the Philly POPS since 1979.

With deep support from The Philadelphia Orchestra and Kimmel Center, Inc. (POKC), our Board leadership is working to fulfill obligations to our loyal audiences, generous sponsors, and talented musicians, while identifying ways to continue the celebrated tradition of pops programming in Philadelphia.

The POPS will continue to carry out performances through the 2022-23 season, including the 10 scheduled dates and times of "A Philly POPS Christmas: Spectacular Sounds of the Season" in December.

Our musicians are the heart and soul of the Philly POPS. As such, we will continue to honor the terms and conditions of the existing contract agreement with our musicians."