Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra

Gift doing double duty Christmas present executed on Mother's Day. Our Director Circle center front row tickets were excellent. Perfect view of my musicians. Plenty of leg room. The musicians were excellent. Unfortunately, the music selections didn't align with the singers' vocal range. Nobody does Memories like Barbara Streisand.

A long overdue review as I have enjoyed the PSO in various multiple occasions, and all quite unique. PSO performs in Heinz Hall, which is one of the most beautiful and charming theaters. I first attended many years ago when PSO performed with Sha Na Na. We happened to be walking past the theater and it was intermission and someone exiting the theater gifted us their tickets for the second half. It could have not been more magical of a show or experience.The magic continued when we heard in January that PSO was performing a free show as they had planned to perform with pianist Benjamin Grosvenor. Unfortunately the ticketed performance was cancelled due to the majority of the orchestra having COVID. The day of the performance in a matter of hours, members of the orchestra without COVID put together a free performance with Benjamin Grosvenor that left us absolutely speechless. Finally the most recent performance was when PSO played during a screening of Hocus Pocus. From start to finish, the performance was fun and flawless. Upcoming movies scheduled with PSO are Elf and The Little Mermaid. I absolutely love the variety the PSO offers and am grateful our city has such a great form of entertainment.

Every time I see the PSO, I'm very impressed. We recently saw Ben Folds perform with the orchestra. The crowd turned a bit Yinzer for a bit (heckling at the symphony?), but the show was pretty interactive. The most impressive part of the performance was when Ben Folds composed a song on the spot with the orchestra. You could tell that the musicians were having fun with it -- especially the guy back in the percussion section who rocked out a wind chime solo. Very cool show. Can't wait to go back for more of their PSO Pops as well as their more traditional performances. They're playing a live score to accompany a showing of Jurassic Park this weekend. I've heard of a few other orchestras doing similar things -- I believe the London Philharmonic played a live score along with Lord of The Rings at one point. The tickets are pretty affordable, starting at $25, about twice a normal movie ticket. Not bad for a movie and live music. I really hope they do more shows like this. How could would Jaws be??

The PSO is something that I have never been able to see, so this event was super special for me! Moving to Pittsburgh has given me an opportunity to get out and do things outside of my comfort zone - this was one of them! Heinz Hall is one of the most beautiful places that I've ever seen. No matter what show you are here to see, the architecture of the space is something to see in itself. The staff here are always extremely kind as well.The Beatles Tribute was AMAZING, and the band did an awesome job. I must say, I thought there would be more solo PSO - but that's OK because based on the performance I saw this evening, I would be back no matter what! The PSO blew my socks off with their performance and I can't wait to come back for another show!

Had a fabulous time at Revolution: The Music of the Beatles-a symphonic experience. Enjoyed all the selections, 50th anniversary of Abbey Road. The additional 6 musicians who sang, played guitars, bass, drums & keyboards were excellent as well. I loved how they showed old Beatles pics on the screen behind the orchestra. Although each number was extremely well done, Eleanor Rigby, was the stand out showcase piece for our PSO. Standing ovation worthy! Heinz Hall is so beautiful & you can't go wrong seeing the Grammy winning PSO for any performances there. Highly recommend that you experience the PSO at Heinz Hall-their upcoming Holiday Pops is always a favorite.

Moved to PGH recently and been itching to go to the opera as I used to go semi-regularly as a kid. Winter makes me all nostalgic for Handel's Messiah, and so when I found a good deal for the PSO's rendition, I was all in! As I understand it, the choir and orchestra are larger that what I saw, but for the Messiah there were 60 members of the choir, 4 soloists and 28 members of the orchestra. The sound was rich and wonderful and I was so pleased to be a part of the Hallelujah Chorus and rubbing shoulders with so many other enthusiastic patrons. There is clearly a great appreciation for the arts in Pittsburgh and the PSO are in every way deserving of the praise they are given. I'd love to come back soon for another performance!

World class orchestra, and always a pleasure to attend. I typically attend with my 10 year old son, and he loves it! I remember our first concert a couple years ago - him not really fully understanding what to expect, then seeing him sitting there, rapt in attention. Afterwards, from the mouth of babes..."Gee...dad...that was like...magic!".Yes it is...even for an older guy like me. To sit and take in the excellence that is our orchestra...well, it hardly can get better.I've always favored the Sunday afternoon performances. I've...we've...never been disappointed. A Pittsburgh treasure!

I love the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra; I do. I love their home venue of Heinz Hall.However, I was disappointed with the setup on stage this last visit for the performance of the music for the Oscars. Maybe I just didn't notice before or maybe I hadn't felt it was as critical before but the stage setup was awful. On stage were both the orchestra and multiple rows of choir members. Now, mind you they got the setup right for the choir -- they were elevated and tiered such that you could see each individual member of the choir. The orchestra, however? They were all flat-lined level with one another and stacked several rows deep. I imagine sitting in cheaper balcony seats would be the better option. We were sitting in the center of the orchestra section and had a grand view of the stage, that is to say we had a grand view of the conductor, the first row of violins and the entire choir. Maybe that would have been ok except there were many times the integral instrument being played and the focus of our attention was on some other instrument besides the front row violinists. I could see part of a flute when the flutist had a major role; I could see part of the piano when the pianist was playing. No amount of straining could elevate me to a position of seeing who and what was being played. The sound was wonderful; the conductor super; the venue awesome; the staff polite, courteous, and helpful. But, I cannot help feeling I might as well listened to the performance on the radio; being there in person did nothing to enhance the experience without being able to see the performers perform.Will I go again? Yes. But if I experience the same setup, probably not after that.

We attended the Night at the Oscars concert and it was beautiful! I was looking forward to hearing a few particular scores, but I enjoyed the whole concert, even the pieces that I didn't recognize. It's amazing to have heard these orchestrations countless times before while watching a film, and then to hear them performed live. If you've never been to Heinz Hall before, I recommend getting there before the house opens so you have plenty of time to look around. The sitting areas are the definition of grandeur. We sat in the balcony gallery section, admittedly "cheap seats" but we could see every single member of the orchestra and choir. There are numerous parking garages in the area, but as Heinz Hall is in the cultural district, the garages will fill up fast if there are other events going on at the Benedum Center, the PPT (O'Rilley Theater), or the Byham theater. I recommend the Ft. Duquesne & 6th street garage. The 3rd Ave garage at PPG place is also a good option, a few blocks away, but it's cheaper and easier to get out of that one during the after concert rush.If you wish to read more of my thoughts on Heinz Hall, please see my review on that separate Yelp listing.I loved how the conductor introduced each piece. He seemed to be a natural public speaker, the way he addressed the audience was professional, yet friendly; and even comical at times. At one point someone in the audience sneezed and he pointed in their direction and said "bless you". I definitely recommend this world class orchestra and the ticket prices are so reasonable, it would be a missed opportunity to not attend.

Sunday was my first-ever visit to the former Loew's Penn Theatre. During the glory days of the movie industry, the Loew's Penn Theatre on Sixth Street in downtown Pittsburgh was one of the most elaborate movie palaces in the United States, the site of premieres and long runs. I touched the door handle, and for just a moment, I was transported back in time. WOW! The hustle and bustle of A Christmas Holiday Show reminded me of the old days when downtowns were alive during the holiday season. Standing in line to purchase a soda brought back memories of days gone by rushing from 5&10 to the next Dime Store. It was a teachable moment as the audience stood for the Handel Hallelujah Chorus sung by the Mendelson Choir. I was still very much a poor kid trapped in this older body. I did not realize it was a tradition that dates back to King Goerge to stand because if the King Stood, which he did, the subjects must. I wasn't the last to stand, but I will be among the first next time.Several young men in bow ties stood so I caught on it. The Christmas Music was wonderful, and the stage was decorated with Trees Santa even made an appearance Mamie Parris sang on Broadway her voice will remain in my head for the rest of the Christmas season.The symphony made everyone laugh with his food jokes orchestra was just grand some of the musicians wore little Santa hats. The piano player was right on with every key. The Little Young Ballet performer was just beautiful.I know this Christmas Eve I will dream of the vision of sugar plums that dance in my head. I wish I could stay I thought to myself as the show came to a closureI am coming back next year for sure if the fates allow. Merry Christmas Marcus Loew your built grand building!