PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Philadelphia's pop orchestra has a new leader.
Australia native Christopher Dragon will take the baton of the No Name Pops as its new music director on July 1.
Dragon said leading one of America's major pop orchestras is a responsibility and a privilege. He has kept an eye on the No Name Pops since it was formed a couple of years ago.
“When I heard about the musicians forming together to build their own orchestra … I contacted them and I asked how can I become involved,” he said. “To see how far it has come in two years is amazing.”
Dragon, the resident conductor of the Colorado Symphony and music director of the Greensboro Symphony and Wyoming Symphony Orchestra, is known for his high-energy performances. He has collaborated with artists such as Wu-Tang Clan, Ben Folds, Danny Elfman and Philly’s own Boyz II Men.
For the No Name Pops, Dragon said he plans to stabilize the group. “I'm going to really build the stability of the orchestra and give it artistic voice and leadership,” he said, “so there is one person really driving the ship.”
The No Name Pops will soon change its name to the Philly Pops, after the name was gifted to them by the estate of former Philly Pops conductor Peter Nero.
“I think the organization with me coming in, plus having this name change, there are a lot of things in the right place,” said Dragon. “For a conductor coming in and having a blank canvas as such, there is nothing more exciting for what we can turn this pops orchestra into.”
Dragon has signed on for at least three years with the Pops, though he said that could be extended depending on how things go. During that time, he said he’s looking forward to tasting a Philly cheesesteak.