PSO Sci-Fi Spectacular Features George Takei

For Immediate Release
July 30, 2014

STAR TREK STAR GEORGE TAKEI TO HOST PITTSBURGH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA’S ‘SCI-FI SPECTACULAR’ PNC POPS CONCERT IN NOVEMBER

PITTSBURGH – Oh myyyyyyyyy….the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra announced today that George Takei, who first came to fame as Mr. Sulu on the original “Star Trek” television show, will host the PNC Pops concert “Sci-Fi Spectacular” on Nov. 14-16 at Heinz Hall.

Takei — who is an actor, social justice activist, social media mega-power, star of the Broadway musical “Allegiance,” host of the AARP-produced YouTube series “Takei’s Take” and subject of the documentary “To Be Takei” — will host and narrate an out-of-this-world concert experience. Led by Jack Everly, “Sci-Fi Spectacular” features music from “2001: A Space Odyssey,” “Star Trek,” “Close Encounters of the Third Kind” and much more!

Widely recognized for his vocal talents, Takei has been a guest narrator with numerous symphony orchestras. He narrated "A Survivor from Warsaw" with the Nashville Symphony conducted by Giancarlo Guerrero in February 2013 and the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra conducted by Philip Mann in 2012. He narrated "Sci-Fi Spectacular" with the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra in January 2014, North Carolina Symphony in June 2013, Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra in June 2012, Toronto Symphony Orchestra in May 2012, Detroit Symphony Orchestra in March 2012, Kansas City Symphony in January 2012, Naples (Florida) Philharmonic Orchestra in January 2011, Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra in July 2010, Cleveland Orchestra in August 2009, Ottawa Symphony Orchestra in April 2009, Edmonton Symphony Orchestra in January 2009, Baltimore Symphony Orchestra in January 2008 and February 2014, and Seattle Symphony in September 2007. Takei narrated "Look to the Future" with the San Francisco Symphony in July 2009. In 2008, he hosted "To Boldly Go" with the Minnesota Orchestra conducted by Sarah Hatsuko Hicks. In November 2004, Takei narrated Copeland's “Lincoln Portrait” with the Honolulu Symphony conducted by Samuel Wong. He has narrated Johan de Meij's “Symphony No. 1: The Lord of the Rings” with the Springfield, Mass., Symphony Orchestra conducted by Kevin Rhodes as well as with the Long Island Philharmonic, Denver Symphony Orchestra, Orange County California Wind Orchestra and the Imperial Symphony Orchestra of Lakeland, Fla., all conducted by David Warble.

Single tickets for the 2014-2015 PNC Pops season go on sale on Aug. 25 and season tickets to the seven-concert series are available now. Tickets can be purchased at pittsburghsymphony.org or 412-392-4900.
The Pittsburgh Symphony would like to recognize and thank PNC for its 2014-2015 title sponsorship of PNC Pops. Fairmont Pittsburgh is the official hotel of the Pittsburgh Symphony.

With a career spanning five decades, George Takei is known around the world for his founding role in the acclaimed television series “Star Trek,” in which he played Hikaru Sulu, helmsman of the Starship Enterprise. Takei starred in three seasons of Star Trek and later reprised his iconic role in six movies. “To Be Takei,” a Jennifer M. Kroot documentary on the life and career of Takei, premiered at Sundance Film Festival in January 2014 and will have a theatrical release on Aug. 22, 2014. “Takei’s Take,” produced by AARP, is a new YouTube series where Takei explores the world of technology, trends, current events and pop culture. Mashable.com in 2012 reported Takei is the #1 most-influential person on Facebook, currently with more than 7.3 million likes. Takei has more than 1.2 million followers on Twitter. Takei authored “Lions and Tigers and Bears: The Internet Strikes Back” and “Oh Myyy! There Goes the Internet,” released in e-book and paperback in 2012, and it ranked #10 on the New York Times E-book nonfiction list. Takei and Tony Award winner Lea Salonga are developing "Allegiance – A New American Musical.” The musical is an epic story of love, family and heroism during the Japanese American internment. Allegiance's world premiere at the Old Globe theatre in San Diego in 2012 will be followed by a Broadway run. In addition to a busy acting career, Takei regularly appears on Howard Stern's Sirius XM satellite radio show. Takei has brought his voiceover talent to hundreds of characters in film, television, video games and commercials during his prolific career. Takei, a Japanese American who from age 4 to 8 was unjustly interned in two U.S. internment camps during World War II, is an outspoken supporter of human right issues and community activist. He is chairman emeritus and a trustee of the Japanese American National Museum in Los Angeles. The openly gay Takei has served as the spokesperson for the Human Rights Campaign "Coming Out Project," and was cultural affairs chairman of the Japanese American Citizens League.  He was appointed to the Japan-U.S. Friendship Commission by former President Clinton and the government of Japan awarded Takei the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette, for his contribution to U.S.-Japanese relations. In 2007, Asteroid 7307 Takei, located between Mars and Jupiter, was named in the performer's honor in appreciation for his social work. Takei lives in Los Angeles with his husband, Brad Takei.

Editors Please Note:

Friday, Nov. 14, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 15, 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, Nov. 16, 2:30 p.m.

HEINZ HALL
PITTSBURGH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
PNC POPS: SCI-FI SPECTACULAR
JACK EVERLY, conductor
GEORGE TAKEI, host
KRISTEN PLUMLEY, vocalist

###

Contact: Louise Sciannameo, Vice President for Communications and External Relations
Phone: 412.392.4866 | email: lsciannameo@pittsburghsymphony.org
Contact: Joyce DeFrancesco, Director of Media Relations
Phone: 412.392.4827 | email: jdefrancesco@pittsburghsymphony.org
Twitter: @pghsymphony |Facebook: facebook.com/PittsburghSymphonyOrchestra

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

Megan Hilty Sings Sinatra, Broadway

For Immediate Release
June 5, 2014

MEGAN HILTY BRINGS THE SOUNDS OF FRANK SINATRA AND BROADWAY TO HEINZ HALL STAGE FOR PNC POPS

Weekend is first “Nurses’ Weekend” with discounts and continuing education credit for nurses and nursing students

PITTSBURGH – Seen in “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes,” “Wicked” and “9 to 5” on Broadway and NBC's “Smash” and “Sean Saves the World,” the multi-talented Megan Hilty brings her big voice and vivacious stage presence to the Heinz Hall stage for the final PNC Pops concert of the season, “Luck Be a Lady: Megan Hilty Sings Sinatra and More” on June 19-22.

Hailed as "the new princess of Broadway" by Time magazine, Hilty comes together with acclaimed conductor Steven Reineke and the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra to pay tribute to the tunes of Ol’ Blue Eyes — including “The Lady Is a Tramp,” “New York, New York,” and “I've Got You Under My Skin” — as well as Broadway classics such as “Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend,” “Almost Like Being In Love” and “Someone to Watch Over Me.” The program also includes favorites by Cole Porter, Barry Manilow and many others.

The weekend is the first annual Nurses’ Weekend at the symphony with a 20% discount offered to all nurses and nursing students. (Tickets for nurses can be purchased at pittsburghsymphony.org/nurses or 412-392-4819.) On Saturday, June 21, the University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing will offer a continuing education course, “Stress & Nurses: Taking Care of Our Needs,” at 6 p.m. in Heinz Hall’s Regency Rooms. Irene Kane, Ph.D., M.S.N., R.N., C.N.A.A., H.F.I., and Bruce Rabin, M.D., Ph.D., of the University of Pittsburgh will be presenting. A Q&A session will follow at 7 p.m. To register for the CE course, visit nursing.pitt.edu/stress.

Performances are 7:30 p.m. on Thursday; 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday; and 2:30 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets, ranging in price from $15 to $99, can be purchased by calling the Heinz Hall box office at 412-392-4900 or visiting pittsburghsymphony.org.

The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra would like to recognize and thank PNC for its 2013-2014 title sponsorship of PNC Pops. Fairmont Pittsburgh is the official hotel of the Pittsburgh Symphony. Megan Hilty's performance is made possible, in part, by the Marvin Hamlisch Pops Artistic Excellence Fund.
Megan Hilty recently starred alongside Sean Hayes in NBC’s comedy “Sean Saves the World.” Prior to that, she portrayed the seasoned triple-threat Ivy Lynn in NBC’s musical drama “Smash” for two seasons. In March 2013, Hilty released her debut solo album, “It Happens All the Time,” which included fresh interpretations of compositions by contemporary songwriters and producers. She previously starred as Lorelei Lee, the diamond-loving blonde made famous by Carol Channing,in the Encores! production of “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes.” Additionally, her voice was featured as Rosetta in Disney's “Tinker Bell: Secret of the Wings.” She’s previously recorded vocals in Disney's “The Secret Life of Magic Gourd,” “Phineas & Ferb,” “Glenn Martin DDS,” “American Dad,” “Tinker Bell and the Pixie Hollow Games” and “Robot & Monster,” as well as singing as Snow White in the film “Shrek the Third.” Most recently, she was in Summertime Entertainment's animated film “Dorothy of Oz” with Kelsey Grammer, Hugh Dancy and Lea Michele in May 2014. She can also be heard alongside Placido Domingo on the opera star’s duet album. A native of Seattle, Hilty moved to New York City after graduating from the prestigious Carnegie Mellon University, and quickly made her Broadway debut as Glinda in “Wicked.”  She went on to perform the role in both the national tour and in Los Angeles. After receiving critical acclaim for her portrayal of Doralee Rhodes in Broadway’s “9 to 5: The Musical,” Hilty was honored with nominations for Lead Actress in a Musical at the Drama Desk Awards, Outer Critics Circle Awards, the Drama League Awards and L.A. Stage Alliance Ovation Awards. Hilty has previously performed at Carnegie Hall with the New York Pops, the National Symphony Orchestra at the Kennedy Center, the New York Philharmonic at Lincoln Center, the Boston Pops, the Cincinnati Pops, the Houston Symphony and with the Phoenix Symphony. Her television credits include guest-starring roles in Melissa & Joey, Bones, The Closer, Desperate Housewives, CSI, Shark, Ugly Betty, Eli Stone and The Suite Life of Zach & Cody. Among Hilty’s film credits are The Bitter Feast, the short film The Happiest Man Alive, opposite Justin Chambers; and the upcoming “Untitled Warren Beatty Project.”

Steven Reineke’s boundless enthusiasm and exceptional artistry have made him one of the nation’s most sought-after pops conductors, composers and arrangers. Reineke is the music director of The New York Pops at Carnegie Hall, principal pops conductor of the National Symphony Orchestra at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, and principal pops conductor of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra. He previously held the posts of principal pops conductor of the Long Beach and Modesto Symphony Orchestras and associate conductor of the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra. Reineke is a frequent guest conductor with The Philadelphia Orchestra and has been on the podium with the Boston Pops, The Cleveland Orchestra and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra at Ravinia. His extensive North American conducting appearances include Houston, San Francisco, Seattle, Edmonton, Pittsburgh, Vancouver, Ottawa (National Arts Centre), Detroit, Milwaukee and Calgary. As the creator of more than 100 orchestral arrangements for the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, Reineke’s work has been performed worldwide, and can be heard on numerous Cincinnati Pops Orchestra recordings on the Telarc label. His symphonic works “Celebration Fanfare,” “Legend of Sleepy Hollow” and “Casey at the Bat” are performed frequently in North America, including performances by the New York Philharmonic and Los Angeles Philharmonic. His Sun Valley “Festival Fanfare” was used to commemorate the Sun Valley Summer Symphony’s pavilion, and his “Festival Te Deum” and “Swan’s Island Sojourn” were debuted by the Cincinnati Symphony and Cincinnati Pops Orchestras. His numerous wind ensemble compositions are published by the C.L. Barnhouse Company and are performed by concert bands around the world. A native of Ohio, Reineke is a graduate of Miami University of Ohio, where he earned bachelor of music degrees with honors in both trumpet performance and music composition.

Heinz Hall for the Performing Arts is owned and operated by Pittsburgh Symphony, Inc., a non-profit organization, and is the year-round home of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. The cornerstone of Pittsburgh’s Cultural District, Heinz Hall hosts many events that do not feature its world-renowned Orchestra including Broadway shows, comedians, speakers and much more. For a full calendar of upcoming non-symphony events at the hall, visit heinzhall.org.

Editors Please Note:
June 19, 7:30 p.m.
June 20, 8:00 p.m.
June 21, 8:00 p.m.
June 22, 2:30 p.m.

Heinz Hall
PITTSBURGH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
PNC POPS: LUCK BE A LADY: MEGAN HILTY SINGS SINATRA & MORE
STEVEN REINEKE, conductor
MEGAN HILTY, vocalist

Loesser (arr. Barton)                                Blonde Overture/Luck Be A Lady

Coleman & Leigh (arr. Jones)                   The Best Is Yet to Come

Shaiman (arr. White)                               They Just Keep Moving the Line from Smash

Styne & Robin                                        Bye Bye Baby from Gentlemen Prefer Blondes

Porter (arr. Riddle/Price)                          I’ve Got You Under My Skin

Weill (arr. Reineke)                                Mack the Knife

Kosma, Mercer & Manilow                      Autumn Leaves – When October Goes
(arr. Reineke)

Schwartz (arr. Brohn)                               Popular from Wicked

Styne & Robin                                        Diamonds Are A Girls Best Friend from Gentlemen Prefer Blondes

Various (arr. Reineke)                             I Hear A Symphony: Symphonic Sounds of Diana Ross

Abreu                                                    Tico Tico

Loewe, Lerner, Rodgers & Hart                Almost Like Being In Love – This Can’t Be Love
(arr. Jahnke)

Shaiman & Whitman (arr. Atmajian)          Second Hand White Baby Grand from Smash

Manilow                                                Copacabana

Kander & Ebb (arr. Elliott)                        New York, New York

Gershwin & Gershwin                             Someone to Watch Over Me from Oh Kay!

Arlen & Mercer                                      Come Rain or Come Shine

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Contact: Louise Sciannameo, Vice President of Communications and External Relations
Phone: 412.392.4866 | email: lsciannameo@pittsburghsymphony.org
Contact: Joyce DeFrancesco, Director of Media Relations
Phone: 412.392.4827 | email: jdefrancesco@pittsburghsymphony.org
Twitter: @pghsymphony |Facebook: facebook.com/PittsburghSymphonyOrchestra

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

Broadway and Beyond with Brian Stokes Mitchell, PNC Pops

Sept. 24, 2013

Calendar of Events Submission

TITLE:                          Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra PNC Pops: Broadway and Beyond with Brian Stokes Mitchell          

CATEGORY:                Pops

DATE:                          Oct. 17-20, 2013      
         
TIME:                           Oct. 17: 7:30 p.m.; Oct. 18 & 19: 8 p.m.; Oct. 20: 2:30 p.m.

LOCATION:                Heinz Hall, 600 Penn Ave., Pittsburgh, Pa. 15222

Brian Stokes Mitchell

DESCRIPTION:           Brian Stokes Mitchell, a Tony Award-winner for his performance in Kiss Me, Kate, joins your PSO for a concert filled with favorite songs from classic Broadway musicals. Dubbed the "Broadway Baritone Extraordinaire," Mitchell takes you on a journey as he becomes the characters of each musical with every new song. This is your chance to hear the best of Broadway from one of Broadway's best. Plus, enjoy a few non-Broadway selections hand-picked by Mitchell that are sure to delight.

TICKET COST:             $25.75-119.75

INFO/TICKETS:           412-392-4900 or www.pittsburghsymphony.org

Conductor Ted Sperling

PHOTOS:                    Photos of vocalist Brian Stokes Mitchell and conductor Ted Sperling (photo credit: Laura Marie Duncan)

Please note: A press release with additional details will be sent closer to the event date.

Contact: Joyce DeFrancesco, Director of Media Relations
Phone: 412.392.4827 | email: jdefrancesco@pittsburghsymphony.org

Photo Credits:  Laura Marie Duncan

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

2013-2014 PNC Pops Season Announced

STREISAND SONGBOOK, ‘SMASH’ STAR MEGAN HILTY SINGING SINATRA, BUGS BUNNY & FRIENDS, JOHN WILLIAMS’ MUSIC, BROADWAY TUNES
HIGHLIGHT PSO’S 2013-2014 PNC POPS SEASON

PITTSBURGH – Songs made famous by Barbra Streisand and Frank Sinatra, the music of Oscar-winning composer John Williams, Broadway tunes, Bugs Bunny and friends, along with singing sensations Ann Hampton Callaway, Smash star Megan Hilty, and Brian Stokes Mitchell highlight the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra’s (PSO) 2013-2014 PNC Pops season at Heinz Hall.

Seven-concert subscriptions range from $122.50 to $659.75, and can be purchased by calling 412.392.4900, or visiting www.pittsburghsymphony.org. Tickets for individual concerts will go on sale around Labor Day.

The season opens with Tony Award-winning actor and singer Brian Stokes Mitchell joining the PSO on stage for Broadway and Beyond (Oct. 17-20), featuring songs from classic Broadway musicals, including Porgy and Bess, South Pacific and Funny Girl. Dubbed “the Broadway baritone extraordinaire,” he has enjoyed a rich and critically acclaimed career on Broadway, film and television, as well as in some of America’s finest concert halls. Ted Sperling, music director and conductor of the first Broadway revival of South Pacific, which won seven 2008 Tony Awards, will conduct. In 2005, Sperling won the Tony and Drama Desk awards (with Adam Guettel and Bruce Coughlin) for his orchestrations of The Light in the Piazza. Stephen Holden of The New York Times called a March 2011 concert conducted by Sperling, “the ultimate embodiment of the romantic myth that sustained the Broadway musical during its golden years.”

Next, award-winning singer-songwriter and Tony Award-nominee Ann Hampton Callaway performs unforgettable songs made famous by one of the most powerful and enduring musical artists, Barbra Streisand. The Streisand Songbook (Nov. 14-17) features timeless classics from Streisand’s extraordinary five-decades-long career. Callaway crafts a loving musical portrait of the legendary performer, while putting a unique pop/jazz spin on unforgettable songs from Streisand’s Broadway years to her film and pop album works. PSO Assistant Conductor Fawzi Haimor will conduct.

The hugely popular Highmark Holiday Pops (Dec. 12-15 & 20-21), returns for two weekends. Todd Ellison, hailed by The New York Times as one of “Broadway’s electric conductors,” leads the PSO in the concerts that feature the Mendelssohn Choir of Pittsburgh and a host of guest artists. Currently music director and conductor of the new Broadway production of Annie, Ellison’s credits include Monty Python’s Spamalot, La Cage aux Folles, and Michel Legrand’s Amour. He also was the late Marvin Hamlisch’s music director and worked with Hamlisch on productions of Ballroom and The Nutty Professor.

The PNC Pops begins 2014 in grand fashion when the PSO’s Resident Conductor Lawrence Loh leads a weekend of concerts featuring the music of John Williams (Jan. 23-26), quite possibly the most famous composer of movie music. The winner of five Academy Awards, Williams has written music for Lincoln, Jaws, Schindler’s List, E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial, Superman, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, Saving Private Ryan, The Accidental Tourist, War Horse, The Adventures of Tintin, Born on the Fourth of July, the first three Harry Potter movies and the unforgettable themes for Star Wars and all four Indiana Jones films.

The PSO brings some razzle-dazzle to Heinz Hall when celebrated Broadway stars and conductor Jack Everly join the orchestra for All That Jazz: A Symphonic Celebration of Kander and Ebb (March 6-9). One of Broadway’s most successful songwriting teams, composer John Kander and lyricist Fred Ebb wrote such hits as Chicago, Cabaret, New York, New York, and The Scottsboro Boys. The concerts feature favorites, including “All That Jazz,” “Razzle Dazzle,” “Mr. Cellophane,” “Cabaret,” “Me and My Baby,” “Maybe This Time” and “Don’t Tell Mama!”

Audiences can experience a fantastic fusion of classical music and classic animation with Bugs Bunny at the Symphony (April 10-13). Created and conducted by Emmy Award-winner George Daugherty, the concert features favorite Warner Bros. Looney Tunes characters on screen in their most memorable moments, all with live accompaniment by the PSO. Bugs Bunny will be joined by his well-known cohorts Elmer Fudd, Wile E. Coyote, Road Runner, Pepe Le Pew, Daffy Duck, Tweety and more. In a review of Daugherty’s “Bugs Bunny on Broadway” concert, The Chicago Tribune raved, “The roaring kettledrums, the sweetly confiding strings, the braying brasses, and luxuriant woodwinds were every bit as vibrant as the colors and choreography of the animation on screen.”

The PNC Pops season concludes with Megan Hilty, star of NBC’s hit television show, Smash, acclaimed conductor Steven Reineke and the PSO paying tribute to songs Ol’ Blue Eyes made famous. In a weekend of concerts titled, Luck Be a Lady (June 19-22), Hilty will perform Sinatra staples such as The Lady Is a Tramp, Moon River, and I’ve Got You Under My Skin, as well as other classics, including Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend, Someone to Watch Over Me and Almost Like Being in Love. The concert will be led by Steven Reineke, newly appointed Principal Pops Conductor of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, Music Director of The New York Pops at Carnegie Hall, and Principal Pops Conductor of the National Symphony Orchestra at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

The PSO will continue the popular tradition of hosting Pops Talks, an insider’s look at the concerts, following each Thursday performance.

The PSO would like to recognize and thank PNC for its 2013-2014 title sponsorship of the PNC Pops, marking PNC’s 13th consecutive year as title sponsor of this series. The PSO would also like to recognize and thank Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield for its 2013 title sponsorship of Highmark Holiday Pops. Fairmont Pittsburgh is the official hotel of the PSO.

Thursday, Oct. 17, at 7:30 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 18, at 8 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 19, at 8 p.m.
Sunday, Oct. 20, at 2:30 p.m.
Broadway and Beyond with Brian Stokes Mitchell
Ted Sperling, conductor
Brian Stokes Mitchell, vocalist

Brian Stokes Mitchell

Thursday, Nov. 14, at 7:30 p.m.
Friday, Nov. 15, at 8 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 16, at 8 p.m.
Sunday, Nov. 17, at 2:30 p.m.
Ann Hampton Callaway presents The Streisand Songbook
Fawzi Haimor, conductor
Ann Hampton Callaway, vocalist

Vocalist Ann Hampton Callaway

Thursday, Dec. 12, at 7:30 p.m.
Friday, Dec. 13, at 8 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 14, at 2:30 & 8 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 15, at 2:30 p.m.
Friday, Dec. 20, at 8 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 21, at 2:30 & 8 p.m.
Highmark Holiday Pops
Todd Ellison, conductor
Mendelssohn Choir of Pittsburgh

John Williams

Thursday, Jan. 23, at 7:30 p.m.
Friday, Jan. 24, at 8 p.m.
Saturday, Jan. 25, at 8 p.m.
Sunday, Jan. 26, at 2:30 p.m.
The Music of John Williams
Lawrence Loh, conductor





Thursday, March 6, at 7:30 p.m.
Friday, March 7, at 8 p.m.
Saturday, March 8, at 8 p.m.
Sunday, March 9, at 2:30 p.m.
All That Jazz: A Symphonic Celebration of Kander & Ebb
Jack Everly, conductor

Thursday, April 10, at 7:30 p.m.

Friday, April 11, at 8 p.m.

Saturday, April 12, at 2:30 & 8 p.m.

Sunday, April 13, at 2:30 p.m.

Bugs Bunny at the Symphony

George Daugherty, conductor

Megan Hilty

Thursday, June 19, at 7:30 p.m.

Friday, June 20, at 8 p.m.

Saturday, June 21, at 8 p.m.

Sunday, June 22, at 2:30 p.m.

Luck Be a Lady: Megan Hilty Sings Sinatra and More

Steven Reineke, conductor

Megan Hilty, vocalist

All artists, programs and dates are subject to change.

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

GLEE's Matthew Morrison Opens PNC Pops Season

For Immediate Release
Sept. 21, 2012

‘GLEE’ STAR MATTHEW MORRISON OPENS PSO’S 2012-2013 PNC POPS SEASON
Guest Conductor Lucas Richman leads PSO in performances of Broadway, movie music

PITTSBURGH – Matthew Morrison, star of the hit TV show Glee will headline the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra’s (PSO) opening weekend of the 2012-2013 PNC Pops season at Heinz Hall.
The concerts begin at 2:30 and 8 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 29, and 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 30.  Tickets, ranging from $20 to $108, can be purchased by calling the Heinz Hall box office at 412.392.4900, or visiting www.pittsburghsymphony.org.

Lucas Richman, music director of the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra, will lead the PSO.
Morrison, who has been nominated for Tony, Emmy and two Golden Globe Awards, will perform favorite hits from his forthcoming album of Broadway standards, as well as other songs.

The program will include such popular hits as “Mambo” from West Side Story, “Luck Be a Lady” from Guys and Dolls, “On the Street Where You Live” from My Fair Lady, “As Long as She Needs Me” from Oliver, “Send in the Clowns” from A Little Night Music, “Younger Than Springtime” from South Pacific, “Ease on Down the Road” from The Wiz, and the title song from Singin’ in the Rain.

The PSO would like to recognize and thank PNC for its 2012-2013 title sponsorship of PNC Pops. Fairmont Pittsburgh is the official hotel of the PSO.

Matthew Morrison studied musical theater, vocal performance and dance at New York University’s renowned Tisch School of the Arts. His big Broadway break came when he was cast as heartthrob Link Larkin in the hit Hairspray. He was later nominated for a Tony Award for his role in The Light in the Piazza, and received a Drama Desk Nomination for Outstanding Actor in a Musical for 10 Million Miles. He also starred in the Tony-winning revival of South Pacific at Lincoln Center Theater in New York. Morrison currently stars in season four of Glee, Fox’s hit musical comedy series from Ryan Murphy. Morrison stars as Will Schuester, an optimistic high school teacher, who tries to refuel his own passion while re-inventing the high school’s glee club and challenging a group of outcasts to realize their star potential. Morrison also starred in the 2012 Lionsgate film, What to Expect When You’re Expecting, alongside Cameron Diaz, Jennifer Lopez, Elizabeth Banks, Chace Crawford, Chris Rock, Joe Manganiello and Dennis Quaid. Morrison hosted and narrated the PBS special entitled, Oscar Hammerstein II - Out of My Dreams, focusing on the Broadway producer’s life and career, in March 2012.

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 Concerts Tickets on Sale

 For Immediate Release
August 27, 2012

TICKETS ON SALE FOR FIRST THREE 2012-2013 PNC POPS CONCERTS

PITTSBURGH –Tickets are now on sale for the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra (PSO) PNC Pops concerts Matthew Morrison, A Tribute to The Beatles with Classical Mystery Tour and Highmark Holiday Pops.

Matthew Morrison

The 2012-2013 season’s first PNC Pops concerts will be Sept. 29 & 30, when Matthew Morrison, star of the hit TV show, Glee, joins the PSO to perform favorite hits from his forthcoming album of Broadway standards. The PSO will be led by Grammy Award-winner Lucas Richman, music director of the Knoxville and Bangor Symphony orchestras.

The concerts begin at 2:30 and 8 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 29 and 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 30.  Tickets range from $20 to $108.

Classical Mystery Tour returns with a special tribute to the Beatles’ acclaimed album Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band – the first rock album to ever win a Grammy for Album of the Year. Audiences will hear Beatles hits presented by a group of musicians that look, sound and play just like John, Paul, George and Ringo, along with the PSO led by our new Assistant Conductor Fawzi Haimor.

The concerts will begin at 7:30 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 15; 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 16; 2:30 & 8 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 17; and 2:30 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 18. Tickets range from $20 to $98.

Rachel DeShon

Daniel Meyer, music director of the Asheville Symphony and Erie Philharmonic and former PSO resident conductor, will lead the hugely-popular Highmark Holiday Pops concert. Allegheny County’s “Singing Sheriff,” Ricky Manning, returns to Heinz Hall to perform at these concerts, which also feature the Mendelssohn Choir of Pittsburgh and other guest artists. Celebrate the season with carols and much-loved holiday music, including "Sleigh Ride" and selections from The Nutcracker.

This year’s star-studded 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 range from $20 to $98.

Violinist Jenny Oaks Baker

All tickets can be purchased by calling the Heinz Hall box office at 412.392.4900, or visiting the PSO atwww.pittsburghsymphony.org. Prices are subject to change.

The PSO would like to recognize and thank PNC for their 2012-2013 title sponsorship of PNC Pops. The PSO would like to recognize and thank Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield for their 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

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