Matt Catingub has been a guiding force with the Honolulu Symphony Pops for eight seasons, leading it to healthy ticket sales and conducting in concerts with many notable guest artists, including Elvis Costello, Burt Bacharach and Rosemary Clooney. Now his name recognition is being harnessed for a new outfit: the Matt Catingub Orchestra of Hawai'i.

"The development of this new orchestra will complement the existing Pops perfectly, providing more employment and benefits for the musicians of Local 677," Catingub said in a press release.

The orchestra debuts Oct. 6, when Pat Benatar is the first pops performer. A CD is planned for August, and next year the outfit is looking to put on two festivals.

Reach Wayne Harada at wharada@honoluluadvertiser.com.