This year marks a golden milestone for The Pops Orchestra of Bradenton and Sarasota: its 50th anniversary season. For half a century, The Pops has delivered on its promise of Music You Love, Musicians You Know, uniting the region’s finest professional musicians, community players, and promising young talent on stages across Manatee and Sarasota counties.

At the helm of this celebratory season is Dr. Robyn Bell, who has led the orchestra for 15 years with charisma, creativity, and an unwavering commitment to local arts. Earlier this year, Dr. Bell became the orchestra’s first full-time employee—a testament to both her impact and the organization’s growth. 

What makes The Pops stand out in a region rich in musical offerings? Dr. Bell says it’s their signature blend of familiarity and symphonic flair.

“We meet at the intersection of popular music and symphonic orchestrations,” she explains. “When you come to our shows, you’re really gonna know every song we play. It’s the soundtrack of your life—just with a full orchestra playing the backup. We unstuffed the orchestra. That’s sort of a slogan I use a lot. It’s not like any other show in town.” 

For Dr. Bell, that mission isn’t just about the playlist—it’s about the people on stage.

“Our tagline is Music You Love, Musicians You Know, and that really sums it up,” she says. “It’s music everyone will recognize, performed by musicians who live right here in the community. They might be the people you do business with. Most didn’t go to Juilliard or play million-dollar violins—they come together once a week to rehearse and perform because they love music and want to make music for this community. And our audience tells us they see that, they feel it, and they hear it. It’s a very different experience from a formal, buttoned-up concert—it’s genuine, accessible, and absolutely worth your time to experience.” 

This season’s programming lives up to that promise of approachable, show-stopping fun. The main season includes tributes to country legends in Rhinestone Cowboys & National Heroes, a Valentine’s weekend celebration of Frankie Valli hits in Let’s Hang On!, and a costumed Elton John spectacular in Rocket Man. Audiences can also look forward to special events like Hocus Pocus Pops for Halloween and All You Need Is Love, a Beatles tribute featuring the Liverpool Legends.

But when asked which concert she’s most excited about, Dr. Bell lights up, describing one in particular:

“Well, it’s like your children—you love them all. But there is one show where we have a very special collaboration. For our holiday concert, we’re doing a Broadway musical called A Christmas Carol, the Concert. Everyone knows the story of Ebenezer Scrooge and Tiny Tim, but this is a Broadway-caliber version written for orchestra, chorus, and actors—lights, sound, the whole package.”

This production is special not only for its scale and spectacle but also for its deep local roots. The Pops will partner with the Manatee Players from the Manatee Performing Arts Center and the Manatee High School choir under Tommy Jomisko.

“It’s a real collaborative performance,” Dr. Bell says. “There are so many people involved, so many wheels spinning, and it all comes together for a fabulous show. Plus, it’s very modern Broadway music—our audience has really loved it in the past. I’m really excited about that one.”

Under Dr. Bell’s leadership, The Pops Orchestra has strengthened its mission to be accessible, welcoming, and deeply connected to the community it serves. From keeping ticket prices affordable to mentoring young musicians, The Pops isn’t just celebrating its past this season—it’s investing in the next 50 years of music-making on the Suncoast.

For tickets, show dates, and more information about The Pops Orchestra’s 50th Anniversary Season, visit ThePopsOrchestra.org.