The Edmonton Pops Orchestra brings bold energy and sophisticated artistry to Canada’s music scene with fresh, original takes on jazz, classical, pop, and Broadway. Known for dynamic performances and rich storytelling, the orchestra celebrates music from stage and screen, most recently with its Ticket to Hollywood tour across Alberta and Saskatchewan.

Beyond the stage, the Edmonton Pops nurtures emerging artists, with alumni performing in major orchestras, Disney productions, and on Broadway. Since 2017, the Edmonton Composers Competition has championed local composers, awarding a prize and a featured performance at the annual Johann Strauss Foundation Ball.

The orchestra is also committed to developing new musical theatre, having been involved in the creation of Once Upon a Frost (2019), Conjoined (2022), and Krampus (2023 + 2024). In 2024, Edmonton Pops released And I'm Home: A Holiday Radio Play, showcasing its signature sound and deep connection to storytelling through music.

Michael Clark is the Artistic Director of the Edmonton Pops Orchestra. Michael is a conductor, music director, and pianist known for his dynamic leadership and engaging performances.

Known for his dynamic leadership and engaging performances, he has collaborated with orchestras and institutions across North America, including the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra, Royal Canadian Artillery Band, Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity, and Goodspeed Musicals. With the Edmonton Pops Orchestra, he has music directed over 30 musicals and led two tours across western Canada. He was nominated for an Elizabeth Sterling Award for Outstanding Music Director for his work on Krampus (2024).

As a composer and arranger, Michael’s work has been performed nationwide in concert halls and on radio. He wrote and composed the musical Once Upon a Frost (2019), orchestrated Krampus (2023 + 2024), composed and produced And I’m Home: A Holiday Radio Play (2024), and contributed to Irving Berlin’s Holiday Inn (2017) on Broadway. Michael’s recent work for orchestra, wind ensemble, and choir have been performed by the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra, Greenwood Singers, University of Alberta Summer Orchestra, and St. Albert Community Band.

A committed collaborator and community partner, Michael works with the Johann Strauss Foundation and has partnered with Edmonton Philharmonic Orchestra, Walterdale Theatre, Festival Place, and the Jeanne & Peter Lougheed Centre.

 Our Partners

Land

The land we operate on is the traditional home of the Cree, Dene, Blackfoot, Saulteaux, Nakota Sioux, Inuit, and Métis peoples. This land has a rich Indigenous history and culture that continues today, even as it bears the lasting and systemic weight of colonization. We are striving to learn, uplift, and build a more just and understanding future together.

Code of Conduct

We create a safe, respectful, inclusive, and equitable environment for all members, volunteers, staff, and audience members. Our code of conduct outlines the behaviour expected from everyone involved with the orchestra.

Gender Equity

We promote gender equity and create an environment where individuals of all genders have equal opportunities to participate, contribute, and thrive. We recognize the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching our orchestra and fostering creativity and innovation.