Former WASO associate conductor Christopher Dragon has secured another high-profile in the United States, this time with Philadelphia’s soon-to-be renamed No Name Pops.

“Philadelphia is a city with an incredible passion for music, arts, and culture – much like its legendary love for sports and history,” said Dragon in a statement.

“The energy and enthusiasm of the community is inspiring, and I can’t wait to bring that same excitement to the concert hall.”

The No Name Pops was created in 2023 from the wreckage of the Philly Pops, which ceased operations at the end of the 2022-2023 season after its former financial controller, Cheryl Lutts, was convicted of embezzling more than US$280,000 from the organisation. The musicians of the Philly Pops organised themselves into the No Name Pops in order to continue a musical tradition dating back to the 1940s

It’s yet another high-profile position for the Perth-born director after taking on the role of Director of the Wyoming Symphony Orchestra as well as Resident Conductor of the Colorado Symphony for the 2019/20 season. Prior to his appointment as Resident Conductor of the Colorado Symphony, Dragon held the role of Associate Conductor over four seasons.

Australian audiences will be familiar with Dragon through his...