Philly POPS Music Director Michael Krajewski to Present 'ON THE ROAD' Photo Exhibit, 4/10-12

The Philly POPS' Music Director Michael Krajewski is internationally known as a masterful maestro. What his audience members may not know is that he is also an accomplished travel photographer who has turned his hobby into a skill that is worthy of attention. During its April concert series, The Philly POPS will display his portfolio for public viewing in a POP-up travel photography exhibit entitled, "On the Road: Photos by Philly POPS' Music Director Michael Krajewski" in Commonwealth Plaza at The Kimmel Center.

According to Krajewski, he has been working on this hobby for about five or six years, and it represents the perfect combination of his dual passions for travel and photography -- each now enhanced by the other. "I always had a camera and took snapshots, and I remember when I'd get back my pictures after they were developed, seeing them for the first time and often being disappointed," he recalls. "But, now with the advantages of digital photography and editing, I have become passionate about it. I get immediate feedback, and I can adjust the photos to bring out light and more details. I now see beauty all around me, through my lens. As I'm traveling, I'm looking for that perfect photo opp. I actually slow down and see so much beauty around me. And when I come home, I relive my trip through the photos again and again."

But it was Philly POPS President Frank Giordano, who, after viewing Krajewski's photographs, insisted that his work be shared with POPS audiences and all fans of travel photography. It took some convincing, however, to get Krajewski to agree to participate in this exhibit, as his photography was always intended for his personal pleasure, and he never dreamed he'd be sharing his work publicly. "I couldn't believe how magnificent these photographs were and that Michael had this hidden talent," Giordano explains. "We know how skilled he is on the podium with a baton; we just didn't know about his expertise on the road with a camera!"

The exhibit, which contains 11 images from Krajewski's travels to Venice, Florence, Paris, Amsterdam, Kyoto, and Tanzania, will be on display during the upcoming Epic Hollywood Soundtracks Philly POPS concert series at the Kimmel Center. They can be viewed before, during, and after each concert on Friday, April 10, from 7 to 11 p.m.; and Saturday, April 11, and Sunday, April 12, from 2 to 6 p.m.

About Music Director Michael Krajewski - Known for his entertaining programs and clever humor, Michael Krajewski took the helm as Music Director and Conductor of The Philly POPS in October 2013. He also serves as principal pops conductor of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, the Houston Symphony, and the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra. He has worked with orchestras throughout the United States, Canada, and around the globe, including guest conducting with the Hong Kong Philharmonic, the Malaysian Philharmonic, the Iceland Symphony Orchestra, and the Ulster Orchestra in concerts in Belfast and Dublin.

A creative force who enjoys working in many mediums, Michael was the conductor of the video Silver Screen Serenade with violinist Jenny Oaks Baker that aired worldwide on BYU Broadcasting. He also led the Houston Symphony on two holiday albums: Glad Tidings and Christmas Festival. He enjoys creating programs and unique musical collaborations. Among the list of internationally respected artists and groups with whom he has collaborated are flutist James Galway, mezzo soprano Marilyn Horne, such pop artists as Roberta Flack, Judy Collins, Chicago, Art Garfunkel, Kenny Loggins, the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Cirque de la Symphonie, and many others.

About The Philly POPS: Now, it its 36th season, Entering its 37th season, The Philly POPS, presented by Encore Series, Inc. , continues to exude revitalized energy under the music direction of Maestro Michael Krajewski. The combined leadership of Krajewski and Philly POPS President and CEO Frank Giordano has brought record-setting sales to The Philly POPS, the largest stand-alone POPS orchestra in America. Highly respected throughout the United States and Canada, Krajewski holds similar posts with the Atlanta, Houston, and Jacksonville Symphonies, and guest conducts internationally. The orchestra boasts a blend of talented musicians from the musically rich Philadelphia region and entertains audiences with an eclectic mix of musical genres -- from Broadway to the Beatles, Gershwin to The Bee Gees, and beyond. The Philly POPS is proud to perform as a founding resident company of The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, as well as throughout the tri-state region and beyond. This prior year, they toured in Baltimore, western Pennsylvania, and were delighted to perform in Avery Fisher Hall at Lincoln Center in New York City. For more information about The Philly POPS and its 2015-2016 season schedule, visit phillypops.org.

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