Dreamweaver Marketing News, New Slant on Alice in Wonderland at EQT Bridge Theater Series and India in Focus

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact:
Show Publicist: Diana Roth, Communications Manager, 412-471-8717/Roth@TrustArts.org

Images available at: Pittsburgh Cultural Trust Press Room
Search name:  2015 Alice in Wonderland

PITTSBURGH CULTURAL TRUST ANNOUNCES

TRAM ARTS TRUST 
IN
ALICE IN WONDERLAND

PRESENTED AS PART OF
EQT BRIDGE THEATER SERIES & INDIA IN FOCUS

NOVEMBER 5-7, 2015 
TRUST ARTS EDUCATION CENTER | CULTURAL DISTRICT

Pittsburgh, PA—The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust announces Tram Arts Trust in Alice in Wonderland will take place on November 5 through November 7, 2015, at the Peirce Studio, Trust Arts Education Center, 805-807 Liberty Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15222.  This event is presented by the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust as part of the EQT Bridge Theater Series 2015-2016 inaugural season and India in Focus – a six week programmatic focus on the art and culture of India.

Performance times are: Friday, November 6 at 7:00 p.m. and Saturday, November 7 at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Tickets are available for student groups only to theThursday, November 5 and Friday, November 6 performances scheduled for 10:15 a.m.

Individual tickets ($12 at the door; $10.50 in advance) can be ordered online at www.TrustArts.org/Bridge, by calling 412-456-6666, or purchased in person at the Box Office at Theater Square, 655 Penn Avenue, Downtown Pittsburgh. Group tickets can be ordered by calling 412-471-6930.  Subscriptions and Flex Ticket Packages are available by calling 412-456-1390.

Tram Arts Trust production of Alice in Wonderland brings imaginative storytelling to the stage through the use of objects, puppets, shadows and actors.  Using Lewis Carroll’s classic novel as a base of reference, the story centers on four, bored individuals who enter a world of make believe. The Mumbai-based performers magically transform themselves and everyday objects into pure fantasy and nonsense. Experience Alice in Wonderland from a fresh, new perspective.   The show runs approximately 65 minutes, for ages 7 and older.

Tram Arts Trust’s Alice in Wonderland first premiered at the National Performing Arts Centre, Summer Fiesta Festival in May 2013.  Creative credits include concept and direction by Choiti Ghosh; script by Ruma Ghosh; music composition and live singing by Ronkini Gupta; songs written by Ruma Ghosh, Ronkini Gupta and Rachel D’Souza; lighting design and operation by Rahul Rai; sets by Dhanendra Kawade; production assistance by Purva Bhatt; stills and videography by Abhisar Bose; publicity and design by Karan Talwar.  The show is produced by Ramani Singanallor.  The touring company performers are Rakhi Prasad, Suraj Tomer, Vikas Baid and Choiti Ghosh.

Founded in 2011 in Mumbai, Tram Arts Trust practices and propagates object theater, an art form that owes its origins to puppet theater. Actor and Tram Arts Trust founder Choiti Ghosh was drawn to the world of puppetry and as a result, she became involved with Dehli’s esteemed Katkhatha Puppet Arts Trust. As Choiti continued to explore puppetry, she went on to study at the Institut Internationale de la Marrionnette in France. Following her training, Chioti established Tram Arts Trust which uses everyday objects to tell stories that enthrall audiences of all ages. 

For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/tramtheatre.

To view a video clip of Tram Theatre in Alice in Wonderland:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZaWAfY9oJtQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UCuFsn8XKuo

The EQT Bridge Theater Series, for ages 7 and up, expands upon the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust’s mission of bringing artistic opportunities to children of all ages through culturally diverse performances that will continue to engage young audiences through participation, encouragement of and respect for their creative ideas and develop their interest in the arts. For more information, visit www.TrustArts.org/Bridge.

Other programming part of the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust’s line of family programming includes
the Citizens Bank Children’s Theater Series and the EQT Children’s Theater Festival.  For more information, visit: www.TrustArts.org/Kids.

India in Focus
For six weeks this fall, September 25-November 8, 2015, through more than a dozen arts experiences, the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust brings into regional focus a selection of art and culture from the Republic of India.  The showcase features classic and contemporary styles in visual art, theater, dance, music, and more with work from globally-acclaimed artists, whose work is as diverse as India’s multi-faceted culture.  For more information, visit www.TrustArts.org/India. 

Pittsburgh Cultural Trust
The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust has overseen one of Pittsburgh’s most historic transformations: turning a seedy red-light district into a magnet destination for arts lovers, residents, visitors, and business owners. Founded in 1984, the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust is a non-profit arts organization whose mission is the cultural and economic revitalization of a 14-block arts and entertainment/residential neighborhood called the Cultural District. The District is one of the country’s largest land masses “curated” by a single nonprofit arts organization. A major catalytic force in the city, the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust is a unique model of how public-private partnerships can reinvent a city with authenticity, innovation and creativity. Using the arts as an economic catalyst, the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust has holistically created a world-renowned Cultural District that is revitalizing the city, improving the regional economy and enhancing Pittsburgh’s quality of life. Thanks to the support of foundations, corporations, government agencies and thousands of private citizens, the Cultural Trust stands as a national model of urban redevelopment through the arts. For more information, visit www.TrustArts.org.

Follow us on Twitter @CulturalTrust and like us on Facebook.

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Dreamweaver Marketing News: WQED’S NEW LOCAL SEASON KICKS OFF WITH THREE-PART SERIES ON PITTSBURGH’S REBIRTH AND CHALLENGES

WQED’S NEW LOCAL SEASON KICKS OFF WITH THREE-PART SERIES ON PITTSBURGH’S REBIRTH AND CHALLENGES

Primetime documentaries and direct-to-web content are showcased in new schedule

PITTSBURGH – WQED explores the new Pittsburgh, as well as the challenges of building a vibrant region for all in the three-part documentary series Renewal & Reality beginning October 22 at 8 pm on WQED-TV. Focusing on local communities in various stages of revival or renaissance, the programs point out not only the successes, but obstacles and concerns along the way.

The Renewal & Reality documentaries are part of WQED’s shift to showcasing local content in primetime, including a documentary series and other local specials premiering in the Thursday 8pm time slot.

“These programs have impact in the community and showcasing them in prime-time gives them greater exposure with a larger audience,” says Darryl Ford Williams, WQED’s Vice President of Content. “Viewers can be assured of interesting local content in that time period.”

WQED’s recent local documentaries including “Gun Violence: Victims and Voices for Change,” “Will’s Story: A Steeler’s Stand Against Domestic Violence,” Human Trafficking: Pittsburgh Fights Back,” “Portrayal & Perception,” “Finding Elizabeth’s Soldiers,” “Cresson,” “Rose’s Garden: Surviving My Mother’s Mental Illness,” “The Race to Save Pennsylvania’s Bats,” and many others have earned numerous Emmy® Awards and other local, regional and national accolades.

The new season of local content also launches the seventh season of Filmmakers Corner with host Minette Seate; new episodes of WQED’s locally-produced, nationally-distributed and Emmy® winning iQ: smartparent; a documentary and direct-to-web content on living with mental illness; a documentary on the economic impact of Pittsburgh’s place in the entertainment industry; and a direct-to-web series on Pittsburgh’s vibrant music scene.  A new weekly local program at 7:30pm is in development for a January 2016 premiere with details to be announced at the end of 2015.

Below are highlights of the new season through December:

Renewal & Reality: Has the Smoke Cleared? (documentary)

explorepahistory.com, Credit: Image Donated by Corbis-Bettmann

Smokestacks from factory in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, belch black smoke into the atmosphere.

Premieres Thursday, October 22 at 8pm and rebroadcasts Monday, October 26 at 7:30pm.
Neighborhoods in Pittsburgh are growing.  More young adults are moving into the city, attracted by low housing costs, arts, culture and a trendy food scene. The city tops national lists on livability. But despite the high rankings, Pittsburgh lags in diversity and air quality. And some critics worry that a trendier Pittsburgh will drive up the cost of living and displace people with lower incomes. This program spotlights the positives in communities including Lawrenceville, Manchester and Larimer, while exploring possible ramifications of the negatives.

Renewal & Reality: Rebuilding Braddock  (documentary)

Premieres Thursday, October 29, 2015 at 8pm, encores Monday, November 2 at 7:30pm

Braddock was once a vibrant steel town with a population of more than 20,000. Today, fewer than 2,200 people live there. Enter a team of community leaders and investors determined to spark new life. As the borough struggles to rebound from unemployment, poverty, crime and the devastating loss of its hospital, there are signs of revitalization and hope. But who benefits from the rebirth? This program explores Braddock through the eyes of residents and those working hard for change. 

en.wikipedia.org

Condemned houses in Braddock, 2009

Renewal & Reality: Why Not Wilkinsburg? (documentary)

Premieres Thursday, November 5, 2015 at 8pm, encores Monday, November 9 at 7:30pm.

With a thriving main street, dozens of churches, and a prosperous middle class, Wilkinsburg was once among Pittsburgh's most popular suburbs. But changing times, a failing economy and crime damaged the borough and its citizens. Wilkinsburg is among many local communities fighting to come back – but it faces unique challenges. Wilkinsburg is working on a long-term solution for its troubled middle-high school, but will it mean the end of Wilkinsburg High School? A referendum to bring liquor licenses into the long-dry borough has passed, but has also raised concerns. The borough’s revival attempts haven’t earned the same media attention as other turnaround neighborhoods like Braddock, East Liberty and Lawrenceville, so they’re fighting to tell their story. Economic development and the spirit of rediscovery are giving many neighborhoods a second chance.  So - why not Wilkinsburg?

Building Hollywood East (documentary)

Premieres Thursday, November 19 at 8pm, encores Monday, November 23 at 7:30pm.

Movie making in Pittsburgh boomed in recent years. But now that many other states have film tax credits, production here is starting to slow. Now there’s a new approach to moving the entertainment economy forward. But it now goes way beyond movies. From gaming and technology to graphics and special effects, you might be surprised at what’s already in place here, and how it could help Pittsburgh become a more powerful media hub. From the film tax debate to retaining young talent, this program explores the next steps in building Hollywood East.

Living With Mental Illness Campaign

WQED is embarking on a multi-platform project that explores behavioral health issues in collaboration with Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield.  It features a direct-to-web vignette series and a thirty-minute documentary on anxiety.

Bundle of Nerves: Our Anxiety Epidemic (documentary)
Premieres  Thursday, December 3 at 8pm, encores Monday December 7 at 7:30pm.
Anxiety is among the most common, yet under-reported of all behavioral health issues. Forty million Americans suffer from anxiety and panic disorders – overwhelming worrying resulting in physical symptoms such as pounding heart, chest pain, shortness of breath and nausea.  Through personal stories of those affected, this documentary examines the causes, diagnosis, prevention and treatment. It also spotlights innovative initiatives that explore the issue in vulnerable populations, such as efforts to address anxiety disorders among Carnegie Mellon University students.
Living With Mental Illness Webisodes
People living with bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, depression and obsessive compulsive disorder share their personal stories of challenge, treatment and quality of life. Experts on those illnesses discuss diagnosis, treatment and success stories.

Webisode Premieres:
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder – online now at www.wqed.org/mentalillness

Bipolar Disorder – Online now at www.wqed.org/mentalillness
Depression – Online Monday, October 26
Schizophrenia – Online Monday, November 30

Filmmakers Corner.  Saturdays at 9pm beginning November 14

The seventh season of Filmmakers Corner premieres with host Minette Seate showcasing two new works that made their debut at WQED’s first ever outdoor Movie Night in September.

iQ: smartparent: Learning with GamesPremieres Thursday, November 12 at 8:30pm

iQ: smartparent: The Maker Movement in SchoolsPremieres Thursday, November 19 at 8pm

iQ: smartparent: Girls and MediaPremieres Thursday, December 17 at 8pm

WQED Sessions (direct to web)

Premieres at www.wqed.org in early November, with new installments every two weeks.

A series of webisodes exploring Pittsburgh’s vibrant and eclectic music scene.  Each installment showcases a stand-out performance by an artist or band and includes interviews with the performers.

Live From Nied’s Hotel (documentary)

Premieres Thursday, December 10 at 8pm and rebroadcasts Monday, December 14 at 7:30pm.

It doesn’t look like much from the outside, but inside Nied’s Hotel in Lawrenceville has evolved from a friendly neighborhood tavern to an entertainment destination.  Country performer Slim Forsythe weaves viewers through this engaging musical program featuring the Beagle Brothers, Molly Alphabet and Slim, both onstage and off.

Portrayal & Perception, a groundbreaking 12-part documentary series that offers alternative portrayals of African American men and boys than are commonly found in commercial media, will rebroadcast beginning in December on Thursdays at 7:30pm.

About WQED

WQED Pittsburgh has a proud history of honors, including 151 National and Mid-Atlantic Emmy® Awards, an Academy Award, and many, many others, including three Emmy® Awards for Station Excellence. WQED was founded in 1954 as the nation’s first community-supported broadcaster.  WQED changes lives by creating and sharing outstanding public media that educates, entertains, and inspires.  It is the parent company of WQED-TV (PBS); WQED World; WQED Create; WQED Showcase; Classical WQED-FM 89.3/Pittsburgh; Classical WQEJ-FM 89.7/Johnstown; the Pittsburgh Concert Channel at WQED-HD2 (89.3-2FM) and online at www.wqed.org/fm; local and national television and radio productions; WQED Interactive (www.wqed.org) and iQ: smartmedia, WQED’s Educational initiative (www.wqed.org/edu).

Dreamweaver Marketing News, Pittsburgh Opera opens its 77th season with NABUCCO, not seen here since 1973

For Immediate Release: September 16, 2015

Contact:

Debra L. Bell, Director of Marketing and Communications

Office: (412) 281-0912 ext 214 or dbell@pittsburghopera.org

Pittsburgh Opera brings back NABUCCO

The opera that made Verdi famous, not seen here since 1973

What:              Verdi’s epic NABUCCO   
Where:           Benedum Center for the Performing Arts, Downtown Pittsburgh

When:             Saturday, October 10, 8:00 p.m.  Tuesday, October 13, 7:00 p.m.

                        Friday, October 16, 7:30 p.m.*  Sunday, October 18, 2:00 p.m.

Run Time:      2 hours, 50 minutes, including 1 intermission

Language:     Sung in Italian with English texts projected above the stage

Tickets:          Start at $12 for all performances.

                  Call 412-456-6666 for more information or visit pittsburghopera.org

Note:              * 7:30 is the new start time for our Friday performances.

Related                 Opera Up Close; Market Square concerts; WQED Preview;

Events:           Meet the Artists; Audio Description. See page 4 of this release.

Pittsburgh, PA… Pittsburgh Opera opens its 77th season with a grand, traditional production of Verdi’s opera NABUCCO. On stage October 10, 13, 16, and 18, NABUCCO brings a fusion of epic scale and intimate family drama to the Benedum Center. Pittsburgh favorite Mark Delavan (seen here as Falstaff 2009, Scarpia/Tosca 2012, and Rigoletto 2013) stars as the troubled monarch, and rising star Csilla Boross takes the fiendishly difficult role of his treacherous daughter Abigaille, in her Pittsburgh debut. Music Director Antony Walker conducts the Pittsburgh Opera Orchestra and Chorus; Bernard Uzan is director and co-designer of the traditional set and its projections. Tickets start at $12.

NABUCCO is the opera that made Verdi famous, and rightly so: the world saw his genius at work in this appealing early opera, and the famous Hebrew slaves’ chorus “Va, pensiero” is still sung by those who yearn for peace. Director Bernard Uzan, a recipient of the Giulio Gari Foundation Lifetime Achievement Award, created this moving production that features a series of projections depicting the Jews in exile through the ages – and bringing to mind current events such as the exodus of refugees from Syria and other countries. 

Babylonian ruler Nabucco (Mark Delavan) orders the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem, to the horror of the Israelites (Pittsburgh Opera Chorus and Supernumeraries). 

NABUCCO also calls for a skilled supporting cast, and it includes including former Resident Artist and Metropolitan Opera regular Oren Gradus as the Israelite priest Zaccaria, Raymond Very as Ismaele, and Resident Artists Laurel Semerdjian, Matthew Scollin, Adelaide Boedecker and Adam Bonanni in the roles of Fenena, High Priest of Baal, Anna, and Abdallo, respectively. There is also a large chorus presence required for NABUCCO, and the Pittsburgh Opera Chorus has been in rehearsal with Chorus Master Mark Trawka since late August.  

Tickets to NABUCCO start at $12, with all performances at the Benedum Center, 7th Street and Penn Avenue, in Pittsburgh’s Cultural District. For additional information, videos, photos, cast biographies, and the full story of NABUCCO, visit www.pittsburghopera.org. To purchase tickets, call 412-456-6666 or visit www.pittsburghopera.org.

Three facts about NABUCCO

1.      Nabucco is the Italian name for King Nebuchadnezzar II. However, Nabucco is a composite character, based on several Babylonian kings, and the opera is also a commingling of Biblical episodes from the books of Jeremiah and Daniel.

Abigaille (Csilla Boross) challenges the authority of Nabucco's other daughter Fenena (Resident Artist Laurel Semerdjian) to rule in their father's absence. 

2.      Nabucco established Verdi as a star composer. The opera was a huge success after its premiere, and Verdi commented that "this is the opera with which my artistic career really begins. And though I had many difficulties to fight against, it is certain that Nabucco was born under a lucky star.”  

  

3.      Several sopranos famously refused to sing the difficult role of Abigaille, including Leontyne Price and Dame Joan Sutherland.

The story, in brief
In the Temple of Solomon in Jerusalem, the Israelites pray for help against Nabucco (Nebuchadnezzar), the King of Babylon, who has attacked the city. Zaccaria, their high priest, enters with Nabucco’s daughter, Fenena, whom the Hebrews hold hostage. He reassures his people that the Lord will not forsake them. As the Israelites leave, Ismaele, nephew of the king of Jerusalem, is left alone with Fenena, who helped him escape from imprisonment in Babylon. Their conversation is interrupted by Fenena’s half-sister, Abigaille, with some Babylonian soldiers. Abigaille tells Ismaele that she can save his people if he will return her love, but he refuses. The Israelites rush back into the temple in a panic, and when Nabucco enters with his warriors, Zaccaria confronts him, threatening to kill Fenena. Nabucco orders the destruction of the temple.

Nabucco has appointed Fenena regent while he is away at war. Abigaille, back in the royal palace in Babylon, has found a document saying that she is not the king’s daughter, but the child of slaves. Foreseeing a future in which Fenena and Ismaele will rule together over Babylon, she swears vengeance on Nabucco and Fenena.
The High Priest of Baal arrives with news that Fenena has freed the Israelite prisoners. As a result of Fenena’s treason, he offers the throne to Abigaille and spreads a rumor that Nabucco has died in battle. Ismaele enters and the priests accuse him of treachery, but Zaccaria announces that he has been pardoned for saving a fellow Israelite – the newly converted Fenena. An officer warns Fenena that the king is dead and her life is in danger. Before she can escape, the High Priest of Baal proclaims Abigaille ruler. She is about to crown herself when Nabucco snatches the crown from her, faces the crowd and declares himself not only their king but their god. For this blasphemy, a thunderbolt strikes him down. A triumphant Abigaille takes the crown for herself.

 Nabucco (Mark Delavan) has suffered a breakdown, and Abigaille (Csilla Boross) tricks him into signing the Hebrews' death warrant, then sends him back to prison.

In the Hanging Gardens, the Babylonians hail Abigaille as their ruler. The High Priest urges her to have the Israelites killed, but before she can give the order, a disheveled Nabucco wanders in. Abigaille dismisses the crowd. Alone with Nabucco, she tricks him into signing the death warrant for the Israelites. He asks what will happen to Fenena, and Abigaille replies that she too must die. When Nabucco tries to find the document proving Abigaille’s ancestry, she produces it and destroys it. Nabucco pleads in vain for Fenena’s life.
On the banks of the Euphrates, the Israelites rest from forced labor, their thoughts turning to their homeland. 

The Israelites mourn for their homeland on the banks of the Euphrates River, in the famous chorus "Va, pensiero".

Fenena and the Israelites are led to execution, and Nabucco can only watch, as he has been imprisoned by Abigaille. Desperate, he prays to the God of Israel for forgiveness, pledging to convert himself and his people. His sanity restored, he forces open the door and summons his soldiers to regain the throne and save his daughter. The Israelites are about to be executed. Nabucco rushes in and stops the sacrifice. Abigaille takes poison and dies, confessing her crimes and praying to the God of Israel to pardon her. Nabucco announces his conversion and frees the Israelites, telling them to return to their native land and rebuild their temple. Israelites and Babylonians are united in praising God.

Nabucco's treacherous daughter Abigaille (Csilla Boross) takes poison and dies in her father's arms. 

Tickets to NABUCCO start at $12, with all performances at the Benedum Center, 7^th Street and Penn Avenue, in Pittsburgh’s Cultural District. For additional information, videos, musical samples, cast biographies, and the full story of NABUCCO, visit pittsburghopera.org. To purchase tickets, call 412-456-6666, visit Theatre Square Box Office, or visit www.pittsburghopera.org.

The 2015-16 Pittsburgh Opera season is generously supported by PNC.
WQED-FM is Season Media Sponsor.

The Fine Foundation is a production sponsor of NABUCCO.

Cast and Artistic Team

Nabucco                                                   Mark Delavan

Abigaille                                                    Csilla Boross +

Zaccaria                                                   Oren Gradus **                            

Ismaele                                                     Raymond Very

Fenena                                                     Laurel Semerdjian *

High Priest of Baal                                   Matthew Scollin *

Anna                                                         Adelaide Boedecker *

Abdallo                                                      Adam Bonanni *

Conductor                                                 Antony Walker

Director                                                     Bernard Uzan

Set Designer                                             Bernard Uzan and Michael Baumgarten

Costumes provided by                             Malabar Limited

Lighting Designer                                      Michael Baumgarten

Hair & Makeup Designer                          James Geier

Chorus Master                                          Mark Trawka

Associate Coach/Pianist                          James Lesniak

+    Pittsburgh Opera debut

*     Pittsburgh Opera Resident Artist

**   Pittsburgh Opera Resident Artist alumni

Tickets and Group Discounts

Tickets for all performances of NABUCCO start at $12. Group discounts are available. For tickets, call (412) 456-6666 or visitwww.pittsburghopera.org. For discounted group tickets (6 or more), contact Randy Adams at 412-281-0912, x 213.

COMING UP NEXT for Pittsburgh Opera:

Mozart’s Così fan tutte, November 7, 10, 13, 15

Related Events for NABUCCO
Market Square Farmers Market Noontime Concerts

Thursday, September 24; Thursday, October 1 – 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. both dates

Market Square Center Court, Downtown

Our Resident Artists will dazzle the lunchtime crowds at Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership’s successful Market Square Farmers Market Noontime Concerts on two Thursdays: September 24 and October 1. The Resident Artists will perform popular arias and musical theater selections at each event. For more information, call (412) 281-0912.

Opera Up Close: NABUCCO

Sunday, September 27 – 2:00 p.m.

George R. White Opera Studio, Pittsburgh Opera Headquarters (2425 Liberty Ave.) Opera Up Close: NABUCCO includes an in-depth analysis of the opera, with directors and artists from the production. Admission is $5; free to members of FRIENDS of Pittsburgh Opera and $50+ donors. For more information: (412) 281-0912 or pittsburghopera.org.

        

NABUCCO Previews on WQED-FM 89.3 and WQED.ORG

Saturday, October 3 – 12:30 p.m.; Friday, October 9 – 7:00 p.m.

Hosted by WQED’s Stephen Baum and Anna Singer, and broadcast over the airwaves as well as the WQED website, the NABUCCOpreview gives listeners an engaging introduction to the singers, music and story of the opera. For more information: pittsburghopera.org

                       

Audio Description: NABUCCO
Tuesday, October 13

Benedum Center

Ticketholders with visual impairments are invited to use Pittsburgh Opera’s Audio
Description service at our Tuesday performances. Trained volunteers describe the scenery, costumes, and stage action via headphones. Those wishing to use Audio Description
should reserve seats to the Tuesday, October 13 performance: contact Randy Adams at 412-281-0912, ext. 213 orgroups@pittsburghopera.org. Braille and large-print programs are also available.

Meet the Artists of NABUCCO

Tuesday, October 13

Immediately following the opera, in the Benedum Center’s Lower Lobby

Ticketholders for the Tuesday, October 13 performance of NABUCCO are invited to gather in the Benedum Lower Lobby immediately following the performance for interviews with General Director Christopher Hahn and the stars of the opera. This event is free to all Tuesday performance ticketholders.

Brown Bag Concert, “Getting to Know You”
Saturday, October 17 – 12:00 p.m.

George R. White Opera Studio, Pittsburgh Opera Headquarters (2425 Liberty Avenue)
At the first Brown Bag concert of the season, our Resident Artists sing some of their favorite arias and ensembles. These casual, one-hour concerts feature our Resident Artists in the George R. White Opera Studio at Pittsburgh Opera Headquarters. Guests can meet the performers afterward. Free and open to everyone; no RSVP required. Doors open at 11:30 a.m. For more information: (412) 281-0912 orpittsburghopera.org  

Pittsburgh Opera celebrates its 77th season in 2015-16. Established by five intrepid women in 1939, Pittsburgh Opera is viewed as one of the most vibrant opera organizations in the U.S., with a rich artistic tradition, outstanding educational programs, an acclaimed artist training program, and a progressive outlook toward the future. Its green initiative culminated in LEED® Silver certification for its Strip District headquarters, and its capacity as a true community partner has increased significantly under General Director Christopher Hahn’s leadership.

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Dreamweaver Marketing News, Stand Up to Violence Week Without Violence: October 11-17, 2015

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                        

CONTACT:  Ellen Sheppard

YWCA Greater Pittsburgh

412-255-1253

esheppard@ywcapgh.org

Stand Up to Violence

Week Without Violence: October 11-17, 2015

PITTSBURGH, PA (October 7, 2015):  The YWCA Greater Pittsburgh invites the public to stand up to violence during the 20th annual Week Without Violence:  October 11-17, 2015.

The Week Without Violence is a signature initiative created by the YWCA USA 20 years ago to mobilize people in communities across the United States against all forms of violence, wherever it occurs. The YWCA Greater Pittsburgh joins YWCA’s nationwide in hosting local Week Without Violence events that raise awareness about and put an end to violence in all forms.

“The facts are appalling,” said Chaz Kellem, newly appointed Senior Director of Advocacy for Race and Gender Equity, YWCA Greater Pittsburgh. Kellem refers to the statistic showing that 46 women are shot to death every month by a current or former partner in domestic violence-related homicides. “This week, choose to stand up. We cannot continue to lose our family and friends to violence.”

“Violence should not be the answer to our problems,” said Magdeline E. Jensen, Chief Executive Officer, YWCA Greater Pittsburgh. “As a community, we must come together and look for alternative solutions. That’s what the Week Without Violence is all about. I urge everyone to get involved.”

YWCA Week Without Violence gives you practical, sustainable non-violent alternatives through a week-long series of events. For more information, call 412-255-1466 or go to www.ywcapgh.org.

Event Line-up

Sunday, October 11: Day of Remembrance

Mark and celebrate this day in memory of friends and loved ones lost to violence.

Monday, October 12: Fun with the Force

Mingle with members of Pittsburgh’s police, SWAT team, bomb squad and K9 officers for hands-on activities, truck tours, and interactive play.

Time: 3:30pm - 5:30pm | Location: YWCA, Homewood Brushton Center, 6907 Frankstown Avenue

Tuesday, October 13: Making Our Schools Safe

YWCA, Prime Stage Theatre and Community College of Allegheny County present You Belong to Me, a teen production based on the warning signs of dating violence. Panel discussion to follow.
(Not open to the public.)

Wednesday, October 14: Surviving Domestic Violence

Hear one woman’s story of survival; learn about legal protection and safety strategies. Featuring panelists Eric Kroll, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police and Lorrain Bittner, Women’s Center and Shelter. Register at ywcapgh.org

Time: 9:00pm – 12:00pm | Location: YWCA, 305 Wood Street, Pgh, PA 15222 (fourth floor)

Thursday, October 15: Youth Speak & We Listen: Town Hall Meeting

Join Pittsburgh Police Chief, Cameron Mclay, in a community discussion on how to change the culture of violence. Presented by Black Women for Positive Change. #YouthSpeak

Time: 10:00am – 11:30am | Location: CCAC Allegheny Campus, Foerester Student Center

Friday, October 16: Eliminating Racism and Hate Crime

Use your social media voice to raise hate crime, racism and violence awareness. Look for details via Twitter (@ywcapgh) and Facebook.

Saturday, October 17: Replacing Violence with Recreation and Fun

Spend time with family:

• Check out Frick Art & Historical Center, The Frick Art Museum and Car & Carriage Museum – FREE ADMISSION
• Visit Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh 

The YWCA Greater Pittsburgh strengthens our community by creating and advancing opportunities for all women to seek equality and self-sufficiency; and is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all.For more information about the YWCA’s programs and services, visit www.ywcapgh.org or call 412-391-5100.

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