The Pittsburgh Symphony will name a principal pops conductor for just the second time.

PITTSBURGH —The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra will ring in the new year with a historic announcement: For only the second time, the PSO will appoint a principal pops conductor.

The Henry and Elsie Hillman Principal Pops Conductor Chair will be announced and introduced at 10 a.m. Jan. 7.

The Pittsburgh Symphony’s principal pops conductor is a steward of the symphony’s popular (or "pops") programming, which presents music from diverse genres, including Broadway, movies, jazz, rock and soul, often with popular soloists.

The PSO’s first principal pops conductor was the famed Marvin Hamlisch, who was appointed in 1994 and held that position until his death in 2012.

This season’s PNC Pops series includes programs that explore the music of Paul Shaffer, Aretha Franklin, the Beatles’ "Abbey Road," Bugs Bunny animation, Broadway blockbuster hits and the sounds of doo wop. The seasonal favorite Highmark Holiday Pops is also part of this programming.