PITTSBURGH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA: PIONEERING INNOVATIVE LEARNING & ENGAGEMENT INITIATIVES (THAT ARE ALSO INCREDIBLE CONCERTS)
PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra (PSO) is widely acclaimed as one of the world’s greatest orchestras (seriously, look us up). But one thing people don’t know about the PSO is that they’re also always listening.
Right now, the PSO is stepping up its learning and public engagement activities like never before. Whenever there’s a chance to meet a need in the community, shine a light on the things that are important to them, or find new ways to connect with Pittsburgh, the PSO listens and responds with musical programs.
FEB. 3, 2024: “LIFT EVERY VOICE” WITH OLETA ADAMS, HEINZ HALL
Coming together in music makes hearts and voices soar.
The song “Lift Every Voice” has a history. Written by NAACP leader James Weldon Johnson in 1900, now known to millions as “The Black National Anthem,” it was the soundtrack to the Civil Rights Movement. This concert pays tribute to the spirit and richness of Black music in America — and its enduring strength in times of tumult and trouble.
The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra concert, led by conductor Anthony Parnther, features the powerful voice of GRAMMY® Award winner Oleta Adams, whose gospel-rooted voice has graced era-defining albums like Tears For Fears’ “The Seeds of Love” (1989) and her own platinum-selling “Circle of One” (1990). It will also feature trombonist Cooper Cromwell-Whitley and the combined voices of the Lift Every Voice Unity Choir conducted by Nikki Porter. The show is intended for all ages — and performed by all ages too.
“I’m excited about Oleta Adams’ range: pop, gospel, ballads, tradition — I’m excited to work with her,” says Nikki Porter. “Our group is multigenerational, with singers in their 20s and in their 60s,” says Porter (who is also soloing with PSO for the “Courage to Stand” concerts). “It’s across generations that we honor Black culture, in tandem with the Symphony. It’s important to me because it makes the PSO experience attainable for everybody.”
Presented by the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, AAMI (Afro-American Music Institute), and Stop the Violence Pittsburgh.
Lift Every Voice (7:00 p.m., Feb. 3)
Lift Every Voice is made possible by generous support from Citizens, Duquesne Light Company, and the African American Chamber of Commerce of Western Pennsylvania.
TICKET INFORMATION
Tickets are available now to the general public at the Heinz Hall Box Office at 600 Penn Ave. in downtown Pittsburgh, online at pittsburghsymphony.org, or by phone at 412.492.4900. Ticket prices range from $15-$65.
ABOUT THE PITTSBURGH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
Now in its 128th season, the internationally acclaimed Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra (PSO) engages audiences of all ages through unparalleled live musical experiences, community outreach, and educational programming that enrich every life with great music.
Source: Saul Markowitz/ Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra
