2026 International Tour
2026 European Tour
August 26 – September 10
13 Concerts
9 Cities
6 Countries
4 Guest Soloists
45th International Tour
14th with Honeck
13 Concerts Across Europe
August 26–September 10 · Italy, Austria, Poland, Germany, Switzerland & the Netherlands
From August 26 to September 10, 2026, the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra returns to Europe for a 13-concert tour across six countries and nine cities, the orchestra's 45th international tour in its history. Led by Music Director Manfred Honeck, the PSO will appear at many of Europe's most prestigious venues and festivals, including the Salzburg Festival, the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam, the Elbphilharmonie in Hamburg, and the Vienna Konzerthaus. Featuring internationally acclaimed guest artists and a program that includes Dvořák's Symphony No. 9, "From the New World" and Shostakovich's Symphony No. 5, the tour continues the PSO's long tradition of international touring as a cultural ambassador for Pittsburgh.
Tour Highlights
- The PSO is the only American orchestra appearing at the Salzburg Festival as part of the tour.
- The orchestra will open the season at several notable European venues, including Elbphilharmonie Hamburg, Cologne's Philharmonie, Amsterdam's Concertgebouw, Essen's Philharmonie, and Vienna Konzerthaus.
- The PSO's Lucerne Festival appearance with Anne-Sophie Mutter celebrates the 50th anniversary of her public debut in Lucerne.
- The tour features two-night performances at four of the most prestigious venues in Europe: Warsaw, Hamburg, Lucerne and Vienna.
Featured Artists
Live Stream
Watch the Livestream
Tune in at 2PM on September 1 to hear the PSO perform live at Hamburg's Elbphilharmonie. The concert will remain available for streaming at the link.
European Travelogue
Follow the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra on tour this summer. Check back in August for behind-the-scenes updates, musician stories, and travel highlights from across Europe.
WQED Coverage
Follow WQED's coverage of our 2026 European Tour with Jim Cunningham
Media Kit
For press inquiries or materials, contact Keene Carter, Senior Manager of Communications, at kcarter@pittsburghsymphony.org.
Repertoire highlights: Dvořák Symphony No. 9; Shostakovich Symphony No. 5; Brahms Piano Concerto No. 1; Rachmaninoff Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini; John Adams Short Ride in a Fast Machine; Carlos Simon Four Black American Dances; Barber Violin Concerto; Penderecki Metamorphosen and Violin Concerto No. 2; Szymanowski Konzert-ouverture; Schulhoff/Honeck/Ille Five Pieces.
PSO Touring History
The PSO's first international tour was to Mexico in 1947 under Fritz Reiner. In 1964, the U.S. Department of State selected the orchestra for an 80-day tour of Europe and the Middle East. In 2004, the PSO became the first American orchestra to perform for Pope John Paul II at the Vatican.