A pops orchestra is a group of musicians who perform popular music. They perform pieces that deviate from the more traditional classical repertoire, despite requiring the same basic instrumentation as a traditional orchestra. Although the concerts may focus on a variety of musical styles, all of the works performed are well-known. Although these orchestras are comprised of serious musicians, the atmosphere surrounding their performances is more relaxed than that of formal classical orchestras, as the emphasis is on providing entertainment for the general public.
Pops orchestra concerts began as a way to imitate the lighthearted concerts that were popular in Europe. The concerts became known as promenade concerts because they were often held outside in the summer, but pops orchestras also perform in concert halls and other similar venues. The first concerts included music theater and patriotic pieces in addition to light classical music. These styles of music can still be heard at modern concerts, but they can also include film and video game music, jazz, or rock.
Pops orchestras can be as small as one player per part in terms of size. By comparison, other pops orchestras are massive, with 75 to 100 members, not including any choir members who may work with the orchestra. This happens most often when the orchestra performs for a national or international event, with broadcasts on television and radio. The orchestra is usually around 50 members, similar to regular orchestras, but even pops orchestras of this size may have their concerts broadcast. The pops orchestra’s size is influenced the event at which it performs, as well as the concert’s theme and instrumentation of selected pieces.
It’s not uncommon for pops orchestras to bring in talented soloists to perform at their concerts. This is ultimately determined the pieces that the pops orchestra director wishes to include on the program. In some cases, the headlining soloist is instrumental in drawing attention to the pops orchestra concert and encouraging people to buy tickets.
It’s not always easy to tell the difference between a pops orchestra and a regular orchestra. Many traditional orchestras perform at least one pops orchestra concert each year, especially around Christmas and other holidays such as the Fourth of July in the United States. Other orchestras specialize in pops orchestra concerts. Regardless of the orchestra’s status, pops concerts are generally well received the general public due to the type of music performed.