The Atlanta Pops Orchestra Ensemble (a.k.a. Atlanta Mini-Pops, Atlanta Pops Mini-Orchestra, Atlanta Pops Ensemble) is a 14-piece version of the typically 30+ piece Atlanta Pops Orchestra. This condensed ensemble was established during the 70th anniversary season of the Atlanta Pops Orchestra in 2015, in order to take advantage of new opportunities for the Atlanta Pops to perform in situations that are more conducive to a smaller group of musicians. These have included collaborative performances with Zac Brown Band’s founding member John Driskell Hopkins at nightclubs, restaurants and churches, with the Joe Gransden Big Band at the Callanwolde Fine Arts Center 2017 Holiday Gala in Atlanta, GA and with Balsam Range at the 2016 & 2017 Art of Music Festivals in Lake Junaluska, NC and 2018 MerleFest music festival in Wilkesboro, NC. The Atlanta Pops Orchestra Ensemble is comprised of string, woodwind, brass and rhythm section musicians from the Atlanta Pops Orchestra.
- Balsam Range and the Atlanta Pops Orchestra Ensemble at MerleFest 2018, celebrating the release of “Mountain Overture”
- John Driskell Hopkins & Atlanta Pops Orchestra Ensemble
- John Driskell Hopkins with the Atlanta Pops Enemble, The Vista Room, December 18, 2016. Photo by Jolie Loren Photography.
- Balsam Range & Atlanta Pops Orchestra Ensemble – MerleFest 2018 rehearsal, Brighter Shade Studios (photo by Jolie Loren Photography)
- Balsam Range & Atlanta Pops Orchestra Ensemble – Art of Music Festival 2016
- Atlanta Pops Orchestra Ensemble: Big 5 Accounting Firm leadership conference in May, 2018