Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra
The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra provides musical experiences at the highest level of expression to enrich the community and to satisfy the needs and preferences of our audiences. We work together to support an internationally recognized orchestra and ensure: a viable long-term financial future; a fulfilling environment for our Orchestra, Staff, Volunteers and Board; and the unsurpassed satisfaction of our customers.
In January 2007, after several highly successful guest appearances leading the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, Manfred Honeck was appointed its ninth Music Director, and eagerly began this position at the start of the 2008-2009 season.
At the time of his appointment, Honeck remarked, "It is with great joy that I assume the post of Music Director of one of the world's finest orchestras. I am aware that this wonderful task is accompanied by great responsibility with regard to maintaining and enhancing the high level of performance developed by my predecessors and the orchestra together. It is no exaggeration to say that the orchestra and I got on like a house on fire."
The sentiment could not be more true, with the Orchestra and Maestro Honeck receiving rave reviews for their collaborations, including their first recording together - Strauss' Ein Heldenleben.
In May 2009, Honeck and the PSO embarked on a tour to Asia. The first international tour with Honeck as music director marked the Orchestra's debut in Shanghai, China, and Kaohsiung, Taiwan, and the Orchestra's first performance in Beijing since 1987. In the fall of 2009, Honeck and the Orchestra were invited to close the prestigious Lucerne Festival in Lucerne, Switzerland.
In September 2009, the PSO and Maestro Honeck agreed to extend his contract through the 2015-2016 season.
In May 2010, Maestro Honeck and the PSO completed a remarkable tour of Europe. The 12-concert BNY Mellon 2010 European Tour included concerts at Vienna's famed Musikverein, as well as performances in Switzerland, Germany, Luxembourg, France, Czech Republic, Hungary and Slovenia.
In addition to the appointment of Honeck as Music Director, the Orchestra also welcomed Leonard Slatkin as Principal Guest Conductor.
In September 2010, the PSO and Honeck announced the creation of the Victor de Sabata Guest Conductor Chair for conductor Gianandrea Noseda for four years, beginning with the 2010-11 season.
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