The Pittsburgh Symphony began in 1898 under the direction of Victor Herbert. Herbert, well-known for his hugely popular comic operas, was the perfect director for an orchestra that intended to forge a connection with a varied audience of diverse music lovers, and continues to do so to this day.
Throughout the season, the Pittsburgh Symphony offers not just stellar performances, but also vibrant learning opportunities for the community. Teaming with public libraries in the area, Unlocking the Classics lectures are held throughout the year at various locations in the community to discuss the symphony and upcoming performance repertoire. Fiddlesticks Family Concerts, hosted by a “fiddlin’ feline,” is a fun way for young children (3–8) to experience classical music. The Symphony keeps its concerts accessible with great student and senior subscription rates (seniors 50% off; students $12/concert). As an extra convenience, local university students, staff, and faculty are able to purchase their tickets on campus.
Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra (PSO) Information
- Handicapped Accessibility: Good
- Performances/Programs: 162 per season
- Ticket Prices: Prices range from $15–$122.50. Student and senior Rush tickets are available two hours before most performances
- Group Discounts: Groups of 10 or more receive up to 25% off regular ticket prices for Bank of New York Mellon Grand Classics and PNC Pittsburgh Symphony Pops performances
- Subscriptions: Subscriptions are based on location and repertoire, beginning with the four-performance Grand Classic series and expanding to include packages with up to 22 concerts. Classic, Pops, Chamber Music, and Family subscriptions are among the PSO’s most popular offerings. Student subscriptions are available and cost only $12 per concert. Senior Sunday-matinée subscriptions are offered at 50% off the regular ticket price
- Membership: An Orchestra Club membership ($50) entitles members to receiveNoteworthy, the PSO’s patron newsletter with the latest on orchestral programs, current donor events, behind-the-scenes information, a limited-edition donor CD featuring the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra and an invitation to the Equitable Resources Donor Appreciation and Community Side-by-Side Concert
- Other Benefits: At higher donation levels, benefits include one private music lesson with a PSO musician, as well as the opportunity to attend a private salon event featuring the PSO Composer of the Year (for 2008: John Adams).
