Cincinnati Pops Orchestra

American Symphony Orchestra

The Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, founded in 1977, is a world-renowned ensemble known for its diverse repertoire, including classical masterpieces, pops favorites, and adventurous new works. The orchestra emerged from the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, with which it shares its musicians. The Pops gained international fame under the direction of Erich Kunzel, who led the ensemble from its inception until his death in 2009. Under Kunzel's baton, the Cincinnati Pops became one of the most-recorded Pops orchestras in the world, with many of their albums becoming bestsellers. The orchestra has collaborated with a wide array of talented artists across various genres and has performed for numerous television and radio broadcasts. Following Kunzel's tenure, John Morris Russell took over as conductor, continuing the tradition of engaging audiences with innovative concert programming and recordings. The Cincinnati Pops is known for its commitment to providing high-quality musical experiences and for its contribution to the cultural vibrancy of Cincinnati and beyond.