Villanova University’s second annual Pops in the Pavilion concert will raise money for student scholarships when Leslie Odom Jr. performs with the Philly Pops at Finneran Pavilion on September 25. The program is scheduled for 7 p.m., with Odom set to perform selections associated with Hamilton, songs from his solo albums and new material prepared with the orchestra, 6abc Philadelphia reported: 6abc Philadelphia.
A benefit continuing at Villanova
The concert follows Villanova’s inaugural Pops in the Pavilion event on September 26, 2025, which featured Sutton Foster and was also presented as a student-scholarship fundraiser, according to the Main Line Chamber of Commerce. Villanova is offering individual tickets and sponsorship packages for this year’s performance.
A new chapter for the Philly Pops
The ensemble joining Odom is part of a rebuilt Philly Pops organization. Musicians from the former orchestra created the No Name Pops in 2023, and the group later reclaimed the Philly Pops name and related archival materials associated with founding director Peter Nero’s family, according to WHYY and Metro Philadelphia.
Finneran Pavilion’s campus history
Finneran Pavilion, the concert venue, reopened in fall 2018 after a $65 million renovation supported by a $22.6 million leadership gift from the late William B. Finneran ’63 VSB, according to Villanova University.
The transition followed the financial and legal collapse of the former organization, Encore Series Inc. The company was evicted from the Kimmel Center in 2023 over unpaid obligations, and litigation involving Encore and the Kimmel Center ended with a settlement requiring Encore to pay $1,021,209, according to the Pennsylvania Record.
Christopher Dragon will conduct the performance. The Australian conductor serves as music director of the Philly Pops while also holding positions with the Colorado Symphony and Greensboro Symphony Orchestra, WHYY reported: WHYY.
Part of the orchestra’s regional schedule
The Villanova performance is one date in the Philly Pops’ 2026 regional activity. Metro Philadelphia reported that the schedule includes Artcinia neighborhood performances, an appearance at Immaculata University, free concerts at Dilworth Park and an Eagles tailgate, along with shows featuring Boyz II Men and Idina Menzel: Metro Philadelphia.
Odom’s Philadelphia ties give the benefit a local dimension. The East Oak Lane native attended Julia R. Masterman School and the Philadelphia High School for Creative and Performing Arts, performed with New Freedom Theatre and Philadanco, and made his Broadway debut in Rent at 17 after seeing the musical at the Merriam Theater, 6abc reported. He originated Aaron Burr in Hamilton, won a Tony Award for the role in 2016, and later reprised it on Broadway and in London: 6abc Philadelphia.
