The New York Pops, which began in 1983, devotes itself to interpretations of iconic American works by such seminal composers and songwriters as George Gershwin, Aaron Copland, Duke Ellington, Leonard Bernstein, and Stephen Sondheim.
The country’s largest independent orchestra focused on Pops fare, the ensemble retains accessibility to the community not only through its free summer concerts in New York City parks, but also through its myriad education programs. These include free music lessons for local middle school students through its Salute the Music program and its interactive lesson programs Create a Symphony and Rhythm, Rhyme, & Rap.
New York Pops Information
- Other venues: Most concerts take place at Carnegie Hall, but there are other venues.
- Public Transportation: Excellent for Carnegie Hall (easily accessible by subway lines N, Q, and R at 57th Street/7th Avenue; B, D, and E at 7th Avenue; F at 57th Street; and buses M5, M7, M20, M31, M57, and M104). Other venues vary, but generally very good
- Handicapped Accessibility: Good
- Performances/Programs: Not including summer concerts, about 6-7 programs per season, typically one performance per program
- Ticket Prices: $18.50–$78 depending on event and seat selection; tickets for children 12 and under are free
- Subscriptions: Five-concert Carnegie Hall series $165–$520 depending on seats selected
- Membership/Donors: Donations of any amount are greatly appreciated. Donor levels are: Other ($0–$99); Supporter ($100–$249); Contributor ($250–$499); Advocate ($500–$999); and Silver Strings ($1000+). Depending on the level, benefits include Playbill listing, open rehearsals, invitation to special events, and more. Conductor’s Circle level donors ($2,500–$25,000+) receive additional benefits.
