CLEVELAND, Ohio—The Cleveland Pops Orchestra is about to hit a big milestone: 30 years of making music that fills concert halls and radiates out into the community, touching hearts in unforgettable ways.
True to form, Pops maestro Carl Topilow, CEO Shirley Morgenstern and company are marking the anniversary with a season that’s as bold, diverse and downright fun as you’d expect.
This year’s lineup is a love letter to the many splendored facets of American entertainment.
“We’re not trying to take on ultra-modern work or create things way outside our field of vision,” Morgenstern said. “Fresh, high-quality symphonic pops is what we’re all about.”
Think sweeping orchestral takes on country music, pure wonder with a full-blown magic show and the powerhouse vocals of Capathia Jenkins, who can stop you in your tracks with one note. That’s how the festivities at Severance Music Center are shaping up.
The first performance, featuring Byron Stripling, is set for Saturday, Oct. 18 at 7 p.m.
Morgenstern, also Topilow’s wife, marvels at the enduring success. What does it mean to celebrate the orchestra’s 30th anniversary season and its lasting impact on the community?
“It feels wonderful,” Morganstern told cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer. “We just want to continue and bring music to the community and to people that are even outside of our direct community.”
Much of the orchestra’s longevity, Morgenstern explained, comes down to discipline and balance: The Pops have never spent money they didn’t have, even when the pandemic brought unprecedented challenges.
“We never used money we did not have, and we were very prudent in the way we used the money we did have,” she said — emphasizing careful planning, a mix of programming that appeals across generations and “cultivating direct relationships with patrons.”
From Motown and holiday concerts to experimental collaborations, the Pops focus on variety, accessibility and staying true to their identity — without chasing trends that don’t necessarily serve their core audience.
Morganstern was equally candid about working alongside her husband, Topilow, saying their process involves debate. “We argue and then we laugh!” she said.
The proof, as they say, is in the pudding. With a trajectory that has spanned film scores, jazz, Broadway, Motown and classical along the way, this 30th anniversary season is a flight of top-notch sweetness — filled with wide variety of popular music performance:
“When the Saints Go Marching Home” on Oct. 28: Journey through classical melodies that gave birth to blues music, featuring hits such as “St. James Infirmary,” “Sweet Georgia Brown,” “Basin Street Blues” and “This Little Light” with Byron Stripling, who served as lead trumpeter and soloist for the Count Basie Orchestra.
“Jingle Bell Jamboree” on Nov. 30: Need a vibe check for the holidays? Festive songs, Santa and loveable, adoptable pets in the lobby. This isn’t just a concert — it’s a family-friendly must-do! Bring new toys and games to help the City Mission distribute gifts and bring joy to kids in need in our city.
“Legends of Country,” Jan. 30, 2026: The greatest names in country music get a proper tribute, with vocalists Rachel Potter and Patrick Thomas. The show features classics by singer-songwriters Willie Nelson, Dolly Parton, Loretta Lynn, Hank Williams, Johnny Cash, Kenny Rogers and more.
“Symphony of Illusions,” Feb. 20, 2026: Master illusionist Michael Grandinetti joins the Pops for a night that pairs music and magic — including “floating people, disappearing acts and surprises galore!” Melodies from films like “Harry Potter” and “Hook,” pair with grand selections by composers Shostakovich and Ravel.
“Famous Ladies of Song,” March 28, 2026: Music’s greatest female vocalists of all time are given the treatment by the remarkable Capathia Jenkins. Her voice soars through favorites from Whitney Houston, Carole King, Barbara Streisand, Adele and more. Goosebump-inducing, multi-octave enchantment.
“Williams & Spielberg,” April 24, 2026: A night honoring one of Hollywood’s most legendary director-composer duos, Steven Spielberg and John Williams. If you love iconic film scores, you’re in for a treat. Marquee program includes “Raiders of the Lost Ark,” “Jaws,” “E.T.,” “Hook” and “Jurassic Park.”
“250th Celebration,” June 6, 2026: A night of music that was Made in America — Ragtime, Dixieland, Big Band, Rock, Country, Blues, Hip-Hop and more. With the nation’s semi-quincentennial in mind, a salute to armed forces and first responders is also on tap.
No doubt, Topilow’s red clarinet is sure to make an appearance in that latter show.
The Pops has always had a knack for making every concert feel like an event — not just for classical fans or pops diehards, but for anyone who craves a good night out with music that stirs the soul and lifts the room.
Their legacy isn’t just about what happens under the stage lights at Severance Music Center. The orchestra’s heartbeat has always been its outreach — something that feels even more significant as they celebrate three decades.
From their youth orchestra to the young artists competition, the Pops have carved out pathways for the next generation to discover the transformative power of music.
Their educational programming continues to inspire kids who might not otherwise get to experience a live orchestra, planting seeds that could grow into lifelong passions.
And come summer, the Pops spill out into the open air with outdoor concerts that turn a simple evening into a community gathering.
It’s rare for an arts organization to stay this vibrant, relevant and connected after 30 years.
But then again, Cleveland Pops has never been content with just putting on concerts.
Beyond programming, Morganstern underscored the importance of accessibility — audiences value meeting the musicians, conductor and board members just as much as hearing the music.
Topilow, who is also passionate about mentoring the next generation of musical conductors, loves getting to know the Pops’ core audience.
“We really delight in making connections with our audience,” Morganstern said.
“I hope to see you at the Pops. It’s music and fun for everyone. Music is a common ground, a universal language,” she added. “I wish the whole world was running that way, don’t you?”
A complete listing of this season’s programs taking place at Severance Music Center, along with subscription info, can be found at clevelandpops.com.
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