Matt Koveal talks about The Pops | Midday Break Room w/ Tiffany Bacon - 6.10.26

Matthew Koveal is the new Executive Director of the Philly Pops, where he leads a reimagined symphonic pops organization dedicated to accessibility, artistic excellence, and deep community connection. His leadership is rooted in a simple conviction that great music belongs to everyone, and the Philly Pops should reflect the full richness of the city it calls home. Matt has made efforts to make The Pops more inclusive, and recently hosted a series of jazz and Motown performances in locations throughout the city. After the abrupt shutdown of the former Philly Pops in 2023, Matt stepped in to help lead the displaced musicians through a period of profound uncertainty. Working closely with orchestra members, he co-founded the No Name Pops, a resilient, artist-centric ensemble built on transparency, collaboration, and public trust. Under his guidance, the orchestra not only survived but thrived, quickly establishing itself with high-level performances, new community initiatives, and a growing base of support before reclaiming its place in Philadelphia's cultural life with an official return to the Philly Pops name in July 2025. Matt joined the show to talk about the upcoming performances of The Pops, and to also talk about some previous Jazz & Motown performances they had in Philadelphia.