Celtic Woman: A Christmas Celebration with the PSO

IRISH SENSATION ‘CELTIC WOMAN’ JOINS PSO FOR SPECTACULAR CHRISTMAS CONCERTS

PITTSBURGH – Following a sold-out concert last year, the enchanting Irish music sensation Celtic Woman returns by popular demand to Heinz Hall to join the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra for two special Christmas concerts in December.

The concerts, “Celtic Woman: A Christmas Celebration with the PSO,” will be at 7:30 p.m., Monday, Dec. 3, and Tuesday, Dec. 4, at Heinz Hall.

Tickets, ranging from $40 to $125, can be purchased by calling the Heinz Hall box office at 412.392.4900, or visiting www.pittsburghsymphony.org. Prices are subject to change.

Celtic Woman performs holiday favorites underscored by the stirring sound of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. This holiday spectacular presents a dazzling live music experience that showcases the dynamic voices of Chloë Agnew, Lisa Lambe, Susan McFadden, along with vibrant inventiveness from Celtic Violinist Máiréad Nesbitt.

Some of these Christmas classics and more can also be heard on Celtic Woman’s new holiday album, Home For Christmas.  Since Celtic Woman’s inception in 2004, the unique ensemble has emerged as a spectacular commercial success and a genuine cultural phenomenon thanks to their evocative, uplifting music. The group’s albums and DVDs have gone multi-platinum, sold more than 7 million units worldwide (including their 2012 project BELIEVE), notched two Top 10 album debuts on the Billboard Top 200 Album chart and four Top 5 releases on the Top DVD Music Video chart. The group has sold more than 2.2 million concert tickets. All seven Celtic Woman album releases have debuted at the top of the Billboard World Music Chart.

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Posted on behalf of Dreamweaver Marketing Associates.  Joyce Kane is the owner of Cybertary Pittsburgh, a Virtual Administrative support company, providing virtual office support, personal and executive assistance, creative design services and light bookkeeping.  Cybertary works with businesses and busy individuals to help them work 'on' their business rather than 'in' their business.  www.Cybertary.com/Pittsburgh

Holiday Brown Bag Concert

For Immediate Release        November 19, 2012

Contact:
Debra L. Bell, Director of Marketing and Communications
Office: (412) 281-0912 ext 214 or dbell@pittsburghopera.org

Pittsburgh Opera spreads holiday joy in annual family-friendly Brown Bag concert December 8

What:           Family-Friendly Holiday Brown Bag concert

Who:            Pittsburgh Opera’s Resident Artists

Where:         Pittsburgh Opera Headquarters, 2425 Liberty Avenue

When:          Saturday, December 8, 12 pm – 1 pm. Doors open at 11:30 am.

Tickets:         Free and open to the public. No RSVP required.

Parking:        Ample parking available on Penn Avenue or in surface lots in the Strip

Pittsburgh, PA… For the past four holiday seasons, Pittsburgh Opera’s Resident Artists have surprised and delighted audiences at the December Brown Bag concert with breathtaking renditions of holiday classics like “O Holy Night” as well as unexpected charmers such as “It must have been the mistletoe” and “Snow” from the film White Christmas. The concert is free and open to the public, and guests are encouraged to bring a friend and a lunch; there will be goodie bags and activities for the kids. Doors open at 11:30. No reservations are required except handicapped parking requests. For more information, call 412-281-0912, x 0 (zero) or visit www.pittsburghopera.org.

Pittsburgh Opera’s 2012-2013 season continues a 74-year tradition of excellence in opera. As part of the Company’s continued efforts to make opera accessible to all members of the community, single tickets for the 2012-2013 season again start at $10.

2012-2013 Season
Rigoletto October 6, 9, 12, 14, 2012
Don Giovanni November 3, 6, 9, 11, 2012
Il matrimonio segreto January 26, 29; February 1, 3, 2013
Cabaret 2013 February 22, 23, 24, 26, 2013
Madama Butterfly March 16, 19; 22, 24, 2013
La cenerentola April 27, 30; May 3, 5, 2013

Single tickets for as little as $10; season subscriptions for as little as $22.
For ticket information visit our website www.pittsburghopera.org or call (412) 281-0912
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Posted on behalf of Dreamweaver Marketing Associates.  Joyce Kane is the owner of Cybertary Pittsburgh, a Virtual Administrative support company, providing virtual office support, personal and executive assistance, creative design services and light bookkeeping.  Cybertary works with businesses and busy individuals to help them work 'on' their business rather than 'in' their business.  www.Cybertary.com/Pittsburgh

Martina McBride Dazzles with Holiday Concert

Thursday, December 13 • 7:30pm
Benedum Center

Four-time Country Music Association Female Vocalist of the Year Martina McBride celebrates the holiday season with her “Joy of Christmas” tour.

In a career that’s already taken her to breathtaking heights (four CMA Female Vocalist of the Year trophies, three ACM Female Vocalist awards, a GRAMMY win, numerous national magazine covers and features, and appearances on such shows as VH1’s “Divas,” “TODAY Show,” “20/20,” “American Idol” and “Dancing with the Stars”), Martina is ready to take it up a notch with the help of her new label – Republic Nashville.

Martina McBride has been astonishing audiences with her breathtaking soprano voice since she first burst onto the country scene in 1992. McBride has sold more than 15 million albums, garnered 20 top ten hits including nine #1 singles, and received numerous awards. She’s seen crossover success with four top ten Adult Contemporary hits including “This One’s for the Girls” which stayed at #1 for seven weeks.

To Buy Tickets:
• Online at TrustArts.org
• Call 412-456-6666
• Box Office at Theater Square
• Groups 10+ Tickets 412-471-6930

Posted on behalf of Dreamweaver Marketing Associates.  Joyce Kane is the owner of Cybertary Pittsburgh, a Virtual Administrative support company, providing virtual office support, personal and executive assistance, creative design services and light bookkeeping.  Cybertary works with businesses and busy individuals to help them work 'on' their business rather than 'in' their business.  www.Cybertary.com/Pittsburgh

Straight No Chaser Performs at the Benedum

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


Today's date: November 21, 2011

Contact:
Veronica Corpuz
corpuz@trustarts.org
(412) 471-6082

Diana Roth
roth@trustarts.org
(412) 471-8717

Straight No Chaser

Tuesday, December 13, 2011, at 8:00 p.m., Benedum Center

By reinventing the idea of a cappella on the modern pop landscape, the unique Straight No Chaser is ten vocalists who have come together to create remarkable music, and combined with their sense of humor, entertain and leave audiences begging for more. As original SNC member Randy Stine comments, “We take the music very seriously; we just don’t take ourselves too seriously.” Atlantic Chairman/CEO Craig Kallman found the group’s music “brilliant, fresh and totally compelling.” Straight No Chaser returns to Pittsburgh and will perform on Tuesday, December 13, 2011, at 8:00 p.m., at the Benedum Center. This performance is presented by The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, and is part of the 2011-2012 Cohen & Grigsby Trust Presents series.



If the phrase “male a cappella group” invokes an image of students in blue blazers, ties, and khakis singing traditional college songs on ivy league campuses…think again. Straight No Chaser is neither straight-laced nor straight-faced. Providing interpretations with a twist, Straight No Chaser’s 2011 tour will feature impressive vocals and captivating personalities of original group members, Randy Stine, Charlie Mechling, Jerome Collins, David Roberts and Walter Chase, with newer SNC members, Michael Luginbill, Ryan Ahlwardt, Seggie Isho, Don Nottingham and Tyler Trepp.



Originally formed more than a dozen years ago at Indiana University, Straight No Chaser has reassembled and re-emerged as a phenomenon with a remarkable fan base, millions of views on YouTube, numerous national TV appearances, and proven success with three holiday releases: Holiday Spirits (2008), Christmas Cheers (2009) and All I Want for Christmas (2010). In an era when music is the product of digital processing and vocal pro-tooling, Straight No Chaser is completely authentic. Prior to the 2009 holiday album, SNC released Six Pack (2009), a six-track CD exclusive with Amazon that received excellent fan reviews. With a Twist (2010) is the group’s first full-length departure from holiday music, which successfully placed #29 on the Billboard 200. During the summer of 2011, Straight No Chaser performed an exclusive engagement for eight weeks at Harrah’s Resort in Atlantic City.



"We can't wait to get back out on the road and visit our fans all across the country," says original group member Randy Stine. "The foundation of Straight No Chaser is our live performance. We pride ourselves on a show that anyone of any age or background can enjoy. This time around, we will be performing new songs on a new stage. It's the biggest production we've ever put together, and we are so excited to share it with our fans, since they are the ones who got us here."



Tickets ($32.25-$57.25) for Straight No Chaser on Tuesday, December 13, 2011 at 8:00 p.m., at the Benedum Center, may be purchased at the Box Office at Theater Square, 655 Penn Avenue, online at www.TrustArts.org, or by calling (412) 456-6666. To purchase 10 or more tickets at special discounted rates, please call (412) 471-6930.

Pittsburgh Opera's Holiday Brown Bag a Family Tradition

For Immediate Release
November 21, 2011


Contact:
Debra L. Bell, Director of Marketing and Communications
Office: (412) 281-0912 ext 214
dbell@pittsburghopera.org

Pittsburgh Opera’s Holiday Brown Bag continues 3-year tradition of family-friendly fun

What: Pittsburgh Opera’s Holiday Brown Bag concert

When: Saturday, December 3, 12:00 p.m. Doors open at 11:30 a.m.

Where: Pittsburgh Opera Headquarters, 2425 Liberty Avenue, in the Strip District

Admission: Admission is free. Attendees are encouraged to bring a lunch.

Parking: Ample street parking available on Penn Ave. Those needing handicapped parking in the Pittsburgh Opera garage, please call to reserve a spot: 412-281-0912 x 0 (zero) by Friday, December 2 at 5:00 PM.

Pittsburgh, PA… For the past three seasons at holiday time, Pittsburgh Opera’s Resident Artists have surprised and delighted audiences at the December Brown Bag concert with breathtaking renditions of holiday classics as well as unexpected charmers such as “The Twelve Pains of Christmas” and “Hanukkah in Santa Monica.” Kids can join the sing-along from the special “pit” in front of the stage. The concert is free and open to the public, and attendees are encouraged to bring a lunch; there will be goodie bags for the kids. Doors open at 11:30. No reservations are required except handicapped parking requests. For more information, call 412-281-0912, x 0 (zero) or visit www.pittsburghopera.org.

Pittsburgh Opera’s 2011-2012 season continues a 73-year tradition of excellence in opera and is the first green opera company in the U.S.* As part of the Company’s continued efforts to make opera accessible to all members of the community, single tickets for the 2011-2012 season will again start at $10, with subscriptions starting at just $43 for four mainstage operas.

*U.S. Green Building Council awarded LEED® Silver certification in June 2011 in the Operations and Maintenance category.


2011-2012 Season
La traviata October 15, 18, 21, 23
The Pearl Fishers November 12, 15, 18, 20
Hansel & Gretel January 28, 31; February 3, 5
Tosca March 24, 27, 30; April 1, 3
The Abduction from the Seraglio April 28; May 1, 4, 6


For ticket information visit our website www.pittsburghopera.org or call (412) 281-0912
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WQED Holiday Season Programming Offers Treats for All

HOLIDAY SEASON PROGRAMMING FROM WQED OFFERS NEW AND TRADITIONAL CLASSICS



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

November 14, 2011

CONTACT:
George Hazimanolis
412-622-1366
ghazimanolis@wqed.org

Maria Pisano
412-622-1459
mpisano@wqed.org


HOLIDAY SEASON PROGRAMMING

FROM WQED OFFERS NEW AND TRADITIONAL CLASSICS


PITTSBURGH—Each year WQED-TV and Classical WQED-FM 89.3 offer viewers and listeners a cornucopia of programming on television and radio to celebrate the season. The 2011 schedule offers everything from the L.A. Holiday Celebration 2011 with more than 1,000 performers to a new offering from Lidia Bastianich (Lidia Celebrates America “Holiday Tables & Traditions”) that looks at four different cultures’ observance of several holidays. Whether you’ll be leaving cookies for Santa Claus, lighting the Menorah or preparing for the New Year WQED has something for you and your family this holiday as you gather together.

WQED-TV HOLIDAY FAMILY PROGRAMMING

• Pittsburgh Thanksgiving Homecoming

Thursday, November 24

“Special” 4802 at 7:30 p.m.

My Tale of Two Cities: A Comeback Story at 8 p.m.

After playing in more than 25 cities across North America, including on Capitol Hill, My Tale of Two Cities will make its broadcast premiere on WQED-TV Thanksgiving Day just in time for those coming home for the holidays!

Preceding the film, a special guest panel including the stars of the movie, former U.S. Secretary of Treasury, Paul O’Neill, Steelers’ legend Franco and his son businessman Dok Harris, and filmmaker Carl Kurlander will discuss the city’s remarkable resurgence since the filming. This special edition of WQED’s 4802 program that will air at 7:30 p.m. will be co-hosted by the president of The Pittsburgh Foundation, Grant Oliphant, and WQED’s Michael Bartley.


• Live From Lincoln Center “George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker”

Sunday, December 18 at 3 p.m.

A glowing one-ton Christmas tree, mischievous mice and crystalline waltzing snowflakes. Join the New York City Ballet for George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker LIVE from Lincoln Center.


• Lidia Celebrates America “Holiday Tables & Traditions” (Four-part series)

Tuesday, December 20 at 8 p.m.

Join Lidia Bastianich as she visits with everyone from actors Mo Rocca and Stanley Tucci to a Chinese American family named Fong-Torres to discover four different holiday tables including an Italian-American Christmas Eve, a four-generation Mexican-American family Christmas get-together, a Chinese-American New Year celebration and a Jewish-American Passover.

• Christmas With the Mormon Tabernacle Choir

Featuring David Archuleta and Michael York

Tuesday, December 20 at 9 p.m.; Sunday, December 25 at Noon and 5 p.m.

Along with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, the Orchestra at Temple Square and 107 dancers, Season Seven American Idol runner-up David Archuleta sings holiday favorites while Michael York reads the story of Christmas from the Book of Luke from Salt Lake City.

• Nature “Christmas in Yellowstone”

Wednesday, December 21 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, December 25 at 8 p.m.

From snowflake crystals, to elk and bison to Jackson Hole, join NATURE as they retrace the footsteps of the original men who first explored Yellowstone and see extraordinary scenes often missed in Hayden Valley for “a Christmas like no other.”

• Christmas at Belmont

Thursday, December 22 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, December 25 at 2 p.m.

This annual holiday season tradition features familiar carols, classical masterworks, world music and seasonal favorites from the 400 student voices and Belmont University School of Music faculty.

• The National Christmas Tree Lighting 2011

Thursday, December 22 at 9 p.m.

Joined by some of the biggest names in entertainment this program’s finale includes the lighting of the National Christmas Tree by President Barack Obama and his family.

• European Christmas Markets

Thursday, December 22 at 10:30 p.m.

Travel through Germany, France and Switzerland and visit cities and towns through the lively markets of Europe at Christmas time.

• L.A. Holiday Celebration 2011

Friday, December 23 at 9 p.m.

L.A. Holiday Celebration 2010 (50th Annual)

Sunday, December 25 at 4 p.m.

Attended annually by more than 7,000 people, this LIVE three-hour program features more than 1,000 performers and includes an array of ethnic and culturally diverse music and dance.

• Christmas at St. Olaf

Friday, December 23 at 10 p.m. and Sunday, December 25 at 1 p.m.

From St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota, this is a celebration that features five of the college’s choirs and the St. Olaf Orchestra with newly commissioned works from American composers Andre J. Thomas and David N. Childs.

• Home and Hearth: The Crane Candlelight Concert 2009

Sunday, December 25 at 3 p.m.

This Christmas concert with The Crane Chorus and Crane Symphony Orchestra conducted by Rebecca Reames, Jeffrey Francom, Heather Eyerly, and Kenneth Andrews features more than 300 carolers and musicians performing traditional and seasonal hymns.

• Purdue Christmas Show

Sunday, December 25 at 6 p.m.

Now in its 77th year, the Purdue Christmas Show features members of the Purdue Varsity Glee Club, Purduettes, Purdue Bells, University Choir, Heart & Soul, All Campus & Community Chorale and the PMO Kids Choir from Elliott Hall of Music.

• Happy Holidays in Pittsburgh

Sunday, December 25 at 7 p.m.

Perry Como once sang that, “there’s no place like home for the holidays.” Join beloved producer Rick Sebak as he takes you on a journey through western Pennsylvania holiday traditions past and present. It’s Happy Holidays in Pittsburgh.


WQED-TV HOLIDAY CHILDREN’S PROGRAMMING

• Curious George Holiday Spectacular

Wednesday, November 23

Curious George The Movie at 8 a.m.

Curious George Follow That Monkey at 9:30 a.m.

Curious George: A Very Monkey Christmas II at 11 a.m.

• Shalom Sesame – Chanukah: The Missing Menorah

Monday, December 19 at 11 a.m.

• America’s Children’s Holiday Parade

Tuesday, December 20 at 11 a.m. and Noon

• Shalom Sesame – Chanukah: The Missing Menorah

Wednesday, December 21 at 9:30 a.m.

• Prima Princessa Presents “Sleeping Beauty”

Thursday, December 22 at 11 a.m.

• Prima Princessa Presents “The Nutcracker”

Thursday, December 22 at Noon

• Christmas Day Programming

Sunday, December 25

Barney & Friends “Gift of the Dinos/A Visit From Santa” at 6 a.m.

Caillou “Caillou’s Christmas” at 6:30 a.m.

WordWorld “The Christmas Star/A Present for Dog” at 7 a.m.

Clifford’s Puppy Days “Heroes and Friends/The Cookie Crumbles” at 7:30 a.m.

Curious George: A Very Monkey Christmas at 8 a.m.

Super Why! “Twas the Night Before Christmas” at 9 a.m.

The Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot About That “Reindeer Games” at 9:30 a.m.

Dinosaur Train “Don’s Winter Wish/Festival of Lights” at 10 a.m.

Sid the Science Kid “Sid’s Holiday Adventure” at 10:30 a.m.

Curious George: A Very Monkey Christmas at 11 a.m.


CLASSICAL WQED-FM 89.3/WQEJ-FM 89.7 HOLIDAY PROGRAMMING

• Thanksgiving Day

Thursday, November 24

Giving Thanks at 6 p.m.

Today your family shares common blessings and a bountiful meal. John Birge brings to the table music, stories and thoughtful reflections on the meaning of Thanksgiving.


A Simple Thanksgiving at 8 p.m.

Quiet, uninterrupted music – the perfect accompaniment to relaxing after dinner.


The Thanksgiving Visitor at 11 p.m.

Truman Capote reads his classic aloud. (A WQED-FM 89.3 holiday tradition and favorite!)


• Thanksgiving With Cantus

Friday, November 25 at 6 p.m.

Join Cantus, one of America’s most accomplished vocal ensembles for a special Thanksgiving program.


• A Thanksgiving Celebration with Garrison Keillor

Saturday, November 27 at 8 p.m.

A broadcast of “Gratitude, Gravy and Garrison,” VocalEssence’s celebration of all things Thanksgiving. Keillor performs his signature monologue and contributes comic new lyrics to familiar songs and hymns.


• Heinz Chapel Choir Holiday Concert

Tuesday, December 6 at 7:30 p.m.


• River City Brass Holiday Concert

Thursday, December 8 at 8 p.m.


• Carnegie Mellon Holiday Concert

Friday, December 9 at 8 p.m.


• Handel’s Messiah

Sunday, December 18 at 8 p.m.


• A Taste of Chanukah

Monday, December 19 at 9 p.m.


• A Great Miracle Happened There

Thursday, December 22 at 9 p.m.


• Welcome Christmas

Saturday, December 24 at 9 a.m.


• Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols

LIVE from Kings College in Cambridge, England

Saturday, December 24 at 10 a.m.


• Polish Christmas Cheer

Saturday, December 24th at 10 p.m.


• Christmas Day

Sunday, December 25


A Spanish Renaissance Christmas at 11 a.m.

An Elizabethan Christmas at Noon

St. Olaf Christmas Festival at 1 p.m.

Heinz Chapel Choir & CMU Holiday Concerts at 3 p.m.

Pittsburgh Symphony Brass Holiday Show at 5 p.m.

Handel’s Messiah at 6 p.m.

Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra at 8 p.m.

A Chanticleer Christmas at 10 p.m.

Echoes of Christmas at 11 p.m.


• Chanukah in Story and Song

Tuesday, December 27 at 9 p.m.


• Live from First Night

Saturday, December 31st at 8 p.m.


• New Year’s Day From Vienna

Sunday, January 1 at 11 a.m.


WQED Pittsburgh has a proud history of honors, including 128 National and Mid-Atlantic Emmy® Awards, an Academy Award, and many, many others, including two Emmy® Awards for Station Excellence. WQED was founded in 1954 as the nation’s first community-supported broadcaster. The people of WQED create, produce and distribute quality programs, products and services to engage, inform, educate and entertain the public within their community and around the world. WQED Pittsburgh is one of the first broadcasters in the country to be fully high-definition (HD) in its studio and field production capabilities. It is the parent company of WQED-TV (PBS); WQED: The Neighborhood Channel; WQED: The Create Channel; WQED Showcase; Classical WQED-FM 89.3/Pittsburgh; Classical WQEJ-FM 89.7/Johnstown; local and national television and radio productions; WQED Interactive (www.wqed.org) and The WQED Education Department.