The Peterborough Pop Ensemble first began in the spring of 2000 under the name The Peterborough Singers Pop Ensemble. The group was created to perform a few popular songs at the Valentine’s Concert for our local award-winning chorus The Peterborough Singers. Barbara Monahan was asked to direct because of her love of “pop” music, and her ability to create a casual, relaxed performance atmosphere. With Barb at the piano, watching the ensemble perform was like being invited into their living room to enjoy an intimate concert. The audience’s response was so enthusiastic that the members of this small group decided to keep the group together. Several performance opportunities followed in the fall and, as they say, the rest is history.
As time went on, the small group quickly developed a style that exemplified Barb's own casual, dynamic, and harmonious spirit. The audience response was so enthusiastic and the group's success endured such that the natural decision was made to forge ahead on their own, and the Ensemble officially became "The Peterborough Pop Ensemble" on January 1, 2009. In the years since, many talented vocalists have come and gone; each having enriched the development and musical performances of this diverse and multi-talented vocal ensemble.
Sadly, Barb passed away in 2019, having continuously directed the Pop Ensemble from its inception into their 20th anniversary year. Now under the capable direction of Maureen Harris-Lowe, the Pop Ensemble continues to entertain witht he same energetic dynamic and distinct style that audiences have come to know and love.
Over the many years of the Pop Ensemble's success, some memorable highlights include: