Show Will Go On For Rest Of Philly Pops Season, Next Season In Limbo
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - If you have tickets to any remaining concerts for Peter Nero and the Philly Pops this month: the shows will go on. But, next season remains in limbo.
Management lawyer Larry McMichael told U.S. Bankruptcy Court Judge Eric Frank that the Orchestra has reached an agreement with Encore Series Inc., the Pops' legal name, to give E.S.I. $225,000 to put on the last four concerts.
McMichael tells KYW Newsradio, "The Philadelphia Orchestra Association has agreed to underwrite and produce the concerts that are scheduled for May."
As for future concerts, McMichael says, "we're still talking about next season."
Representing Peter Nero, lawyer Leslie Baskin told the judge there "remains a palpable, untenable anxiety and tension," because management could severe ties with the two-time Grammy Award winning pianist and Pops conductor, by canceling next season, for the first time in 32 years.
Another Nero lawyer, David Picker, points out the orchestra is advertising its 96 concerts for next season, by placing all revenues for the upcoming year in escrow. He feels the orchestra should do the same with Nero and the Pops.
Reported by Steve Tawa, KYW Newsradio 1060
