Inquirer Editorial: Pops orchestra prepared for solo performance

Light up the applause sign for conductor Peter Nero, who has extricated his signature ensemble - the Philly Pops - from the mess of the Philadelphia Orchestra bankruptcy.

In doing so, Nero rescued a 2011-12 season of concerts. Look for the Pops to return to the stage in December, albeit for a slightly shorter run than usual. More important, Nero assured that a beloved Philadelphia cultural gem will be around for future seasons.

A breakup of the Pops' six-year partnership with the orchestra was in the making prior to the Fabulous Philadelphians' decision in April to file for a Chapter 11 reorganization. Orchestra officials said they were losing money on the 2005 Pops merger.

But the bankruptcy unfairly left the Pops hanging, unable to launch into planning a new season, everything from ticketing to scheduling.

So it's fortunate that the first official piece of business to be concluded in the bankruptcy was the Pops-orchestra separation agreement announced last week.

Under the deal, the Pops will receive a $1.25 million settlement from the orchestra. Those funds should help the Pops get through this season and reestablish itself as a free-standing entity.

As Inquirer music critic Peter Dobrin reports, the Pops need to be looking ahead, too. In a column, he suggested expanding its venues to include more far-flung, seasonal appearances, which seems to make perfect sense.

For his part, the 77-year-old Nero sounds eager to take up his baton, saying, "I can't wait to get back into it."

Pops audiences need to do their part now. The best way to welcome their popular orchestra back to the stage would be to step up to the box office.