The Edmonton Pops Orchestra combines music, dance, and storytelling to create dynamic and intimate concert experiences with original arrangements of jazz, classical, pop, and Broadway! The result is music that is undeniably fresh and distinctly local.
The Orchestra has also recognized for their innovative community outreach efforts. Students and young artists who have worked with Edmonton Pops have gone on to perform in major orchestras, with Disney, and on Broadway. Since 2017, the Edmonton Composers Competition has awarded a local composer with a prize and the opportunity to have an original piece performed at the Johann Strauss Foundation’s annual ball.
The Edmonton Pops Orchestra completed its first official tour in February 2023, performing at theatres across Alberta and Saskatchewan with a heartfelt original story, eccentric cast of characters, and iconic songs from Broadway!
Michael Clark is the artistic director of the Edmonton Pops Orchestra. Michael is a composer, director, horn player, and keyboardist with a passion for storytelling and community building.
Under Michael’s leadership, the Edmonton Pops Orchestra has forged partnerships with performer organizations like Shelley’s Dance Company and Straight Edge Theatre, and venues like the Fairmont Hotel Macdonald and Jeanne & Peter Lougheed Performing Arts Centre.
In 2019, Michael directed the world premiere of his original musical Once Upon a Frost at Festival Place.
Since 2022, Michael has also served as the Music Director of the Edmonton Philharmonic Orchestra.
