"SUMMER WITH THE SYMPHONY" RETURNS IN JUNE WITH A SIZZLING LINEUP OF CONCERTS THROUGHOUT REGION
Free Outdoor Concerts at Four Locations
Patriotic Celebration of Those Who Serve
Summer-Sized Classical: Tango and Best of the "Big Wigs"
Screenings of Beloved Films with Live Orchestra
U.S. Premiere of Thorgy and the Thorchestra
Tribute to Legendary Rock'n'Roll
Heinz Hall Garden Café Opens May 29th
April 25, 2019
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PITTSBURGH, PA—The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra is packing your summer season with screenings of beloved films, patriotic tributes, free outdoor concerts, a national premiere and lighter classical fare, in six locations throughout the community. Get ready for Summer with the Symphony!
- Experience two masterpieces of film and their epic John Williams scores performed live by the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra.
- Bring your picnic basket and enjoy great music with the orchestra for free at community parks.
- Venture out to the Three Rivers Arts Festival to see the Musicians of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra Brass headline at the Dollar Bank Main Stage.
- Salute those who serve at an evening of patriotic songs.
- Cool off in beautiful Heinz Hall with two evenings of lighter classical fare, specially priced for families.
- Be the first in America to see the groundbreaking Thorgy and the Thorchestra.
- Celebrate the 50th anniversary of The Rolling Stones iconic albums “Beggar’s Banquet” and “Let It Bleed.”
“We’ve got your summer covered inside and out, from our home base at Heinz Hall to our beautiful community parks and civic facilities,” said Melia Tourangeau, President and CEO of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. “When you put together a fabulous national premiere with beloved movies, patriotic anthems, popular selections and the “big wigs” of classical, you know there’s nothing like a Summer with the Symphony.”
In addition to dazzling concerts, Summer at the Symphony will also be enjoyed at the Garden Café at Heinz Hall, a beautiful tree-lined courtyard with its famous waterfall and water sculpture. Opening for the season on May 29th, weather-permitting, the Garden Café offers lunch and afternoon beverage service, in addition to Happy Hour Wednesdays with live entertainment, and complimentary appetizers with beverage purchase. Dining at Heinz Hall is catered by The Common Plea.
Summer with the Symphony concerts take place at multiple locations. See each event’s listing for date, time, location and ticket information. Programs are subject to change.
SUMMER WITH THE SYMPHONY 2019: EVENT LISTING
Members of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra Brass at the
Three Rivers Arts Festival
Monday, June 10 at 7:30 p.m.
Three Rivers Arts Festival; Dollar Bank Main Stage at Point State Park
The virtuosic brass section of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra is renowned for its brilliance, refinement, and incredible power. Members of the Pittsburgh Symphony Brass make a special appearance this June at the Dollar Bank Three Rivers Arts Festival. This performance, designed for the whole family, is sure to please and delight with a varied program ranging from colorful and popular brass favorites to new arrangements for the occasion.
This concert is free and open to the public.
The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra would like to recognize and thank Dollar Bank for their support of the Dollar Bank Three Rivers Arts Festival.
In Honor of Service: An Americana Concert
June 28, 2019 at 7:00 p.m.
Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall & Museum
Earl Lee, conductor
John McCabe, speaker
Katy Williams, vocalist
Andrew Fuller, violin
Laura Fuller, viola
Stafford Smith: The Star-Spangled Banner
Dvořák: Slavonic Dance, Opus 72, No. 1
Mozart: Sinfonia concertante in E-flat major for Violin, Viola and Orchestra, K.32)d [364]
Bach: Air from Suite No. 3, “Air on the G String”
Cohan: George M. Cohan Salute
Lowden (arr. Lowden): Armed Forces Salute
Ward (arr. Hayman): America the Beautiful
Glinka: Overture to Ruslan and Ludmila
Sousa: Stars and Stripes Forever
Join the orchestra for an evening of patriotic music and reflective tributes to honor our military personnel. This free concert celebrates those who serve and protect our country; co-hosted by Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall & Museum.
Tickets are free and open to the public; ticket processing fee may apply to online orders. Tickets will be available through Heinz Hall: online at pittsburghsymphony.org; by phone at 412.392.4900; in person at the Heinz Hall Box Office at the corner of Sixth Street and 600 Penn Ave. in downtown Pittsburgh.
Military ticket discounts to BNY Mellon Grand Classics, PNC Pops and Fiddlesticks Family Concerts are available year-round.
This program is made possible by generous support from Allegheny Technologies Incorporated (ATI) and The Fine Foundation. Pittsburgh Symphony Learning & Community Engagement programs are supported by generous grants from Lincoln Learning Solutions, The Jack Buncher Foundation, the Allegheny Regional Asset District and the Pennsylvania Tourism Office.
Thorgy and the Thorchestra
Thursday, June 27 7:30 p.m.
Heinz Hall
Daniel Bartholomew-Poyser, conductor
Bringing together classical music lovers and drag lovers into one room, Thorgy and the Thorchestra will make its U.S. premiere with the symphony for what is sure to be a thrilling, thoughtful and hilariously theatrical show. The show is expected to combine live violin and cello from Thorgy, with the symphony, “kooky ideas,” and an eclectic set list derived from compositions spanning hundreds of years.
Ticket prices range from $35-$150 (VIP).
This performance will include some mature themes; audience discretion is advised.
Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra at Bach, Beethoven & Brunch
Sunday, June 30 at 10:30 a.m.
Mellon Park (Shadyside)
Earl Lee, conductor
Free and open to the public. This concert is part of the City of Pittsburgh CitiParks Bach, Beethoven & Brunch series, and co-sponsored by WQED-fm. Program to be announced.
Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra at South Park
Saturday, July 6 at 8:15 p.m.
South Park Amphitheater
Andrés Franco, conductor
Free and open to the public. Concert takes place rain or shine. This concert is part of the Allegheny County Summer Concert Series. Program to be announced.
Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra at Hartwood Acres
Sunday, July 7 at 8:15 p.m.
Hartwood Acres Amphitheater
Andrés Franco, conductor
Free and open to the public. Concert takes place rain or shine. This concert is part of the Allegheny County Summer Concert Series. Program to be announced.
Big Wigs: Beethoven, Bach & Mozart
Thursday, July 11 at 7:00 p.m.
Heinz Hall
Earl Lee, conductor
Mozart: Overture to Don Giovanni
Bach: Concerto in d minor for Two Violins and String Orchestra
Beethoven: Symphony No. 2 in D major
In a summer-sized concert of just over an hour, enjoy some of the best of the “Big Wigs” of classical music. Composed in a single evening, Mozart’s Overture to Don Giovanni beckons attention with thunderous opening chords. The “Bach Double” is widely known as one of Bach’s most famous and beloved works. Epitomizing the Romantic artist, Beethoven brings exceptional energy and liveliness to his Second Symphony–perfect for rounding out a summer evening.
Special pricing for July 11 and 25 only: just $25 for adult ticket and $10 for child ticket (Children ages 6-17).
Windborne’s The Music of the Rolling Stones: Mick Jagger & Keith Richards 1969
Saturday, July 13th at 8:00 p.m.
Heinz Hall
Brent Havens, conductor
Brody Dolyniuk, vocals
The Pittsburgh Symphony and Conductor Brent Havens perform Windborne’s The Music of The Rolling Stones: Mick Jagger and Keith Richards 1969 to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of The Rolling Stones iconic albums, “Beggar’s Banquet” and “Let It Bleed.” The performance will feature tracks from these two albums including “Sympathy For The Devil,” “Street Fighting Man,” “Gimme Shelter,” “Midnight Rambler” and “You Can’t Always Get What You Want,” as well as other classic hits from their ABKCO years such as “Let’s Spend The Night Together,” “Brown Sugar,” “Ruby Tuesday” and more! The Pittsburgh Symphony will pay tribute to The World’s Greatest Rock ‘n Roll Band with vocalist Brody Dolyniuk and a full rock band.
The Rolling Stones do not perform on this program.
Tickets start at $25; group rates available.
Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back™ In Concert
Friday, July 19 at 7:00 p.m.
Sunday, July 21 at 2:30 p.m.
Heinz Hall
Lawrence Loh, conductor
“You must feel the Force around you…”
The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra presents Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back™ featuring screenings of the complete film with Oscar®-winning composer John Williams musical score performed live to the film led by conductor Lawrence Loh.
Since the release of the first Star War movie more than 40 years ago, the Star Wars saga hashad a seismic impact on both cinema and culture, inspiring audiences around the world with its mythic storytelling, captivating characters, groundbreaking special effects and iconic musical scores composed by Williams.
The Star Wars: Film Concert Series is produced under license by Disney Concerts in association with 20th Century Fox and Warner/Chappell Music.
STAR WARS and related properties are trademarks and/or copyrights, in the United States and other countries, of Lucasfilm Ltd. and/or its affiliates. © & TM Lucasfilm Ltd.
Tickets start at $25; group rates available.
¡Tango!
Thursday, July 25 at 7:00 p.m.
Heinz Hall
Andrés Franco, conductor
Arturo Márquez: Danzón No. 2
Ástor Piazzolla: Cuatro Estaciones Porteñas (The Four Seasons in Buenos Aires)
Alfredo Le Pero & Carlos Garde (arr. John Williams):Tango,"Por Una Cabeza" from Scent of a Woman
Ástor Piazzolla: Milonga del Ángel
Alberto Ginastera: Four Dances from Estancia
In a concert of just over an hour, the sultry sounds of South America will fill Heinz Hall as the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra and conductor Andrés Franco perform gorgeous tangos, one of the most influential and celebrated dances in history. Enjoy music by the “King of the Tango,” Astor Piazzolla, including his own tango take on Vivaldi’s “Four Seasons.” Originating in the streets of Buenos Aires, the lush romantic melodies and fascinating rhythms of tango will dare you to stay in your seats. This program is expected to include a pre-concert happy hour with a Tango demonstration and lessons.
Special pricing for July 11 and 25 only: just $25 for adult ticket and $10 for child ticket (Children ages 6-17).
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets™ in Concert
Friday, August 2 at 7:00 p.m.
Sunday, August 4 at 2:30 p.m.
Heinz Hall
Andrés Franco, conductor
Audiences will be able to relive the magical adventure of Harry Potter’s second year at school like never before. This concert features Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets™ in high-definition while the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra performs John Williams’ otherworldly score live. Relive every magical moment as the music brings life to a story that has enchanted the world.
HARRY POTTER characters, names and related indicia are © & ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Harry Potter Publishing Rights © JKR. (s19)
Tickets start at $25; group rates available.
About the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra
Over the last quarter century, MANFRED HONECK has firmly established himself as one of the world's leading conductors, renowned for his distinctive interpretations and arrangements of a wide-range of repertoire. For more than a decade, Honeck has served as Music Director of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, continuing a great legacy of music-making that is celebrated at home, abroad and on recordings, including the 2018 Grammy Award for Shostakovich's Symphony No. 5 and Barber's Adagio for Strings. Since 2008, Manfred Honeck and the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra have served as cultural ambassadors for the city as one of the most frequently toured American orchestras. In addition to performing at Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center in New York, the orchestra regularly performs in major European music capitals and at leading festivals such as the Beethovenfest Bonn, BBC Proms, Musikfest Berlin, Lucerne Festival, Rheingau Musik Festival, Grafenegg Festival and the Salzburg Festival, and continues a close relationship with the Musikverein in Vienna. The PSO and Honeck return to Lincoln Center in May 2019 and their next European tour takes place in fall 2019. Under Honeck's leadership of the Pittsburgh Symphony, he instituted a new initiative to preserve the orchestra's celebrated sound, resulting in more than a dozen recordings on the Reference and Exton labels. Together, Honeck and the PSO have recorded symphonies by Beethoven, Bruckner, Dvořák, Mahler, and Tchaikovsky, as well as Strauss tone poems. They have received critical acclaim and honors from around the world, including the "Best Orchestral Performance" Grammy Award in 2018, along with two other Grammy nominations. Honeck has conceived of and conducted several large-scale or operatic works as semi-staged productions for the concert hall, including Handel's Messiah, Haydn's The Creation, and later this season in Pittsburgh he will lead performances of Berlioz's The Damnation of Faust. Beyond the podium, he has conceptualized and arranged a number of staged works into symphonic "Fantasies" or "Suites," among them Janáček's Jenůfa (Grammy nominated), Strauss's Elektra, Dvořák's Rusalka, and Tchaikovsky's ballet Sleeping Beauty, which he frequently programs on concerts with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, at home and on tour, as well as with orchestras throughout the United States and abroad.
As a guest conductor, Honeck is a regular guest with all of the major American orchestras, including Boston, Chicago, Cleveland, Los Angeles, New York, Philadelphia and San Francisco. He continues to appear in the world's leading concert halls and festivals, including the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra, Berliner Philharmoniker, Gewandhausorchester Leipzig, Staatskapelle Dresden, Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, London Symphony Orchestra, Orchestre de Paris, Accademia di Santa Cecilia Rome, Vienna Philharmonic, and the Verbier Festival. He served as Music Director of the Staatsoper Stuttgart from 2007 to 2011, and has led operatic performances at Komische Oper Berlin, Théâtre de la Monnaie in Brussels, Royal Opera of Copenhagen, Salzburg Festival, Semperoper Dresden and the White Nights Festival in St. Petersburg, Russia. Born in Austria, Honeck received his musical training at the Academy of Music in Vienna. He was a member of the viola section of the Vienna Philharmonic and Vienna State Opera Orchestra for eight years. Transitioning to conducting, he began his career as an assistant to Claudio Abbado, and as artistic leader of the Vienna Jeunesse Orchestra. He received the prestigious European Conductor's Award in 1993 at the Zurich Opera House, and has served as Music Director of the Norwegian National Opera, Principal Guest Conductor of the Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra, Music Director of the Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra, and most recently as Principal Guest Conductor of the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra. Honeck also has served as Artistic Director of the International Concerts Wolfegg in Germany for more than twenty years.Manfred Honeck has received honorary doctorates from several North American universities. Most recently, he was awarded the honorary title of Professor by the Austrian Federal President. An international jury of critics selected him as the International Classical Music Awards "Artist of the Year" 2018.
The 2018 GRAMMY Award-winning PITTSBURGH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA, known for its artistic excellence for more than 120 years, is credited with a rich history of the world's finest conductors and musicians, and a strong commitment to the Pittsburgh region and its citizens. Past music directors have included Fritz Reiner (1938-1948), William Steinberg (1952-1976), Andre Previn (1976-1984), Lorin Maazel (1984-1996) and Mariss Jansons (1995-2004). This tradition of outstanding international music directors was furthered in fall 2008, when Austrian conductor Manfred Honeck became music director of the Pittsburgh Symphony. The orchestra has been at the forefront of championing new American works and gave the first performance of Leonard Bernstein's Symphony No. 1 "Jeremiah" in 1944 and John Adams' Short Ride in a Fast Machine in 1986. The Pittsburgh Symphony has a long and illustrious history in the areas of recordings and radio concerts. Its "Pittsburgh Live!" series with Reference Recordings has resulted in back-to-back Grammy Nominations in 2015 and 2016. As early as 1936, the Pittsburgh Symphony broadcast on the airwaves coast-to-coast and in the late 1970s it made the ground-breaking PBS series "Previn and the Pittsburgh." The orchestra has received increased national attention since 1982 through network radio broadcasts on Public Radio International, produced by Classical WQED-FM 89.3, made possible by the musicians of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. With a long and distinguished history of touring both domestically and overseas since 1900 — including international tours to Europe, the Far East and South America—the Pittsburgh Symphony continues to be critically acclaimed as one of the world's greatest orchestras.
MELIA P. TOURANGEAU was appointed president and chief executive officer in May 2015 and began her tenure in July 2015. The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, known for its artistic excellence for more than 120 years, is credited with a rich history of the world's finest conductors and musicians, and a strong commitment to the Pittsburgh region and its citizens. The Pittsburgh Symphony has an annual operating budget of approximately $32 million and employs 76 full-time administrative staff and 97 contracted musicians. Tourangeau strives to develop trust and communication throughout the organization and with its constituents. Tourangeau came to the Pittsburgh Symphony from the Utah Symphony | Utah Opera, the only combined 52-week orchestra and opera organization in the United States.
Tourangeau served as president and CEO of that organization beginning April 2008. Under her leadership USUO increased ticket revenue over $1 million, returned the Annual Fund to pre-recession levels and secured over $6 million in bridge support between 2008 and 2012. Expense increases were held to 6% over a six-year period averaging a 1% increase annually between 2007 and 2013. Utah Symphony's seventh music director, Thierry Fischer, was identified and contracted beginning in 2008. Prior to joining the USUO, Tourangeau was appointed president of Grand Rapids Symphony in April 2005 after a year-long national search. As president, Tourangeau was responsible for the overall financial, operational and administrative management of the organization with an $8.5 million annual operating budget, an administrative staff of 33 and 75 contracted professional musicians. Under her leadership, GRS balanced the budget and increased community support.
HEINZ HALL FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS is owned and operated by Pittsburgh Symphony, Inc., a non-profit organization, and is the year-round home of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. The cornerstone of Pittsburgh's Cultural District, Heinz Hall hosts many events that do not feature its world-renowned Orchestra including Broadway shows, popular touring artists, comedians, speakers and much more. For a full calendar of upcoming non-symphony events at the hall, visit heinzhall.org
Media Contacts
Julie Goetz | Director of Communications
jgoetz@pittsburghsymphony.org | 412.392.4866