Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra’s Music Director Manfred Honeck and Principal Pops Conductor Byron Stripling share the concerts they’re most looking forward to in 2024.
Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra Concerts in 2024
From Manfred Honeck
Opening Night Gala Honoring Itzhak Perlman
Heinz Hall, Downtown, September 21, 2024
Music is more than what you hear, it’s what you feel. And each of us seeks something special from the experience: exhilaration, peace, comfort, escape, and so much more. It’s hard to choose my favorite from an inspiring PSO season where every concert feels like a gala … but this one-night-only extravaganza featuring my dear friend, the legendary violinist Itzhak Perlman, and his film music favorites will be fantastic. Plus, there’ll be cocktails, dinner, and dessert to make our Opening Night Gala truly special!
Strauss and Puccini
Heinz Hall, Downtown, November 29 & December 1, 2024
This season we continue to open our doors to the new and unexpected! With 20 PSO Premieres, 11 PSO Artist Debuts, and 4 PSO Commissions/World Premieres, Pittsburgh Symphony will shine a bright light on the new stars of tomorrow—the “Yo-Yo Ma’s of the Future”—whose unique artistry and music-making are so exciting to me. That’s why I can’t wait to introduce Pittsburgh audiences to a superstar musician like saxophonist Steven Banks, who will join me for the PSO premiere of Tomasi’s Concerto for Alto Saxophone in an exquisite program also featuring works by Schubert, Puccini, and the Strauss Family.
From Bryon Stripling
PNC Pops, Twist and Shout: The Music of the Beatles—A Symphonic Experience
Heinz Hall, Downtown, October 5-6, 2024
Everyone loves the Beatles, and this show is next-level fun for all. From my favorite, “Yesterday” to other iconic hits including “Love Me Do,” “She Loves You,” “I Want to Hold Your Hand,” “Can’t Buy Me Love,” “A Hard Day’s Night,” “Eight Days a Week,” “Ticket to Ride,” and “Help,” these songs are the soundtrack of our lives!
Highmark Holiday Pops
Heinz Hall, Downtown, December 13-22, 2024
Each year, I can’t wait to take center stage with our superstar musicians and bring Pittsburghers together through the power of music. During the holidays, PSO’s special connection with our audience is particularly joyful and celebratory. And no holiday season is complete without Highmark Holiday Pop, featuring The Mendelssohn Choir, Mamie Parris, Santa, and other special guests—a Pittsburgh tradition that unites families and friends in spirit and voice during “the most wonderful time of the year.”
Story by Manfred Honeck and Byron Stripling / Photography by George Lange
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