About The New York Pops

Our Story

Comprised of 78 musicians, The New York Pops is the largest independent pops orchestra in the United States, now celebrating its 41st season as the only professional symphonic orchestra in New York City specializing in popular music. Led by Music Director and Conductor Steven Reineke, the orchestra performs an annual subscription series at Carnegie Hall, and is among the venue’s most presented ensembles. The New York Pops’ annual birthday gala is celebrated each spring, raising funds for the orchestra and its education programs. The orchestra performs annually in Queens, NY at Forest Hills Stadium, a 14,000-seat historic concert venue.

The New York Pops celebrates the diversity of popular music’s evolving songbook. Every concert is a unique experience, with influences that range from Broadway melodies to film scores, jazz, rock, pop, and more. The orchestra collaborates with stars from the stage and screen including Sara Bareilles, Kristen Bell, Montego Glover, James Monroe Iglehart, Capathia Jenkins, Carly Rae Jepsen, Angela Lansbury, Queen Latifah, Cyndi Lauper, Norm Lewis, Barry Manilow, Kelli O’Hara, Adrienne Warren, Dionne Warwick, Miss Piggy, and others.

Through its PopsEd music education programs, The New York Pops fulfills its dedication to lifelong learning and collaborates with public schools, community organizations, and senior centers throughout the five boroughs of New York City. PopsEd allows thousands of New Yorkers of all ages and backgrounds to participate in fully customizable residency programs that blend traditional education with pure fun. These programs make music open to all and use tools like composition, lyric writing, performance, and mentorship to foster learning and unbridled creativity. In doing so, PopsEd excites students and gives them skills they can apply to all areas of their lives.

The New York Pops is committed to serving all members of the community. Through its Kids in the Balcony and Kids in the Stadium programs, thousands of children and their parents have had an opportunity to see The New York Pops at Carnegie Hall and Forest Hills Stadium free of charge. The New York Pops has also adapted its PopsEd programs to provide remote learning opportunities to students. Virtual programs have included residencies in virtual classrooms, free access to virtual concerts through Kids in the Virtual Balcony, and Kids on the Virtual Stage, a free comprehensive program that introduces middle school students to the professional virtual performance process.

Over the years, the orchestra has presented free concerts in city parks, community organizations, and senior centers; performed the National Anthem at sports venues; and 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 encompasses recordings of popular standards, theater and film scores, and music for the holidays.

The New York Pops was founded by Ruth and 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. The New York Pops is a non-profit organization supported solely through the generosity of individual donations, institutional grants, corporate sponsorships, and concert income.

faq

Where do I buy tickets for The New York Pops concerts?

Tickets are available on Carnegie Hall’s website beginning each season in August. The Box office is located at Carnegie Hall (corner of 57th Street and Seventh Avenue). Tickets can also be purchased through CarnegieCharge by calling 212-247-7800. Tickets to The New York Pops Birthday Gala become available in January through The New York Pops office.

What should I expect at a New York Pops concert? How should I dress?

Learn more about the Carnegie Hall concert experience, including what to wear, here. New York Pops concerts are loads of fun, and you can expect to laugh and smile. Most New York Pops concerts last 110-120 minutes, including one intermission.

Do I qualify for a discounted ticket?

Visit Carnegie Hall’s discount ticket page for a list of all reduced-rate ticket programs.

How do I get to Carnegie Hall? Where is Forest Hills Stadium?

Carnegie Hall is located in midtown Manhattan, at the corner of 57th Street and Seventh Avenue. It is easily accessible by subway, bus, or car. More information can be found here. Forest Hills Stadium is located in Queens, on the grounds of the West Side Tennis Club. For information on getting to the venue, click here.

Who is Steven Reineke’s favorite singer?

Ella Fitzgerald is Steven’s all-time favorite singer.

Who were the first “stars” to appear with The New York Pops?

Opera legend Roberta Peters appeared with The New York Pops in January 1984.

Work With Us

Thank you for your interest in working with The New York Pops. There are no openings at this time.

The New York Pops is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The New York Pops is actively striving to achieve greater diversity amongst our Board of Directors, staff, and orchestra. We are committed to an inclusive workspace, and we strongly encourage applications from BIPOC, AAPI, LGBTQ+ who are excited about contributing to our mission.

Annual Report and 990

The New York Pops is committed to transparency. We are grateful to our supporters and donors, who make possible all the work we do.

For detailed financial information, please see our most recent Form 990 and our audited financial statements for the 2022-2023 fiscal year.

Click here to read our Education Report and learn more about how our PopsEd programs impacted students in the 2023-2024 school year.