Ars Nova Workshop is proud to announce living legend Odean Pope as the recipient of the 2023 Nova Award, to be presented at our 4th Annual Fundraiser at Solar Myth.

“There simply is no worthier cause for Philly music lovers with a taste for the adventurous and daring.”
—The Key

As Nate Chinen once wrote in JazzTimes, “at home in Philadelphia, and among a circuit of aficionados stretching from Australia to Japan, [Odean Pope’s] name commands a reverence bordering on awe.” A friend of John Coltrane from the iconic saxophonist’s time in Philadelphia, Pope went on to work extensively with legendary drummer Max Roach. He performed with James Brown, Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder; co-founded the pioneering fusion group Catalyst; and his own monumental Odean Pope Saxophone Choir, which often featured Pharoah Sanders. Ars Nova Workshop will honor the veteran saxophonist with its Nova Award at the organization’s annual fundraising event, which will feature a special performance from Odean’s former student and Blue Note Records’ artist Immanuel Wilkins.

Past Nova Awardees
Monnette Sudler (2022)
Marshall Allen (2021)
Dave Burrell (2019)