Urbana Pops Orchestra


UPO is funded through generous donations from individuals and grants from the Illinois Arts Council Agency. the City of Urbana Arts and Culture Program and the Community Foundation of East Central Illinois.

At Urbana Pops Orchestra's concert in June, a highlight was Buster Keaton's 1920 silent comedy "One Week" accompanied by the orchestra.

UPO rented a score composed by Carl Davis in 1987 that mimicked the style and era of the ‘20s—including various character themes when the villain came on the scene or the young bride. 

A video of the performance is available on UPO's YouTube channel at https://youtu.be/OToWsXj5hng

UPO paid for the righs too post it for 3 months, so be sure to check it out before November 1 when it must be taken down. 







Showcasing Youth

At UPO's June 15, 2024 concert, you're invited to come hear Urbana High School junior Kavinder Patel play Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue. Written in 1924, this classic has stood the test of time.

Your gift helps UPO continue to mentor student musicians and offer free or low cost performances.

Past events

UPO's Happily Ever After concert featured music with a storybook theme that included the Hansel und Gretel Overture by Englebert Humperdinck.



Here's a recording. Enjoy!

Pops on the Prairie

On June 11, 2022, we celebrated Illinois with music. Relive the concert on UPO's YouTube channel.


The concert opened with TROTUPO. Visit UPO on YouTube for more.


2023 Urbana Park District Pit Orchestra for Beauty and the Beast
The Bow-Dacious Strings Ensemble from C4A on stage with Urbana Pops in 2023
Spooky Strings at Urbana's Market at the Square