Music Director Manfred Honeck will be staying with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra for a while. In fact, he’ll be with the PSO for a longer tenure than anyone in his role ever has before.

Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra’s Music Director Manfred Honeck’s Contract Renewed Through 2032-33 Season

At a press conference on Wednesday afternoon, the PSO announced that Honeck’s contract had been renewed through the symphony’s 2032-33 season. It’s an extension that will extend the music director’s run to the 25-year mark. According to the symphony, that’s the longest reign for a music director in the PSO’s 131-year history.

“At a time when the average tenure of a music director is around 7 years, to celebrate a 25-year-old partnership is truly rare,” PSO President and CEO Melia Tourangeau said at the press conference. “It speaks to trust and ambition — and we are ambitious.”

Among Honeck’s achievements is a revitalization of the PSO’s efforts in recorded releases; the Pittsburgh Live! series, which was developed under his tenure, has resulted in three Grammy awards and an additional nine nominations. Honeck has also deepened the symphony’s relationship with other local arts and educational organizations. Not to mention he expanded its international footprint, including several well-received European tours.

A Long and Fruitful Relationship

“I remember back in 2007, I walked down those stairs when I was presented as the new music director of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. It was a moment full of excitement and joy,” Honeck told reporters and organizational partners on Wednesday afternoon. “Today, the orchestra is a different one; there are so many young musicians … they all became part of a living history.

“What do I most love about this orchestra? It sounds warm and precise, and its dynamic range is impressive. There is so much passion … It is truly one of the best orchestras in the world, and I know because I stand in front of the others, too.”

The announcement was met with enthusiastic applause and plenty of laudatory comments — other speakers at the press conference included Mayor Corey O’Connor (who shared a proclamation declaring today Manfred Honeck Day in the city of Pittsburgh), PSO Board Chair Tony Bucci and Concertmaster David McCarroll. Immediately, however, it’s business as usual for the PSO, who are in the midst of a varied season. This weekend, they’ll present the work of several American composers, culminating in Aaron Copland’s Lincoln Portrait, which will feature guest narration from Oscar winner F. Murray Abraham.

The PSO will also make its regular appearance at the Dollar Bank Three Rivers Arts Festival. This Saturday afternoon, conductor Jacob Joyce will lead the PSO through an al fresco program including Mozart, Tchaikovsky and more.

“It’s an honor for me to be a part of this success story,” Honeck said. “But this journey of excellence continues.”

Story and Photo by Sean Collier