Highmark Holiday Pops Concerts Return

For Immediate Release
Dec. 7, 2012

PSO CONTINUES SEASON’S GRAND TRADITION – POPULAR HIGHMARK HOLIDAY POPS CONCERTS RETURN TO HEINZ HALL

Guest conductor Daniel Meyer leads concerts that feature Pittsburgh’s own Ricky Manning, Marvin Hamlisch’s ‘Search for a Star’ winner vocalist Rachel DeShon, Mendelssohn Choir, violinist Jenny Oaks Baker, Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre School, Santa, music by John Williams

PITTSBURGH – The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra (PSO) continues its grand seasonal tradition when the hugely popular Highmark Holiday Pops concerts return to Heinz Hall this month.

This year’s concerts begin at 7:30 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 20; 8 p.m., Friday, Dec. 21; 2:30 & 8 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 22; and 2:30 & 7:30 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 23. Tickets, ranging from $20 - $98, can be purchased by calling the Heinz Hall box office at 412.392.4900, or visiting the PSO online at www.pittsburghsymphony.org.

The concerts will feature holiday favorites, including music by John Williams, Here Comes Santa Claus, A Holly Jolly Christmas, O Holy Night, Silent Night, We Wish You a Merry Christmas, as well as music from The Nutcracker, and a Christmas sing-along.

Daniel Meyer, music director of the Asheville Symphony and Erie Philharmonic and former PSO resident conductor, has worked closely with Manfred Honeck, Mariss Jansons, Sir Andrew Davis, and Charles Dutoit, led the Pittsburgh Symphony on tour, and conducted performances with Pinchas Zukerman, Sarah Chang, and the late Marvin Hamlisch, among other notable soloists.

The concerts also feature the return of Pittsburgh’s “Singing Sheriff,” Ricky Manning, as well as vocalist Rachel DeShon, winner of Hamlisch’s Search for a Star competition, violinist Jenny Oaks Baker, dancers from the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre School, and the Mendelssohn Choir of Pittsburgh.

Visitors also will be able to see the 25-foot tall Christmas tree, and menorah, featured in the Grand Lobby.

The PSO would like to recognize and thank Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield for its 2012 title sponsorship of Highmark Holiday Pops. Fairmont Pittsburgh is the official hotel of the PSO.

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Contact: James Barthen, Vice President of Public Affairs
Phone: 412.392.4835 | email: jbarthen@pittsburghsymphony.org

Contact: Ramesh Santanam, Director of Media Relations
Phone: 412.392.4827 | email: rsantanam@pittsburghsymphony.org

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

Marvin Hamlisch Tribute Concert

For Immediate Release
Dec. 2, 2012

IDINA MENZEL, MARIA FRIEDMAN, LUCIE ARNAZ, ROBERT KLEIN
AMONG STARS JOINING SPECIAL PSO TRIBUTE TO MARVIN HAMLISCH

Special concert is Tuesday, Jan. 29 at Heinz Hall; tickets go on sale Dec. 3 to PSO subscribers, Dec. 17 to general public

PITTSBURGH – Tony Award-winning performer and Broadway star Idina Menzel will lead a cast of stars who will join the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra (PSO) at Heinz Hall in January for a special concert paying tribute to the PSO’s world-renowned and beloved Principal Pops Conductor, the late Marvin Hamlisch.

The special concert, One Singular Sensation, will be at 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 29. Tickets, ranging from $35 to $150, go on sale at 9 a.m., Monday, Dec. 3 to PSO subscribers. The general public can buy tickets starting at 9 a.m., Monday, Dec. 17. Tickets can be purchased by calling the Heinz Hall box office at 412.392.4900, or visiting www.pittsburghsymphony.org. Net proceeds from the concert will benefit the Marvin Hamlisch Pops Artistic Excellence Fund.

The tribute concert will feature Hamlisch’s works, including such hits as What I Did For Love, The Way We Were, They’re Playing Our Song, At the Ballet and many more. Joining Menzel and the PSO on stage will be Maria Friedman, Lucie Arnaz, Robert Klein and Kevin Cole, among others. The PSO will be led by acclaimed conductor J. Ernest Green.

Called “the Streisand of her generation” by The Denver Post, Menzel shot to superstardom in her Tony Award-winning performance in the blockbuster, Wicked, and her Tony-nominated role in Rent. She appeared on Broadway in Hair and Aida, as well as in the hit TV series, Glee. Menzel toured nationally last year, playing to sold-out houses to promote her most recent album, I Stand.

A three-time Olivier Award-winner and one of Britain’s leading musical stars, Friedman has played Dot in Sunday in the Park with George at the National Theatre, Fosca in Passion at the Queen’s, Mrs. Lovett in Sweeney Todd at the Royal Festival Hall, and Mary in Merrily We Roll Along at the Leicester Haymarket.  She also was invited by Hamlisch to appear as guest singer at the reopening of the famous Venetian rooms in the Fairmont Hotel, San Francisco.

Lucie Arnaz and Robert Klein were the original stars of Hamlisch’s Broadway show, They’re Playing Our Song. Regarded as the foremost interpreter of George Gershwin, Kevin Cole performed in June with the PSO and Hamlisch at Heinz Hall in the PNC Pops concerts, “Here to Stay – The Gershwin Experience.”

The PSO would like to thank PNC for its generous support of this special concert.

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Contact: James Barthen, Vice President of Public Affairs
Phone: 412.392.4835 | email: jbarthen@pittsburghsymphony.org

Contact: Ramesh Santanam, Director of Media Relations
Phone: 412.392.4827 | email: rsantanam@pittsburghsymphony.org

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

PSO Tribute to Marvin Hamlisch

For Immediate Release
Aug. 7, 2012

STATEMENT FROM THE PITTSBURGH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA ON MARVIN HAMLISCH’S DEATH

Marvin Hamlisch’s passing is a tremendous shock to all of us at the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. He was a true and great friend who absolutely loved the PSO, our audiences and this city. He considered it his second hometown and it clearly showed, whether he was taking in a Pirates game, dining at his favorite restaurants or patronizing stores.

His remarkable accomplishments as a musician, composer and conductor are well known and documented. We are indeed fortunate that he spent 17 seasons with us as our PNC Pops Principal Conductor, sharing his talents and creating memorable programs.

But there was another side to Marvin. He was a gentleman who always found a way to brighten our lives with his sharp wit, wonderful sense of humor, kindness and grace.

There is no doubt that our audiences will miss him very much. He cared greatly about them and worked tirelessly to create the best possible experience for our patrons.

Marvin was a unique individual and our world is a less joyful place without him. He will truly be missed by staff and musicians at the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Marvin’s family, and his wife, Terre.

“We were lucky as musicians of this orchestra to get to know this man,” said Cynthia Koledo DeAlmeida, PSO’s principal oboe. “A lot of people didn’t know him, about his kindness to the musicians, staff and, especially, the audience. He really became a part of our city. He loved this city. He was here for so many years that many of us became close friends with him and his wife, Terre. I’ve been lucky that we had the opportunity to know them. We are all shocked and truly saddened.”

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Contact: James Barthen, Vice President of Public Affairs
Phone: 412.392.4835 | email: jbarthen@pittsburghsymphony.org


Contact: Ramesh Santanam, Director of Media Relations
Phone: 412.392.4827 | email: rsantanam@pittsburghsymphony.org

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

PNC Pops 2012 - 2013 Season

For Immediate Release
March 12, 2012

PITTSBURGH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA ANNOUNCES PNC POPS 2012-2013 SEASON

PITTSBURGH – The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra (PSO) today announced the 2012-2013 PNC Pops Season, celebrating Marvin Hamlisch’s 18th season as Principal Pops Conductor with the PSO.

Hamlisch recently agreed to extend his contract as Principal Pops Conductor through the 2014-2015 season.

“I perform for many audiences each year and the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra’s family of concertgoers is, by far, one of the best in the world,” Hamlisch said. “That’s why I put together a season that’s sure to please.”

2012-2013 PNC Pops Season

Hamlisch and the PSO jump into an invigorating new season with American Idol pop sensation and television star Katharine McPhee. Star of the hit Spielberg/NBC TV series SMASH, McPhee joins the PSO to lend her vocal stylings to classics, such as, Cole Porter’s Under My Skin, “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” from The Wizard of Oz, and “Somewhere” from West Side Story. She was a finalist on American Idol in 2006, and has since collaborated with Andrea Bocelli, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Chris Botti and David Foster. (Sept. 27-30)

In November, the PSO pays tribute to the greatest rock band ever when Classical Mystery Tour returns to Heinz Hall by popular demand to celebrate The Beatles and Sgt. Pepper’s 45th Anniversary with the PSO. The Beatles’ Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band is the first rock album to ever win a Grammy for Album of the year. PSO’s new Assistant Conductor Fawzi Haimor conducts favorite Beatles hits presented by a group of musicians who look and sound like John, Paul, George and Ringo. (Nov. 15-18)

Hamlisch returns in December for six performances of the popular Highmark Holiday Pops, where he will premiere a new song inspired by his children’s book to be released in the fall. The concerts include Rachel DeShon, winner of Marvin’s Search for a Star competition, and the return of singing Allegheny County Sheriff’s detective, Ricky Manning, and the Mendelssohn Choir of Pittsburgh. (Dec. 20-23)

No one knows the music of love better than Hamlisch! He and the PSO put together a show just in time for Valentine’s Day with My Funny Valentine, also featuring the All-Star College Chorus. Broadway stars Melissa Errico and Ryan Silverman join the PSO for “I Could Have Danced All Night” from My Fair Lady, the theme from Ice Castles and many more glorious love songs. (Feb. 7-10, 2013)

Where else could you hear Judy Garland sing with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra? Next March, audiences can experience the classic film The Wizard of Oz as never before – accompanied by the PSO. For one weekend, audiences will see this beloved, Oscar-winning film and hear the music that has captured the hearts and imaginations of generations. (March 14-17, 2013)

Disco Days & Boogie Nights, featuring music from the ‘70s, comes to Heinz Hall in May. Conductor Jack Everly returns to lead the PSO in anthems and classic hits, such as I Will Survive, Bohemian Rhapsody, and American Pie. Along with hits from the Bee Gees, The Village People, The Carpenters and Billy Joel, the groovy songs from a decade of music come together for one dynamite symphonic performance. (May 2-5, 2013)

The season concludes on a grand note when trumpeter Chris Botti returns to perform with Hamlisch and the PSO. Botti is the best selling jazz artist in the U.S. today, and his success has crossed over to pops audiences. A popular PBS artist, Botti has worked with Frank Sinatra, Sting, Paul Simon, Michael Bublé, Joni Mitchell and Andrea Bocelli. (June 13-16, 2013)

Seven-concert subscriptions range from $117.25 to $652.75, and can be purchased by calling 412.392.4900, or visiting www.pittsburghsymphony.org.

The PSO would like to recognize and thank PNC for its 2012-2013 title sponsorship of the PNC Pops, marking PNC’s 12th consecutive year as title sponsor of this series. The PSO would also like to recognize and thank Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield for its 2012 title sponsorship of Highmark Holiday Pops. Fairmont Pittsburgh is the official hotel of the PSO.

Thursday, Sept. 27, 2012 at 7:30 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 28, 2012 at 8 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 29, 2012 at 8 p.m.
Sunday, Sept. 30, 2012 at 2:30 p.m.

PNC POPS

Katharine McPhee & Marvin Hamlisch
Marvin Hamlisch, conductor
Katharine McPhee, vocalist

Thursday, Nov. 15, 2012 at 7:30 p.m.
Friday, Nov. 16, 2012 at 8 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 17, 2012 at 8 p.m.
Sunday, Nov. 18, 2012 at 2:30 p.m.

PNC POPS

Classical Mystery Tour
Fawzi Haimor, conductor
Jim Owens as John Lennon
Tony Kishman as Paul McCartney
John Brosnan as George Harrison
Chris Camilleri as Ringo Starr

Thursday, Dec. 20, 2012 at 7:30 p.m.
Friday, Dec. 21, 2012 at 8 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 22, 2012 at 2:30 p.m. & 8 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 23, 2012 at 2:30 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.

HIGHMARK HOLIDAY POPS

Marvin Hamlisch, conductor
Rachel DeShon, vocalist
Jenny Oaks Baker, violin
Ricky Manning, vocalist
Joseph Serafini, vocalist
Mendelssohn Choir of Pittsburgh, directed by Betsy Burleigh
Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre School


Thursday, Feb. 7. 2013 at 7:30 p.m.
Friday, Feb. 8, 2013 at 8 p.m.
Saturday, Feb. 9, 2013 at 8 p.m.
Sunday, Feb. 10, 2013 at 2:30 p.m.

PNC POPS

My Funny Valentine with Marvin Hamlisch
Marvin Hamlisch, conductor
Melissa Errico, vocalist
Doug LaBrecque, vocalist
All-Star College Chorus, directed by Robert Page

Thursday, March 14, 2013 at 7:30 p.m.
Friday, March 15, 2013 at 8 p.m.
Saturday, March 16, 2013 at 8 p.m.
Sunday, March 17, 2013 at 2:30 p.m.

PNC POPS

The Wizard of Oz
Lawrence Loh, conductor


Thursday, May 2, 2013 at 7:30 p.m.
Friday, May 3, 2013 at 8 p.m.
Saturday, May 4, 2013 at 8 p.m.
Sunday, May 5, 2013 at 2:30 p.m.

PNC POPS

Disco Days & Boogie Nights
Jack Everly, conductor
N’Kenge, vocalist
Chapter 6, vocal group
Anne Beck, vocalist
Farah Alvin, vocalist

Thursday, June 13, 2013 at 7:30 p.m.
Friday, June 14, 2013 at 8 p.m.
Saturday, June 15, 2013 at 8 p.m.
Sunday, June 16, 2013 at 2:30 p.m.

PNC POPS
Chris Botti & Marvin Hamlisch
Marvin Hamlisch, conductor
Chris Botti, trumpet

Pops Talks (an insider’s look at the concert) follow each Thursday performance.
All artists, programs and dates are subject to change.
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Contact:
James Barthen, Vice President of Public Affairs
Phone: 412.392.4835
email: jbarthen@pittsburghsymphony.org

Contact:
Ramesh Santanam, Director of Media Relations
Phone: 412.392.4827
email: rsantanam@pittsburghsymphony.org

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