NEWSLETTER FEATURES

Jeremy Branson, associate principal percussionist, interviews Jim Nova, the Pittsburgh Symphony’s second trombone player and one of the most colorful musicians among us. Take a break and listen to his unique approach …

by Lorien Hart

The Musicians’ Body & Soul partnership with 412 Food Rescue is, at its heart, a face-to-face experience. So how do we continue this vital work in the Covid-19 landscape? The third installment in our “If Music Be The Food” recital series to benefit 412 Food Rescue was scheduled to happen at Waverly Presbyterian Church on April 1. With an in-person gathering no longer possible, we moved to an online format.

by Craig Knox

Most PSO musicians teach. Many of us are on the faculty of universities and conservatories in Pittsburgh and elsewhere, teaching the performers and music educators of tomorrow. Others teach their students in private home studios. Some of us work with the members of the area youth orchestras. I think many of us feel a sense of duty to mentor young music students and pass along what we learned from the previous generation of professional musicians. So how can we continue to be there for these young musicians during this time?

by Jack Howell

The way out is through.
– Robert Frost

Yesterday I went for a walk. As a woman walking her dog approached, I moved to my right, to the edge of the sidewalk up against a picket fence. When she drew to about ten paces away, she left the sidewalk and passed me walking down the middle of the street. The thought was clear, why take a chance? It seems like forever ago when we all sat together for concerts, when musicians greeted concertgoers in the lobby and shook hands without a second thought.

By Jack Howell

The PSO’s vision statement reads: “Great Music in Every Life.” The “Great Music” part is pretty well covered. If you can get to Heinz Hall and can afford a ticket (BNY Mellon Grand Classics tickets start at $20, but some concerts are less, or even free), an embarrassment of riches awaits. In the course of a given season, there will be an orchestral program to suit almost any taste, performed at the highest level. If it seems immodest to say that ourselves, a lot of other people who ought to know said it first.