Wow. As a rule, “pops” isn’t really my thing, but it was one more way to entertain the folks when they came to town, and they put on a good show. David Charles Abell is the current music director, but undoubtedly the orchestra will always be associated in most people’s memories with Peter Nero, who directed the ensemble for 35 years. At a point, Marvin Hamlisch had actually been signed, but he died before he could take over its leadership. My sympathy to the musicians, many of whom cobble together a living by playing in the city’s ballet and opera orchestras. This is yet another loss for Philadelphia.