For immediate release:
February 7, 2023
Contact: Julie Goetz, Director of Communications
(412) 905-9058
jgoetz@pittsburghsymphony.org
PITTSBURGH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA ANNOUNCES 2023-2024 SEASON: EXPERIENCE THE POWER OF NOW
Classical season offers “New Perspectives” welcoming dozens of new artists, plus commissions and premieres; “Once Upon a Time” musical journeys that are inspired by some of the most imaginative stories of all time; and a focus on groundbreaking female artists and composers from around the world
Pops season travels across musical genres as diverse as rock ‘n’ roll, Broadway, soul and R&B, the Great American Songbook, holiday favorites, and Hollywood movies
PITTSBURGH— Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra Music Director Manfred Honeck, Principal Pops Conductor Byron Stripling and president and CEO Melia Tourangeau today announced the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra’s 2023-2024 season, inviting audiences to “Experience the power of NOW.” The 2023-2024 season will be the 128th in the storied history of the Orchestra, the sixth oldest major orchestra in the United States. Subscriptions to BNY Mellon Grand Classics are available now, and subscriptions to PNC Pops will be available in early March.
“The 2023-2024 season has the power to embrace this moment with soul-stirring performances that are deeply relevant to our time, and that connect intimately with our humanity. When played with the passion of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra musicians and led by our exceptional Music Director Manfred Honeck and Principal Pops Conductor Byron Stripling, music has the power to transform our lives in earth-shattering ways,” said Melia Tourangeau, president and CEO of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. “There is no time like now to see and hear one of the world’s greatest orchestras in what promises to be a deeply engaging season with widely diverse artists, composers, treasured favorites and bold new works.”
The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra’s 2023-2024 BNY Mellon Grand Classics season will be the 16th under the direction of Music Director Manfred Honeck, internationally admired for his revelatory interpretations. The 2023-2024 season continues the Pittsburgh Symphony’s tradition of introducing to the Pittsburgh community for the first time many exciting artists and new works, which next season will have four world premieres, 12 Pittsburgh premieres and nine outstanding soloists and conductors performing with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra in their highly anticipated debuts at Heinz Hall. Throughout the season, Manfred Honeck will lead 10 wide ranging programs on the BNY Mellon Grand Classics subscription series, collaborating with many of the world’s leading classical musicians, including the Pittsburgh debuts of five artists, and the performances of 11 of the premieres and commissions. The 2023-2024 season marks BNY Mellon’s 23rd consecutive year as title sponsor of the series.
“Music at its heart is really about life—our shared experiences of disappointments and triumphs, of the pain of darkness and the hopefulness of light, of our deep connections with one another. To me, music is the most dynamic form of art with an unforgettable connection between the orchestra and the audience that unfolds in real time with intensity and excitement,” said Manfred Honeck, Music Director of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. “The music, composers and artists of the 2023-2024 season both speak to our times and offer us the possibility to spend time together on an unforgettable musical journey, with old friends and new.”
The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra’s 2023-2024 PNC Pops subscription season will be the fourth under the direction of Principal Pops Conductor Byron Stripling, internationally known both as a conductor and virtuoso trumpet player. The season will include programs that cross genres as diverse as rock ‘n’ roll, Broadway, soul and R&B, the Great American Songbook, holiday favorites, and Hollywood movies. Byron Stripling and outstanding guest conductors will welcome soloists who are bright stars of the stage (including a group of amazing circus performers) who will bring to life magical melodies, the biggest hits, and soul-touching classics. Stripling will lead three subscription concert weekends, and the season will feature a special concert version of “Fiddler on the Roof,” in collaboration with the Pittsburgh CLO. The 2023-2024 season marks PNC’s 23rd consecutive year as title sponsor of the series. The 2023-2024 season will mark the 16th year for Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield as title sponsor of Holiday Pops. Popular specials and films with orchestra will also return next season and be announced later this year.
“There is nothing like music to fill our hearts with love and joy. The range of great popular music is simply astonishing, from show tunes to soul to film themes to lighter classics. When it’s arranged for orchestra and played by the Pittsburgh Symphony, and sung by stars of the stage, it will simply take your breath away,” said Byron Stripling, Principal Pops Conductor of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. “The 2023-2024 pops season will bring us all together for music that you might already love, and plenty of cool new music and artists for you to discover and experience. This is the music that lifts us up, and that makes for a deeply enjoyable time together.”
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE 2023-2024 CLASSICAL SEASON
10 BNY Mellon Grand Classics Concert Weekends with Music Director Manfred Honeck
Premieres and Commissions in Manfred Honeck Programs: In the 2023-2024 season, all four of the world premieres and commissions, as well as seven of the 12 Pittsburgh premieres (including a PSO commission) will be led by Manfred Honeck. The world premieres and commissions are: Yizkor by Boris Pigovat; a new work by Katherine Balch; a new work by Samy Moussa; and Double Concerto for Oboe and Horn by Michael Daugherty. The Pittsburgh premieres are: Kauyumari by Gabriela Ortiz; Concerto in D minor for Violin and Orchestra by Robert Schumann; to make this mountain taller by Sarah Gibson (a Pittsburgh commission); Lux Aeterna by Eriks Essenvalds; Tormenta del Sur by Nancy Galbraith; Dante Symphony by Franz Liszt; and Coincident Dances by Jessie Montgomery.
Recordings: The recipient of multiple GRAMMY® nominations, and two 2018 GRAMMY® Awards, including Best Orchestral Performance, Manfred Honeck and the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra will continue the orchestra’s long and illustrious recording history with the recording of four works, over two concert weekends: a new work by Samy Moussa and Bruckner’s Symphony No. 8 (April 26-28, 2024) and Michael Daugherty’s Fifteen: Symphonic Fantasy on the Art of Andy Warhol, and Stravinsky’s Suite from The Firebird (June 14-16, 2024). Honeck and the Orchestra are also expected to release new recordings in the 2023-2024 season. Each recording will be mastered by the Orchestra’s long-time sound engineering partner, Soundmirror, and released by its label of more than a decade, Reference Recordings.
Not-to-be-missed: Manfred Honeck will lead a special concert at Heinz Hall on November 25, 2023, in partnership with the Violins of Hope Greater Pittsburgh, a landmark community project. The international Violins of Hope is a project of concerts and an exhibit that relates remarkable stories of string instruments played by Jewish musicians during the Holocaust to parallel lessons today in creating a future where diversity, equality and inclusion are valued.
New Perspectives: Illuminating the voices of today with artists, composers, premieres and commissions
The 2023-2024 season invites audiences to be the first in Pittsburgh to see and to hear classical music’s most imaginative creators. The Pittsburgh Symphony continues its long-held commitment of introducing to the Pittsburgh community for the first time many exciting artists and new works, which next season will have four world premieres, 12 Pittsburgh premieres and nine outstanding soloists and conductors performing with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra in their highly anticipated debuts at Heinz Hall. Each of the four world premieres and commissions will be performed under the baton of Music Director Manfred Honeck.
Conductors making their Pittsburgh debuts are (in order of appearance): Petr Popelka and Dalia Stasevska. Soloists and guest artists making their Pittsburgh debuts are (in order of appearance): David McCarroll, violin, Bomsori Kim, violin, Randall Goosby, violin, Elena Villalón, soprano, Alexandre Kantorow, piano, Pablo Ferrández, cello, and Yunchan Lim, piano.
The world premieres and commissions are: Yizkor by Boris Pigovat; a new work by Katherine Balch; a new work by Samy Moussa; and a Double Concerto for Oboe and Horn by Michael Daugherty.
The Pittsburgh premieres are: Kauyumari by Gabriela Ortiz; Concerto in D minor for Violin and Orchestra by Robert Schumann; to make this mountain taller by Sarah Gibson; Lux Aeterna by Eriks Essenvalds; Thunderbolt P-47 by Bohuslav Martinu; Bright Idea by Nico Muhly; Tormenta del Sur by Nancy Galbraith; Sukkot Through Orion’s Nebula by James Lee III; Violin Concerto, Opus 31 by Alberto Ginastera; Dante Symphony by Franz Liszt; Violin Concerto by Wynton Marsalis; and Coincident Dances by Jessie Montgomery.
Once Upon a Time: Experience the adventure of epic storytelling that begins with the first note.
The 2023-2024 BNY Mellon Grand Classics season will draw audiences on musical journeys inspired by some of the greatest and most imaginative stories of all time, inspired by fantastic fairy tales (Dukas’ The Sorceror’s Apprentice and Stravinsky’s Firebird) and created by masterful pairings (Liszt and Dante in Dante Symphony; Tchaikovsky and Lord Byron in Manfred Symphony; and Prokofiev and Shakespeare in Romeo & Juliet).
Women in Focus: Celebrate groundbreaking female artists and composers from around the world.
The star-studded 2022-2023 BNY Mellon Grand Classics season includes the return of renowned soprano Renée Fleming, violinists Hilary Hahn and Nicola Benedetti, and the exciting debuts of conductor Dalia Stasevka, and soprano Elena Villalón. Audiences won’t want to miss the Pittsburgh Symphony’s own principal oboe Cynthia Koledo DeAlmeida take center stage in the world premiere of a commission written for her and the Orchestra’s principal horn William Caballero. Innovative compositions by Gabriela Ortiz, Jessie Montgomery and Pittsburgh-based composer Nancy Galbraith will have their Pittsburgh premieres this season.
Return of Extraordinary Conductors and Soloists:
In addition to the exciting debuts of 10 conductors and soloists, the 2023-2024 season welcomes back many audience favorites. Returning conductors (in order of appearance) are: James Gaffigan, Juraj Valčuha, Pablo Heras-Cassado, Juanjo Mena, Osmo Vänskä, Stéphane Denève and Vasily Petrenko, as well as Rudolf Buchbinder who will lead a special evening of all five Beethoven piano concerti from the keyboard. Returning soloists and guest artists (in order of appearance) are: David McCarroll, violin, Hélène Grimaud, piano, Behzod Abduraimov, piano, Mendelssohn Choir of Pittsburgh, Yulianna Avdeeva, piano, Alexi Kenney, violin, James Ehnes, violin, Hilary Hahn, violin, Jean-Yves Thibaudet, piano, Leif Ove Andsnes, piano, Women of the Mendelssohn Choir, Nicola Benedetti, violin, Benjamin Grosvenor, piano, Cynthia Koledo DeAlmeida, PSO principal oboe, William Caballero, PSO principal horn, and Yefim Bronfman, piano.
SUBSCRIBER SPECIALS
NOW is the Time Gala
Saturday, September 23, 2023, at 8:00 p.m.
Manfred Honeck, conductor
Renée Fleming, soprano
“NOW is the Time” to experience your Pittsburgh Symphony at the 2023 Annual Gala. Manfred Honeck leads the Pittsburgh Symphony with Renée Fleming in an event showcasing the voices of now.
VIOLINS OF HOPE
Saturday, November 25, 2023, at 8:00 p.m.
Manfred Honeck, conductor
In partnership with the landmark Violins of Hope Greater Pittsburgh community project, Manfred Honeck, the Pittsburgh Symphony and special guests join together for a concert inspired by hope and the power of the human spirit. This unique evening will give voice to lessons and stories from the Holocaust, while pointing toward our future using music to build bridges of understanding and inspire deeper connections across our community.
HANDEL'S MESSIAH
Saturday, December 2, 2023, at 8:00 p.m.
Manfred Honeck, conductor
Elena Villalón, soprano (debut)
Reginald Mobley, countertenor
Timothy Fallon, tenor
bass-baritone – to be announced
Mendelssohn Choir of Pittsburgh
GEORGE FRIDERIC HANDEL: Messiah
Join your Pittsburgh Symphony family this holiday season for Handel’s beloved masterpiece Messiah, led by Manfred Honeck and performed with exceptional soloists and the outstanding Mendelssohn Choir of Pittsburgh.
BEETHOVEN'S NINTH
Saturday, April 20, at 8:00 p.m.
Manfred Honeck, conductor
Mendelssohn Choir of Pittsburgh
vocalists – to be announced
Nearly 200 years to the date of its premiere, hear the melody that shouts for joy in this one-night-only concert of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9. Manfred Honeck leads the Pittsburgh Symphony, the Mendelssohn Choir of Pittsburgh and guest vocalists in his signature interpretation.
LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN: Symphony No. 9
PSO360
Invented at the Pittsburgh Symphony, PSO360 features orchestra performances in an intimate setting. Each performance seats up to 200 patrons directly on the Heinz Hall stage, encircling the guest performers, providing the audience with a uniquely up-close and personal experience during the program. All PSO360 concerts take place at Heinz Hall. Artists and programs to be announced at a later date.
Highlights of the 2023-2024 PNC Pops Season and Highmark Holiday Pops
The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra’s legendary popular programming presents outstanding music from diverse genres. The PNC Pops subscription series is in its fourth year under the direction of Principal Pops Conductor Byron Stripling. The seven-concert series includes the seasonal favorite Highmark Holiday Pops, a Pittsburgh tradition that brings together families and friends for “the most wonderful time of the year.” Popular programming concerts also includes special concerts and films with orchestra.
The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra’s 2023-2024 PNC Pops subscription season will open in October with a symphonic celebration of Disney music and animation, led by Assistant Conductor Moon Doh. Principal Pops Conductor Byron Stripling will lead three concert weekends that will astound with physical feats (Cirque Carnival), celebrate sensational songs (Fascinatin’ Rhythm: A Gershwin Celebration); and bring the house down with magical melodies (Let’s Groove Tonight: Motown & The Philly Sound). The “Music of the Knights” (the legendary Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber, Sir Elton John and Sir Paul McCartney) will be led by guest conductor Stuart Chafetz, and a concert version of the beloved Broadway smash hit “Fiddler on the Roof” will sing and dance its way into audiences’ hearts under the baton of Andy Einhorn, and in collaboration with the Pittsburgh CLO. Outstanding guest artists for the season include Charles Albright, piano, and vocalists Chester Gregory, Ashley Jayy, Brik Liam, and Sydney McSweeney. Lovers of popular programming can also look forward to experiencing the wildly popular films with orchestra, and special concerts; these are expected to be announced later in the spring.
Learning and Community Engagement Concerts
A full season of Learning & Community Engagement programs (Fiddlesticks, Schooltime, Side-by-Side, Wilkinsburg Neighborhood Partnership) will be announced later this year.
Subscriptions and Subscriber Benefits
Subscriptions for BNY Mellon Grand Classics are now on sale online at PittsburghSymphony.org/Renew and through the Heinz Hall Box Office by phone at 412.392.4900, or toll-free at 800.743.8560. Subscriptions for PNC Pops will be on sale in early March.
- BNY Mellon Grand Classics season tickets are available in packages of six, seven, 14 and 20 concerts and range in price from $124.50 to $1,540. Tickets for individual concerts will go on sale later in the year. Concert times on Fridays and Saturdays will remain at 8:00 p.m. and Sunday matinees at 2:30 p.m. BNY Mellon Subscribers are also eligible for advance tickets for the Now is the Time Gala, Violins of Hope concert, Handel’s Messiah, and Beethoven’s 9th.
- PNC Pops season tickets are available in seven-concert packages and range in price from $150.50 to $663.25. Show times on Fridays and Saturdays will remain at 8:00 p.m. and Sunday matinees at 2:30 p.m. PNC Pops subscribers are also eligible for advance tickets for special concerts and film with orchestra concerts.
Subscriber benefits include dedicated Patron Services Representatives, flexible ticket exchange, priority seating, exclusive pre-sale opportunities, reserved parking and additional savings.
Accessibility
The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra is committed to providing an environment that is inclusive and welcoming to all patrons. For information about accessible services, please contact the Box Office at 412.392.4900.
With Deep Gratitude to our Sponsors:
- BNY Mellon Grand Classics concerts are made possible by title sponsorship support from BNY Mellon. The 2023-2024 season marks BNY Mellon’s 23rd consecutive year as title sponsor of the series.
- PNC Pops concerts are made possible by title sponsorship support from PNC. The 2023-2024 season marks PNC’s 23rd consecutive year as title sponsor of the series.
- Highmark Holiday Pops concerts are made possible by title sponsorship support from Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield. The 2023-2024 season will mark the 16th year for Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield as title sponsor of Holiday Pops.
- The Sarah Gibson commission is made possible by the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation Orchestral Commissions Program. The Katie Balch commission is made possible by the New Music USA Amplifying Voices Consortium with support from the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.
- The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra is grateful for overall support from local and state government entities: Allegheny Regional Asset District, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Community and Economic Development, and the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts.
- Endowment funding for the performance of Handel’s Messiah is provided by the Howard & Nell E. Miller Foundation.
- Diehl Automotive Group is the official auto dealer of the Pittsburgh Symphony.
- Fairmont Pittsburgh is the official hotel of the Pittsburgh Symphony.
- Delta Airlines is the official airline of the Pittsburgh Symphony.
- Radio station WQED-FM 89.3/WQEJ-FM 89.7 is the official voice of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra.
PITTSBURGH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA 2023-2024 CALENDAR
BNY Mellon BNY Mellon Grand Classics Subscription Series
All concerts are at Heinz Hall.
BNY Mellon Grand Classics 1: OPENING WEEKEND
Friday, September 29, 2023, at 8:00 p.m.
Sunday, October 1, 2023, 2:30 at p.m.
Manfred Honeck, conductor
Hélène Grimaud, piano
GABRIELA ORTIZ: Kauyumari – PITTSBURGH PREMIERE
BÉLA BARTÓK: Concerto No. 3 for Piano and Orchestra
SERGEI RACHMANINOFF: Symphony No. 2 in E minor, Opus 27
The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra and Manfred Honeck celebrate the opening of the new season with exuberance and flair. In the first of 12 Pittsburgh premieres of the season, Latin Grammy-nominated composer Gabriele Ortiz’s Kauyumari (“blue deer,” among the Huichol people of Mexico) is inspired by the return to live music in 2021. Superstar pianist Hélène Grimaud performs Bartók’s rhythmic Concerto No. 3 for Piano and Orchestra, a piece influenced by both Beethoven and nature.
BNY Mellon Grand Classics 2: SCHUMANN & BEETHOVEN
Friday, October 6, 2023, at 8:00 p.m.
Sunday, October 8, 2023, at 2:30 p.m.
Manfred Honeck, conductor
David McCarroll, violin (debut)
BORIS PIGOVAT: Yizkor – WORLD PREMIERE & COMMISSION
ROBERT SCHUMANN: Concerto in D minor for Violin and Orchestra – PITTSBURGH PREMIERE
LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN: Symphony No. 7 in A major, Opus 92
Concertmaster David McCarroll, who joined the Pittsburgh Symphony in the 2022-2023 season, makes his debut as soloist with the Orchestra in Schumann’s richly symphonic and lyrical concerto for violin and orchestra. The program opens with the world premiere of Boris Pigovat’s Yizkor, (Yiddish for remembrance) commissioned by the Pittsburgh Symphony, and which will be performed to commemorate the Tree of Life synagogue tragedy, in the month of its fifth anniversary.
BNY Mellon Grand Classics 3: BEETHOVEN’S FIVE PIANO CONCERTOS
Friday, October 27, 2023, at 8:00 p.m.
Sunday, October 29, 2023, at 2:30 p.m.
Rudolf Buchbinder, conductor and piano
LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN: Concerto No. 2 in B-flat major for Piano and Orchestra, Opus 19
LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN: Concerto No. 4 in G major for Piano and Orchestra, Opus 58
LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN: Concerto No. 3 in C minor for Piano and Orchestra, Opus 37
LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN: Concerto No. 1 in C major for Piano and Orchestra, Opus 15
LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN: Concerto No. 5 in E-flat major for Piano and Orchestra, Opus 73, "Emperor"
In a Pittsburgh first, legendary pianist Rudolf Buchbinder performs and conducts from the keyboard the five beloved Beethoven Concerti that have inspired pianists and audiences alike for more than 200 years. Buchbinder is celebrated worldwide for renditions with intellectual depth and musical freedom.
BNY Mellon Grand Classics 4: RAVEL’S LA VALSE
Friday, November 3, 2023, at 8:00 p.m.
Saturday, November 4, 2023, at 8:00 p.m.
Sunday, November 5, 2023, at 2:30 p.m.
James Gaffigan, conductor
Bomsori Kim, violin (debut)
WOLFGANG AMADEUS MOZART: Symphony No. 41 in C major, K. 551, "Jupiter"
PIOTR ILYICH TCHAIKOVSKY: Concerto in D major for Violin and Orchestra, Opus 35
MAURICE RAVEL: La Valse
Conductor James Gaffigan returns to Pittsburgh for a weekend that includes one of Mozart’s most popular symphonies (“Jupiter”) and Ravel’s tone poem La Valse, which swirls with brightness and intensity. Internationally recognized as one of the most dynamic violinists of today, Bomsori Kim makes her Pittsburgh debut with Tchaikovsky’s violin concerto, one of classical music’s most celebrated—and challenging.
BNY Mellon Grand Classics 5: THANKSGIVING WITH THE SYMPHONY
Friday, November 24, 2023, at 8:00 p.m.
Sunday, November 26, 2023, at 2:30 p.m.
Manfred Honeck, conductor
Randall Goosby, violin (debut)
ERICH KORNGOLD: Concerto in D major for Violin and Orchestra, Opus 35
SARAH GIBSON: to make this mountain taller – PITTSBURGH PREMIERE
Strauss family waltzes and polkas
American violinist Randall Goosby, the youngest recipient ever to win the Sphinx Concerto Competition, makes his Pittsburgh debut performing Korngold’s cinematic concerto. Manfred Honeck leads his annual Thanksgiving weekend of Strauss family favorites, and the Pittsburgh premiere of “to make this mountain taller,” by Sarah Gibson, the Los Angeles based composer and pianist whose work has been described as “beautifully orchestrated music” (Bachtrack).
BNY Mellon Grand Classics 6: BRAHMS’ REQUIEM
Friday, December 1, 2023, at 8:00 p.m.
Sunday, December 3, 2023, at 2:30 p.m.
Manfred Honeck, conductor
Behzod Abduraimov, piano
Elena Villalón, soprano (debut)
to be announced, baritone
Mendelssohn Choir of Pittsburgh
ĒRIKS EšENVALDS: Lux Aeterna - PITTSBURGH PREMIERE
WOLFGANG AMADEUS MOZART: Concerto No. 20 in D minor for Piano and Orchestra, K. 466
JOHANNES BRAHMS: Ein deutsches Requiem (A German Requiem), Opus 45
The Mendelsohn Choir of Pittsburgh opens the program with Latvian composer Ēriks Ešenvalds’ “harmonically-melodic painting” of the serene moment when light streams through stained-glass windows of a church. The deeply musical Behzod Abduraimov returns to Pittsburgh with Mozart’s dark and striking Piano Concerto No. 2. Under the baton of Manfred Honeck, Johannes Brahms’ Requiem (Brahms wrote that, “I would very gladly omit the ‘German’ and simply put ‘of Mankind’ “) offers remarkable music of solace and comfort.
BNY Mellon Grand Classics 7: PICTURES AT AN EXHIBITION
Friday, January 12, 2024, at 8:00 p.m.
Saturday, January 13, 2024, at 8:00 p.m.
Sunday, January 14, 2024, at 2:30 p.m.
Petr Popelka, conductor (debut)
Yulianna Avdeeva, piano
BOHUSLAV MARTINU: Thunderbolt P-47 - PITTSBURGH PREMIERE
SERGEI PROKOFIEV: Concerto No. 3 in C major for Piano and Orchestra, Opus 26
MODEST MUSSORGSKY: Pictures at an Exhibition
Currently Chief Conductor of the Norwegian Radio Orchestra, conductor and composer Petr Popelka makes his Pittsburgh debut on a program with speed, inspiration and excitement. Written by Popelka’s fellow Czech countryman and World War II émigré Bohuslav Martinu, Thunderbolt P-47 is inspired by the World War II American fighter jet and the brave pilots who flew them. Virtuoso Yulianna Avdeeva returns with showcase pieces for piano.
BNY Mellon Grand Classics 8: BARBER & BARTOK
Friday, January 26, 2024, at 8:00 p.m.
Sunday, January 28, 2024, at 2:30 p.m.
Juraj Valčuha, conductor
Alexi Kenney, violin
NICO MUHLY: Bright Idea - PITTSBURGH PREMIERE
SAMUEL BARBER: Concerto for Violin and Orchestra, Opus 14
BÉLA BARTÓK: Concerto for Orchestra
Composed in Pennsylvania by a Pennsylvanian, Samuel Barber’s beloved violin concerto is brought to life by Alexi Kenney, a Pittsburgh audience favorite known for his insightful and artistic interpretations. Conductor Juraj Valčuha leads the Pittsburgh premiere of contemporary American composer Nico Muhly’s sparkling Bright Idea, and Bartok’s popular Concerto for Orchestra, which treats the single orchestral instruments in a virtuostic way.
BNY Mellon Grand Classics 9: PROKOFIEV’S ROMEO & JULIET
Friday, February 9, 2024, at 8:00 p.m.
Saturday, February10, 2024, at 8:00 p.m.
Sunday, February 11, 2024, at 2:30 p.m.
Manfred Honeck, conductor
Alexandre Kantorow, piano (debut)
NANCY GALBRAITH: Tormenta del Sur – PITTSBURGH PREMIERE
FRANZ LISZT: Concerto No. 2 in A major for Piano and Orchestra
SERGEI PROKOFIEV: Suite from Romeo and Juliet, Opus 64
French pianist Alexandre Kantorow (“Liszt reincarnated” said Fanfare) makes his Pittsburgh debut with Liszt’s Concerto. Kantorow won the first price, gold medal and Grand Prix at the 16th International Tchaikovsky Competition. Manfred Honeck leads the program which also includes the Pittsburgh premiere of Pittsburgh based composer Nancy Galbraith’s Tormenta del Sur, and Prokofiev’s Suite from Romeo and Juliet that will be a theatrical dramatization, realized with a lighting designer and actors.
BNY Mellon Grand Classics 10: DVOŘÁK’S SEVENTH SYMPHONY
Friday, February 16, 2024, at 8:00 p.m.
Sunday, February 18, 2024, at 2:30 p.m.
Manfred Honeck, conductor
Pablo Ferrández, cello (debut)
KATHERINE BALCH: New Work – WORLD PREMIERE & CO-COMMISSION
DMITRI SHOSTAKOVICH: Concerto No. 1 in E-flat major for Cello and Orchestra, Opus 107
ANTONIN DVOŘÁK: Symphony No. 7 in D minor, Opus 70
Spanish cellist Pablo Ferrández, hailed as a “new cello genius” (Le Figaro), makes his Pittsburgh debut with the Shostakovich concerto for cello and orchestra known for its complexity. Manfred Honeck leads the weekend with the premiere of a new work by Katherine Balch, the American composer and academic whose work has been commissioned and performed by orchestras around the world. This piece is a co-commission with the New York Philharmonic.
BNY Mellon Grand Classics 11: RACHMANINOFF’S SECOND PIANO CONCERTO
Friday, March 1, 2024, at 8:00 p.m.
Sunday, March 3, 2024, at 2:30 p.m.
Pablo Heras-Casado, conductor
Yunchan Lim, piano (debut)
MAURICE RAVEL: Pavane pour une infante défunte (“Pavane for a Dead Princess”)
SERGEI RACHMANINOFF: Concerto No. 2 in C minor for Piano and Orchestra, Opus 18
MANUEL DE FALLA: The Three-Cornered Hat (Complete Ballet)
In 2022, Yuncham Lim became the youngest person ever to win gold at the prestigious Van Cliburn International Piano competition. He makes his Pittsburgh debut with Rachmaninoff’s luminous Concerto No. 2 for piano and orchestra. Under the baton of Pablo Heras-Casado, the weekend also features Ravel’s nostalgic Pavane and de Dalla’s sunny The Three-Cornered Hat.
BNY Mellon Grand Classics 12: BERNSTEIN’S SERENADE
Friday, March 15, 2024, at 8:00 p.m.
Sunday, March 17, 2024, at 2:30 p.m.
Dalia Stasevska, conductor (debut)
James Ehnes, violin
EINOJUHANI RAUTAVAARA: Cantus Arcticus, Opus 61, "Concerto for Birds and Orchestra"
LEONARD BERNSTEIN: Serenade (after Plato's Symposium) for Violin and Orchestra
JEAN SIBELIUS: Symphony No. 5 in E-flat major, Opus 82
In a highly her highly anticipated debut, the charismatic Ukrainian conductor Dalia Stasevska leads a colorful program of works that explores Finnish masters Rautavaara and Sibelius. Pittsburgh also welcomes back James Ehnes, one of the most sough-after violinists on the international stage, to perform Bernstein’s Serenade, whose five movements are inspired by the seven distinguished speakers in Plato’s Symposium.
BNY Mellon Grand Classics 13: HILARY HAHN PLAYS CARMEN FANTASY
Friday, March 22, 2024, at 8:00 p.m.
Saturday, March 23, 2024, at 8:00 p.m.
Sunday, March 24, 2024, at 2:30 p.m.
Juanjo Mena, conductor
Hilary Hahn, violin
JAMES LEE III: Sukkot Through Orion's Nebula – PITTSBURGH PREMIERE
ALBERTO GINASTERA: Violin Concerto, Opus 31 – PITTSBURGH PREMIERE
PABLO DE SARASATE: Fantasy on Bizet's Carmen for Violin and Orchestra, Opus 25
EDWARD ELGAR: Variations on an Original Theme, Opus 36 Enigma Variations
Superstar violinist Hilary Hahn returns to Pittsburgh for the first time in more than a decade, to brilliantly bring to life Ginastera’s violin concerto and Sarasate’s Carmen Fantasy. Under the baton of the thrilling conductor Juanjo Mena, the also weekend features two Pittsburgh premieres, and Elgar’s Enigma Variations.
BNY Mellon Grand Classics 14: NIELSON’S “INEXTINGUISHABLE” SYMPHONY
Friday, April 5, 2024, at 8:00 p.m.
Sunday, April 7, 2024, at 2:30 p.m.
Osmo Vänskä, conductor
Jean-Yves Thibaudet, piano
JOHANN SEBASTIAN BACH (arr. Skrowaczewski): Toccata and Fugue in D minor, BWV 565
CAMILLE SAINT-SAËNS: Concerto No. 5 in F major for Piano and Orchestra, Opus 103, "Egyptian"
CARL NIELSEN: Symphony No. 4, Opus 29, "The Inextinguishable”
In a dynamic pairing, conductor Osmo Vänskä and piano virtuoso Jean-Yves Thibaudet return to Pittsburgh for a program of lyricism, melodies, intensity, and drama that traverses multiple centuries and continents. Of his fourth symphony, Danish composer Carl Nielsen said that his work speaks to “that which is inextinguishable…the elemental will to live.”
BNY Mellon Grand Classics 15: LISZT’S DANTE SYMPHONY
Friday, April 19, 2024, at 8:00 p.m.
Sunday, April 21, 2024, at 2:30 p.m.
Manfred Honeck, conductor
Leif Ove Andsnes, piano
Women of the Mendelssohn Choir of Pittsburgh
SERGEI RACHMANINOFF: Concerto No. 3 in D minor for Piano and Orchestra, Opus 30
FRANZ LISZT: Dante Symphony – PITTSBURGH PREMIERE
Music Director Manfred Honeck leads the Pittsburgh premiere of Liszt’s Dante Symphony, a metaphorical ascension from the depths of hell to the heights of heaven. The Pittsburgh Symphony will be joined on this piece by the glorious voices of the Women of the Mendelssohn Choir of Pittsburgh. Known for his commanding technique and searching interpretations, Leif Ove Andsnes performs the “Everest” of all of Rachmaninoff’s piano concertos.
BNY Mellon Grand Classics 16: MOUSSA & BRUCKNER
Friday, April 26, 2024, at 8:00 p.m.
Saturday, April 27, 2024, at 8:00 p.m.
Sunday, April 28, 2024, at 2:30 p.m.
Manfred Honeck, conductor
SAMY MOUSSA: New Work – WORLD PREMIERE & COMMISSION
ANTON BRUCKNER: Symphony No. 8 in C minor (1890 revised version)
Manfred Honeck leads a program focused on two works and two composers separated in time by more than one hundred years, yet are joined in their change-making compositions. Canadian composer and conductor Samy Moussa’s works have been commissioned and performed by leading orchestras around the world. Bruckner’s magnificent eighth symphony has everything that makes for a thrilling symphonic experience. This weekend’s concerts will be recorded for future CD release.
BNY Mellon Grand Classics 17: GERSHWIN & MARSALIS
Friday, May 17, 2024, at 8:00 p.m.
Sunday, May 19, 2024, at 2:30 p.m.
Stéphane Denève, conductor
Nicola Benedetti, violin
FRANCIS POULENC: Suite from Les biches (The Does) – PITTSBURGH PREMIERE
GEORGE GERSHWIN: An American in Paris
WYNTON MARSALIS: Violin Concerto – PITTSBURGH PREMIERE
French conductor Stéphane Denève and violin virtuoso Nicola Benedetti return to Pittsburgh and join forces for exceptional works by two American iconic masters, George Gershwin and Wynton Marsalis. The Marsalis violin concerto was written especially for the Scottish Benedetti and has both raucus and intimate moments. In 2020, Benedetti won the Grammy for Best Classical Instrumental Solo for her recording of this concerto. The weekend also includes the Pittsburgh premiere of Poulenc’s Suite from Les biches (The Does), a one-act ballet to music.
BNY Mellon Grand Classics 18: DUKAS & TCHAIKOVSKY
Friday, May 31, 2024, at 8:00 p.m.
Sunday, June 2, 2024, at 2:30 p.m.
Vasily Petrenko, conductor
Benjamin Grosvenor, piano
PAUL DUKAS: The Sorcerer's Apprentice
FRANZ LISZT: Concerto No. 1 in E-flat major for Piano and Orchestra
PIOTR ILYICH TCHAIKOVSKY: Manfred Symphony, Opus 58
Conductor Vasily Petrenko leads one of the classic symphony-as-storybook works with Dukas’ The Sorceror’s Apprentice, made globally famous in Walt Disney’s movie Fantasia. Also with literary roots, Tchaikovsky’s Manfred Symphony is based on Lord Byron’s dramatic poem with supernatural elements. Piano virtuoso Benjamin Grosvenor (“…makes you sigh with joy..The New York Times) performs Liszt’s Piano Concerto No. 1, an innovative showpiece.
BNY Mellon Grand Classics 19: MAHLER’S FIFTH SYMPHONY
Friday, June 7, 2024, at 8:00 p.m.
Saturday, June 8, 2024, at 8:00 p.m.
Sunday, June 9, 2024, at 2:30 p.m.
Manfred Honeck, conductor
Cynthia Koledo DeAlmeida, oboe
William Caballero, horn
JESSIE MONTGOMERY: Coincident Dances – PITTSBURGH PREMIERE
MICHAEL DAUGHERTY: Double Concerto for Oboe and Horn – WORLD PREMIERE & COMMISSION
GUSTAV MAHLER: Symphony No. 5 in C-sharp minor
Manfred Honeck returns to Pittsburgh for a double premiere weekend, including a Pittsburgh symphony commission by Michael Daugherty written expressly for Pittsburgh principals Cynthia Koledo DeAlmedia, oboe, and William Caballero, horn, each of whom have been the Pittsburgh principal for more than three decades. The program is bookended by Jessie Montgomery’s Coincident Dances, inspired by the multicultural sounds of New York neighborhoods, and Mahler’s Symphony No. 5, known for its counterpoint and a highly distinctive trumpet solo that opens the work.
BNY Mellon Grand Classics 20: FIFTEEN & FIREBIRD
Friday, June 14, 2024, at 8:00 p.m.
Saturday, June 15, 2024, at 8:00 p.m.
Sunday, June 16, 2024, at 2:30 p.m.
Manfred Honeck, conductor
Yefim Bronfman, piano
MICHAEL DAUGHERTY: Fifteen: Symphonic Fantasy on the Art of Andy Warhol
LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN: Concerto No. 4 in G major for piano and orchestra
IGOR STRAVINSKY: Suite from The Firebird (1919 revision)
The BNY Mellon Grand Classics 2023-2024 season closes with Manfred Honeck leading a program of colorful creations and symphonic masterpieces. Beloved superstar pianist Yefim Bronfman returns to perform Beethoven’s fourth piano concerto, which begins in an innovate way and continues with lyrical passages to a brilliant climax. Michael Daugherty’s Fifteen, a PSO commission and world premiere in 2022 in celebration of the Orchestra’s 125th anniversary, is an ode to Pittsburgh icon Andy Warhol. The program closes with Stravinsky’s Firebird, perhaps the ultimate Russian fairy tale ballet, with music of stunning brilliance. Both the Daugherty and the Stravinsky will be recorded for future CD release.
PNC POPS, HIGHMARK HOLIDAY POPS AND FILMS IN CONCERT
All concerts take place at Heinz Hall.
PNC Pops 1: DISNEY: THE SOUND OF MAGIC
Friday, October 13, 2023, at 8:00 p.m.
Saturday, October 14, 2023, at 8:00 p.m.
Sunday, October 15, 2023, at 2:30 p.m.
Moon Doh, conductor
Join The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra for Disney: The Sound of Magic, a symphonic celebration of Disney music, animation, and memories — 100 years in the making! Your favorite characters and soundtracks from the Walt Disney Animation Studios and Disney Parks come to life on the concert hall stage and big screen in a live-to-film concert like never before. Performed live by a symphony orchestra, this new concert takes you on a magic carpet ride through the most memorable song, score, and movie moments of the first 100 years of The Walt Disney Company, including Peter Pan, Moana, Aladdin, The Jungle Book, Frozen, The Lion King, Fantasia, Encanto, Disney Parks classics, and more.
PNC Pops 2: CIRQUE CARNIVAL
Friday, November 10, 2023, at 8:00 p.m.
Saturday, November 11, 2023, at 8:00 p.m.
Sunday, November 12, 2023, at 2:30 PM
Byron Stripling, conductor
Troupe Vertigo
It’s a concert experience where reality bends, expectations twist and the body embraces imagination. Troupe Vertigo, a group of expert circus performers, joins the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra to astound and amaze audiences of all ages. Prepare to be amazed by stunning physical feats by aerialists, acrobats and strongmen all choreographed into live works of art in front of and above the Orchestra.
Pops 3: HIGHMARK HOLIDAY POPS
Friday, December 15, 2024, at 8:00 p.m.
Saturday, December 16, 2023, at 8:00 p.m.
Sunday, December 17, 2023, at 2:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.
Thursday, December 21, 2023, at 7:30 PM
Friday, December 22, 2023, at 8:00 p.m.
Saturday, December 23, 2023, at 2:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.
Daniel Meyer, conductor
Mendelssohn Choir of Pittsburgh
It's the most wonderful time of the year! Jingle all the way to Heinz Hall to hear all your favorite holiday music! Bring the whole family to experience Pittsburgh's holiday tradition with the Mendelssohn Choir of Pittsburgh and Santa Claus, too!
PNC Pops 4: FIDDLER ON THE ROOF
Friday, February 23, 2024, at 8:00 p.m.
Saturday, February 24, 2024, at 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, February 25, 2024, at 2:30 p.m.
Andy Einhorn, conductor
Hamlisch-Page Student Choir
With nine Tony awards including Best Musical, Fiddler on the Roof sang and danced its way into America's heart in 1964, becoming an instant classic. Now experience John Williams’ phenomenal film adaptation score that won his first Academy Award. This concert is in collaboration with the Pittsburgh CLO.
PNC Pops 5: FASCINATIN’ RHYTHM: A GERSHWIN CELEBRATION
Friday, April 12, 2024, at 8:00 p.m.
Saturday, April 13, 2024, at 8:00 p.m.
Sunday, April 14, 2024, at 2:30 p.m.
Byron Stripling, conductor
Sydney McSweeney, vocalist
Bobby Floyd, keyboard
Charles Albright, piano
Celebrate George Gershwin’s 125th birthday with Byron! Featuring popular Gershwin favorites like “Someone To Watch Over Me,” “The Man I Love,” “I’ve Got Rhythm,” “Our Love Is Here To Stay” and “They Can’t Take That Away From Me." Byron is joined by the singing sensation Sydney McSweeney and highlights the orchestra with “Cuban Overture,” “Strike Up the Band” and “Rhapsody in Blue.”
PNC Pops 6: MUSIC OF THE KNIGHTS
Friday, May 10, 2024, at 8:00 p.m.
Saturday, May 11, 2024, at 8:00 p.m.
Sunday, May 12, 2024, at 2:30 PM
Stuart Chafetz, conductor
Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber, Sir Elton John and Sir Paul McCartney are not only honorary knights - they also happen to be three of the most successful songwriters of all time with careers spanning over six decades. Now, relive some of the best hits that the legendary performers/composers created. Highlights include "Can you Feel the Love Tonight," “The Phantom of the Opera," Circle of Life," “Hey Jude,” and "Memory."
Pops 7: LET'S GROOVE TONIGHT: MOTOWN & THE PHILLY SOUND
Friday, June 21, 2024, at 8:00 p.m.
Saturday, June 22, 2024, at 8:00 p.m.
Sunday, June 23, 2024, at 2:30 p.m.
Byron Stripling, conductor
Chester Gregory, vocalist
Ashley Jayy, vocalist
Brik Liam, vocalist
Magic melodies come to life as the pop, soul and R&B sounds of Motown and the famous hits from the Philly Sound face off in this exciting concert experience. Led by Broadway superstar Chester Gregory (who was last on the Heinz Hall stage in June 2022 with the Music of Motown) and vocal powerhouses Ashley Jayy and Brik Liam, this incredible evening is full of hit songs made famous by Earth, Wind & Fire, The Spinners, The Stylistics, The Temptations, Marvin Gaye, Lou Rawls, Diana Ross, Gamble & Huff and Percy Sledge. Philly Sound hit songs including “Ain't No Stopping Us Now,” “You'll Never Find A Love Like Mine,” ”Love Train” and “You Make Me Feel Brand New” share the stage with Motown smash hits including “What's Going On,” “I Heard It Through The Grapevine,” “I'm Gonna’ Make You Love Me” and “I'm Coming Out.”
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