“Michael Krajewski will step down as music director of the Philly Pops at the end of the 2018-19 season,” writes Peter Dobrin in Wednesday’s (6/20) Philadelphia Inquirer. “Todd Ellison, a pianist and conductor based in Manhattan with extensive experience in Broadway repertoire, will assume the titles of music director and principal conductor July 1, 2019. His next appearance with the pops is at its annual concert on Independence Mall July 3. David Charles Abell, based in London, will continue as principal guest conductor, and the two maestros will divide up Philly Pops shows according to their expertise and availability, said pops spokesperson Karen Corbin…. Ellison is conductor, music supervisor, and arranger of the new musical Roman Holiday and composer of The Black and White Ball with Stephen Cole…. For several seasons, he was music director of the Radio City Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall, and he conducted On the Town and The Bandwagon at City Center’s Encores! series. Ellison, 53 … calls the Philly Pops ‘the swingingest group I’ve ever had the privilege of conducting.’ … Ellison … grew up in Connecticut on a street called Melody Lane and … graduated from Boston University with a degree in piano performance.”
Posted June 22, 2018
