The No Name Pops proudly presents "Timeless: A Tribute to The Legacy of Peter Nero," a concert honoring the remarkable career of the late Peter Nero, a champion of pops orchestral music in Philadelphia for many decades.
Led by Carl Topilow and featuring pianist George Burton, a Philadelphia native and Peter Nero piano competition winner, join us as The No Name Pops celebrates Nero's versatile musical genius.
Peter Nero, a legendary Brooklyn-born pianist, left an enduring mark with his six-decade career, earning two Grammy Awards and widespread acclaim. Known for his charisma and innovative musical interpretations, Nero's influence extended beyond music, including notable film scores like "Sunday in New York" and the theme from "Summer of ’42." He was a true cultural gem, so come with us as we relive stories, memories, and all his best hits.
This show runs approximately 2 hours, including a 20 minute intermission.
Carl Topilow
Founding conductor of the Cleveland Pops Orchestra, Carl Topilow’s eclectic programs have been acclaimed by audiences and critics alike. He enjoys a dual career as both conductor and clarinetist, often finding an occasion to perform a selection with the Pops on one of his brightly colored clarinets.
Carl is also conductor of the Firelands Symphony Orchestra, a regional orchestra based in Sandusky, Ohio. After 42 years as conductor of the National Repertory Orchestra (NRO), a summer festival in Breckenridge, CO, he is continuing an active role with the orchestra as Conductor Laureate. He was named Faculty Emeritus after 37 years as Conductor and Director of the Orchestral Program at the Cleveland Institute of Music (CIM) and has served as principal pops conductor of the Toledo Symphony Orchestra, Southwest Florida Symphony Orchestra and Mansfield Symphony Orchestra.
Topilow has performed as guest conductor with 132 different orchestras in 37 states and 12 foreign countries. In addition to concerts this season with the Ohio Valley Symphony and Florida Lakes Symphony, he will be giving master classes at Bob Jones University, the University of North Carolina Charlotte, the Collegiate Orchestral Directors Association conference, and hosting his second conducting workshop in Cleveland. His CIM students and NRO assistant conductors hold positions in orchestras both in the United States and abroad.
Topilow’s wife Shirley is President and CEO of the Cleveland Pops Orchestra. Their daughter Emily is a marketing associate with the Cleveland Clinic, and their daughter Jenny is a violinist with the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra.
Carl’s book, The Orchestral Conductor’s Career Handbook, published by Rowman and Littlefield, is now available through www.carltopilow.com and www.rowman.com.
George Burton
George Burton, the acclaimed award-winning pianist, composer, and bandleader, stands as a transformative figure in contemporary jazz. Revered by critics as “formidable” (NPR), “charismatic” (The New York Times), and “soulful” (Philadelphia Inquirer), Burton's musical prowess effortlessly blends classical, avant-garde, and traditional jazz into a captivating sonic landscape.
Rooted in Philadelphia’s rich musical heritage, Burton's journey began with classical violin and viola, later adding jazz piano and immersing himself in the vibrant local scene. Under the mentorship of luminaries like Bootsie Barnes, Sid Simmons, and Shirley Scott, his trajectory evolved, culminating in an exceptional style nurtured on the stages of New York and around the
globe.
Burton’s illustrious discography exemplifies a persistent pursuit to redefine jazz’s limits, with celebrated albums The Truth Of What I Am > The Narcissist and Reciprocity, both lauded for their innovation and depth, and receiving worldwide critical acclaim. Notably, Reciprocity earned a nomination for Outstanding Instrumental Jazz Album at the NAACP Image Awards in 2021, cementing Burton's place among jazz's elite.
The recent release of The Yule Log marks another pinnacle in Burton's career. Praised as a “stunning package of musical surprises” (LA Jazz Scene) and dubbed a “sensational spin on a traditional winter holiday Jazz album” (33third.org), this latest project has captivated audiences and critics alike with its innovative charm. Building on the foundation of his prior releases, The Yule Log masterfully exhibits Burton's talent for merging diverse musical elements, this time weaving a rich classical tapestry accentuated by a powerful string trio. The result is a harmonious fusion that not only showcases Burton's versatility but also adds a distinctive layer to the ever-evolving narrative of his musical journey.
Burton’s true artistry reveals itself in his captivating stage presence and adept leadership of cutting-edge ensembles—an attribute highlighted in reviews from esteemed publications across the globe. Burton's live performances transcend his recordings, offering an immersive experience marked by vibrant energy and a remarkable ability to connect with audiences. Fueled by an unquenchable curiosity for musical exploration and a flair for innovation, George Burton persistently redefines the boundaries of jazz, crafting evocative musical landscapes that resonate deep within the soul.
This is a facility rental event presented by an independent organization.