I started the first day of my new year around the sun in the presence of greatness. The occasion was the annual Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra’s annual Gala, which kicked off a new season Saturday night. The sold-out concert, a black tie, formal dress event which included folks in much less formal attire as well. featured much-in-demand pianist, Lang Lang, the Franz Liszt of the modern era, who thrilled the audience with a spectacular performance of Beethoven’s “Concerto No. 5 in E-flat Major for Piano and Orchestra.” The standing ovation for the acclaimed pianist lasted a good five minutes until the remarkable musician consented to play an encore piece, the title of which escapes me. The Gala concert also included Leonard Bernstein’s “Overture to Candide,” and a Suite of three excerpts from Bizet’s opera “Carmen.” One especially intriguing piece on the program was jazz pianist, Chuck Core’s “La Fiesta” for 2 Cellos, Strings and Percussion, arranged by Andre Pushkarev. It fe...
Fall in love with the music- and the magnificent view! Opera on the Allegheny Saturday, October 3rd, 2026 / 4:30-6:00pm Seven of Pittsburgh’s highly regarded opera singers—Marianne Cornetti, Kevin Glavin, Isabella Zallo, Meg Jones, Alexandria Zallo, Thomas Shivone, and Victor Cardamone—will grace the beautiful Allegheny riverfront for a spectacular afternoon of music! Enjoy beloved opera and Broadway songs, gorgeous arias, exciting duets, and fabulous ensembles, accompanied by the wonderful William Woodard! What a PERFECT way to spend a beautiful late-fall afternoon—surrounded by the breathtaking Allegheny River and filled with some of Pittsburgh’s finest voices! This is a FREE event! Click here for more information: CLICK The 16th Annual Mildred Miller International Voice Competition Semi-Finals : Saturday, October 17 | 10 am – 4 pm Finals : Sunday, October 18 | 6 – 9 pm Pittsburgh’s signature voice competition kicks up a notch and you’re invit...