PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — The Philly POPS said Tuesday it has elected Karen Corbin as the organization’s new president and CEO, and Rollo Dilworth as the chair of its Board of Directors.
The moves come amidst the group’s campaign to save its long-term financial security, changing course after it had said last year it would cease operations due to pandemic-related financial issues. The group also had a fallout with its musicians union.
Corbin takes over for POPS President Frank Giordano who will remain on their board, the organization said. Dilworth is the vice dean of the Boyer School of Music and Dance at Temple University.
“The POPS has been building a unique and innovative approach to presenting its music, chiefly through a set of educational activities and community initiatives, and our intention is to expand the scope of these programs while still providing opportunities for audiences to enjoy the POPS music that they love,” said Corbin.
“As we regroup in the aftermath of the pandemic that has had such a devastating impact on all performing arts organizations, what’s clear is that the POPS is an artistic force in Philadelphia, providing a range of original performances of this uniquely American brand of music.”
The organization said Dilworth hiring reflects a focus on education and community engagement while trying to revamp its performance series.
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“We believe that the POPS has a bright future that allows us ample opportunity to be innovative in presenting the music that our audiences have loved for so many years and finding new connections with our community of patrons and students,” said Dilworth.
The POPS said it had a successful Christmas season, with ticket sales reaching pre-pandemic levels paired with donations made throughout the holidays.
In turn, the organization launched a “Save the POPS” campaign, reversing course after it said in 2022 it planned on ending operations after the 2022-23 season.
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The Philly POPS moved its February concerts from the Kimmel Center to the Met, after the Kimmel Center said Philly POPS was unable to pay a $1 million debt by their deadline.
“We need to meet with the Kimmel and try to figure out a path forward for the remaining shows to finish out our season there,” said Corbin.
Giordano said in January that Philly POPS aims to pivot from a ticket sales-centered revenue stream to one more based on donations, but Corbin said they also must figure out how to get money off of ticket sales.
“We’ll keep trying different combinations, maybe some different venues after this season,” she said.
David Charles Abell will also not renew his contract as music director and principal conductor when it ends later this year.