Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 23, 2024

Media Contacts: 

Cally Jamis Vennare, Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, cvennare@pittsburghsymphony.org
Saul Markowitz, Markowitz Communications, 412-977-8517, saul@markowitzcommunications.com

PITTSBURGH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
RELEASES FINDINGS FROM ECONOMIC IMPACT STUDY

Study finds that Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra
generates $125 million in economic impact and sustains 1900 jobs annually

PITTSBURGH, PA— The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra (PSO) today released the results of an independent study of its economic impact on Pittsburgh and the surrounding region. The study was conducted by a respected international consulting firm during the Orchestra’s Fiscal Year 2023/24 Season. Driven by a commitment to unparalleled live musical experiences, community collaborations, and educational programming, the study reveals the PSO’s impact beyond its rich history and legacy of artistic excellence and concludes that the Pittsburgh Symphony generates $125 million in economic impact and sustains 1900 jobs annually.

With an annual budget of $33 million, PSO’s $125 million in regional impact equates to an almost 4:1 return on each dollar spent (higher than comparable metropolitan orchestras included in the study). The research findings also concluded that PSO attracts more visitors to Pittsburgh’s Cultural District than all other arts producing organizations combined. “As Pittsburgh’s cultural ambassador around the world, it’s important to note that this four-fold return extends well beyond our city and region,” said Marty Bates, Executive VP and COO, Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. “PSO European tours, internationally acclaimed recordings, and live radio streams showcase Pittsburgh’s excellence to audiences far beyond our city. That’s a powerful return on investment for our patrons, donors, business partners, and the community-at-large.”

Additionally, the study highlighted PSO’s educational impact, with PSO-affiliated musicians having taught in over 75 higher education institutions worldwide and currently supporting $12 million in local higher education spending impact. PSO musicians also mentor and teach students in youth performance groups and community schools, resulting in over $1.3 million in music-learning spend and contributing to students' success in the classroom.

“As the needs and expectations of society evolve, great orchestras like the Pittsburgh Symphony are constantly innovating to engage current and new audiences, to elevate the music learning ecosystem, and to enrich every life with great music. This study clearly shows the value of that innovation,” said Melia Tournageau, President & CEO, Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. “I couldn’t be prouder of the sizeable economic and cultural impact that PSO generates each year by bringing the power of live music to 250,000 individuals, as well as the significant educational impact associated with PSO-affiliated musicians teaching and mentoring the next generation of musicians and music-lovers.”

After concluding that the Orchestra is responsible for $125 million in spending across Pittsburgh and the region, the report also determined that PSO sustains 1900 jobs annually in the Pittsburgh MSA, almost 7 times its direct base of 275 employees. PSO also attracts and retains 32% of the region’s resident, full-time professional performing artists — more than any other Pittsburgh arts producing organization.

“Although many Pittsburghers value Pittsburgh Symphony’s musical significance, our economic and educational impacts are undeniable,” added Anthony L. Bucci, Board Chair, Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, and Chairman, 9Rooftops. “Pittsburgh Symphony plays a vital role in our community on stage and off: as an economic engine for job creation and retention, through patron spend on PSO and Heinz Hall concerts, and through the passionate work of PSO musicians who contribute to the educational impact and economic vitality of our city and region.”

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE PSO ECONOMIC IMPACT REPORT

The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra has a significant impact on the local Pittsburgh community, both economically and culturally.

  • The PSO generates approximately $125 million in annual economic impact from a combination of patron spend on PSO/Heinz Hall concerts, and the educational and cultural impact of our community collaborations.
  • For every dollar spent by PSO, there is a $4 return to our community.
  • PSO’s impact per dollar generated is higher than comparable metropolitan orchestras.
  • PSO attracts more visitors to the Cultural District than all other arts producing organizations combined.

PSO is an economic engine for job creation and retention.

  • PSO sustains almost 1900 jobs annually in the Pittsburgh MSA, 7 times our direct employee base.
  • PSO attracts and retains 32% of the region’s resident, full-time artists – more than any other Pittsburgh producing organization.

PSO musicians are passionate about the vital role they play in enriching every life through music and positively impacting the economic vitality of our region.

  • PSO has a significant educational impact, with PSO-affiliated musicians teaching in our region’s education institutions and contributing $12 million in higher education spending impact.
  • PSO musicians also mentor and teach students in youth performance groups and community schools, resulting in over $1.3 million in music-learning spend and contributing to students' success in the classroom.
  • When PSO musicians relocate to Pittsburgh, 60% bring their talented partners who work across various organizations in the area and contribute to the livability and vibrance of our region.

ABOUT THE PITTSBURGH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA 
Now in its 128th season, the internationally acclaimed Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra (PSO) engages audiences of all ages through unparalleled live musical experiences, community collaborations, and educational programming that enrich every life with great music.

The GRAMMY® Award-winning symphony has been led by worldwide acclaimed Music Director Manfred Honeck since 2008. Past music directors have included many of the greats, including Fritz Reiner, William Steinberg, André Previn, Lorin Maazel, and Mariss Jansons. The Pittsburgh Symphony has a long and illustrious history in the areas of recordings and live radio broadcasts dating back to the 1930s. Lauded as the Pittsburgh region’s international cultural ambassador, the orchestra began touring in 1896 and has embarked on scores of domestic and international tours. Heinz Hall, PSO’s home located at 600 Penn Avenue in downtown Pittsburgh, is also owned and operated by the Pittsburgh Symphony. Follow the Pittsburgh Symphony online at pittsburghsymphony.org, on Facebook, on Instagram, and on YouTube.

 

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