Philly Pops file motion to end Nero’s contract

The Philly Pops wants to get rid of the artistic director who has been its leader for more than three decades, saying his contract is too expensive.

The request filed Monday before a federal bankruptcy judge calls Peter Nero’s contract “simply too economically burdensome.”
The orchestra says it’s searching for a replacement and will use guest conductors to save money.

Nero’s attorney tells The Philadelphia Inquirer that his client isn’t the problem, the new board overseeing the Philly Pops is. Albert Ciardi says Nero will fight the move.

The Philly Pops filed for bankruptcy protection simultaneously with The Philadelphia Orchestra, its financially troubled parent organization. They have since split and a bankruptcy judge has scheduled a June 28 confirmation hearing for The Philadelphia Orchestra’s reorganization plan.