A Brief History

Originally known as the "Airport City Pops Orchestra", the orchestra was founded in 1956 with an original group of six members. Their name was changed to the "St. James Pops Orchestra in 1962 under the baton of William H. Lord. The group's next leader was Leon Bell, who fostered an expansion in the number of players and the repertoire for many years.

In the 1980’s the name was changed to The Winnipeg Pops Orchestra to better reflect the broadening scope of players and their locations thoughout Winnipeg.

In 1987, Mary Ann Taylor was appointed Concert Master and Assistant Conductor. In 1993 she assumed the roles of Musical Director and Conductor. The Orchestra has a current membership of forty-eight musicians of all ages and backgrounds, covering most instruments found in a modern symphony orchestra. The Orchestra has performed in a host of venues and for a variety of events including:

• The Big Sing - Male Choruses of America (Winnipeg Convention Centre)
• Canada Day Celebrations (The Forks)
• Manitoba Arts Network (Legislature Building)
• The Winnipeg Mayor’s Tree Decorating Ceremony (City Hall)
• The Festival of Trees (Winnipeg Convention Centre)
• Royal College of Organists Christmas Program (Knox United)
• State of Israel Bonds and Health Sciences Awards Dinner (The Lombard)
• Health Sciences Volunteer Awards Dinners (Royal Crown Ballroom)
• The St. James Art Show
• Daughters of the Nile (Delta Winnipeg)
• The Age and Opportunity Lifestyles Convention
• The Assiniboine Park Conservatory
• Regularly for Seniors at Lions Place and Lions Manor
• and many more locations throughout Winnipeg...

Our Conductor

Mary Ann Taylor is an accomplished violinist, singer and conductor. She has performed as a soloist on many occasions, including performances with the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, the Royal Winnipeg Ballet, Manitoba Opera and CBC Music Manitoba.

Our Repertoire

We play classics by renowned composers such as Bach, Tchaikowsky, Strauss, etc. We also perform ‘popular’ works by Leroy Anderson, Andrew Lloyd Webber, Henry Mancini, and Rodgers and Hammerstein, to name a few.

Booking Information

Would you like to invite the Winnipeg Pops Orchestra to perform at your location or special event? We are a 45+ piece symphonic orchestra, complete with Strings, Woodwind, Brass and Percussion. An optimal setup will include a space of at least 20 feet by 30 feet. A piano is an asset, but not essential. A PA system for general introductions would be welcomed, depending on the size of the venue.

Smaller Venue?

If you are interested in having the Pops perform at your location but do not have the room to accomodate our full group, we also operate as a smaller ensemble! The Winnipeg Pops Ensemble is a group of 12 to 15 players who perform year-round at various functions.

The Program

We're flexible! This allows us to tailor a program to suit your specific audience and engagement. From show tunes and popular tunes, to light classical and classical or almost any mixture of these. We can also provide an all-Christmas music program for the holiday season.

The Winnipeg Pops is a volunteer-based, non-profit organization. As such, we do not charge a specific fee for performances. We do, however, welcome honorariums and use these funds to cover general performance costs and new music purchases.

Upcoming Public Concerts

• Christkindlmarkt 2009 - Sunday Nov. 29 at 3:00pm at Fort Garry Place. An old German tradition guaranteed to delight your senses and warm your soul this holiday season. Local crafters, German imports, Bakery, Entertainment and much more. Free Admission.
• Holy Redeemer Parish - Sun., Dec. 6 at 7:00pm. Tickets are $10.00 each, please contact the Holy Redeemer Parish for more information.
• Assiniboine Park Conservatory - Sun. Dec. 13 at 2:30pm. Come enjoy our performance at the annual Festival of Trees and Lights -- see beautiful Christmas trees and get in the festive spirit with other daily entertainment. Free Admission.

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