A Great Friend of the PSO: Doug Stirling
by Christopher Wu One of the most unique aspects of the Pittsburgh Symphony family are the close relationships that have developed between board members and musicians. Music can draw people …
NEWSLETTER FEATURES
The Bouquet Goes To: Susanne Park
by Ron Samuels Dayenu is a Hebrew word that translates as “it would have been enough.” It is spoken as an acknowledgment and remembrance of divine gifts. There are many …
Friends from Abroad Share Their Stories
The performing arts in this country have taken a hard hit from the pandemic and our government’s fractured response. The few public concerts in the Pittsburgh Symphony’s schedule are outdoors, and our fall season looks to be entirely virtual. Is it the same everywhere? We reached out to friends and former colleagues around the world to see how they are carrying on during this pandemic. Here are their responses:
Adventures in Mask-making
The performing arts in this country have taken a hard hit from the pandemic and our government’s fractured response. The few public concerts in the Pittsburgh Symphony’s schedule are outdoors, and our fall season looks to be entirely virtual. Is it the same everywhere? We reached out to friends and former colleagues around the world to see how they are carrying on during this pandemic. Here are their responses:
In Memoriam: Ray Marsh
Violist Raymond Marsh passed away on June 26th at the age of 89. He was a beloved member of the Pittsburgh Symphony for 48 of those years, retiring in 2007. Here are a few personal tributes from his PSO colleagues.
The Bouquet Goes…
John Karapandi is retiring from the PSO on Sept 27, 2020, after nearly four decades of exemplary service, friendship, and his signature “cool calm,” no matter what the issue and angst level.
The Branson Briefings – Alan Abel
Jeremy Branson, associate principal percussionist, leads a discussion on the life and impact of the revered Alan Abel, reminiscing with colleagues Chris Allen, Andrew Reamer, and John Soroka
Penny Anderson Brill – Healing Others through Musical Performance
by Karissa Shivone
Penny Brill, violist with the Pittsburgh Symphony for 40 wonderful years, is energized and ready to immerse herself into her latest musical calling as she retires next year (March 2021). She has discovered first-hand the power our music has towards healing people in the community. While she has devoted herself for the past two decades to performing for people all around Pittsburgh (and beyond) with a wide spectrum of needs, retirement will allow her time to pass on her knowledge to the next generation. Penny has a great passion to share her discoveries on repertoire, programs, educational material, and so much more.
Retirement Tribute: Scott Bell – A New Chapter in China
by Lorien Benet Hart
My first weeks with the PSO were as an extra violinist on the 2001 South American tour; I knew very few people in the orchestra and relied mostly on people adopting me into their “tour family” for any socializing. Little did I know that a hole-in-the-wall tango performance in Montevideo, Uruguay would come to define my touring for the next two decades.
Retirement Tribute: Carolyn Edwards
by Alison Fujito
Violinist Carolyn Edwards and I first met in April, 1987, when we were both called to sub with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra just before joining as full-time members.