June 2026 Concerts

♦ PITTSBURGH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA ♦ Tchaikovsky’s Pathetique Edward Gardner, conductor Behzod Abduraimov, piano Heinz Hall MAY 15 FRI 7:30 PM MAY 16 SAT 7:30 PM – Saturday Sessions MAY 17 SUN 2:30 PM KNUSSEN: Flourish with Fireworks BEETHOVEN: Piano Concerto No. 1 TCHAIKOVSKY: Symphony No. 6, “Pathétique” Notes: Nine days before his death, Tchaikovsky conducted the premiere of one of the most resounding final statements in music: his “Pathétique” Symphony, full of sweeping melodies, passionate outbursts, and emotional extremes. “Without exaggeration, I have put my whole soul into this symphony,” he wrote. “I love it as I have never loved any of…

♦ PITTSBURGH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA ♦ The Rite of Spring ♦ Heinz Hall APR 10 FRI 7:30 PM APR 12 SUN 2:30 PM JIMMY LÓPEZ: Perú Negro PROKOFIEV: Piano Concerto No. 2 STRAVINSKY: The Rite of Spring Notes: Almost no musical work has had such a powerful influence or evoked as much controversy as Stravinsky’s ballet score The Rite of Spring. The work’s premiere was scandalous. In addition to the outrageous costumes, unusual choreography, and bizarre story of pagan sacrifice, the score’s raw, primal energy and dissonant harmonies shocked audiences. It endures as one of the most influential and groundbreaking works…

♦ PITTSBURGH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA ♦ Ax Plays Brahms Heinz Hall MAR 6:  FRI 7:30 PM MAR 8: SUN 2:30 PM JACOB BANCKS The Greatest Show on Earth [WORLD PREMIERE & PSO COMMISSION] BEETHOVEN Symphony No. 2 BRAHMS Piano Concerto No. 1 Notes: There’s so much expressive power in this famous piano concerto – one of Brahms’ most personal works and a cornerstone of the repertoire. Who better to hear it from than the world-famous (and Pittsburgh favorite) Emanuel Ax? Pair this delicacy with Beethoven and a world premiere of a work by Jacob Bancks, whose music has been praised as “colorfully orchestrated, invitingly lyrical” (The…

♦ PITTSBURGH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA ♦ WALKER: Lyric for Strings ♦ BRAHMS: Symphony No. 3 ♦ DVOŘÁK: Cello Concerto Heinz Hall FEB 6  FRI 7:30 PM FEB 8 SUN 2:30 PM Notes: This showcase of three captivating, heartfelt masterpieces is highlighted by the PSO debut of acclaimed cellist Gautier Capuçon performing Dvořák’s much-loved Cello Concerto, a wistful, lyrical love letter to his Bohemian homeland. Brahms’ Third is the perfect symphony to experience if you love passionate romantic melodies that bring out the amazing color and depth of the full orchestra. George Walker’s Lyric is a deeply moving work from the first African-American composer to win…

♦ PITTSBURGH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA ♦ Carnegie Hall Preview Heinz Hall 12/2 TUE 7:30PM AUERBACH: Frozen Dreams [PSO Commission] RACHMANINOFF: Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini SHOSTAKOVICH: Symphony No. 5 Notes: A one-night-only blockbuster. The PSO makes its long-awaited return to New York City’s Carnegie Hall, and Pittsburgh gets to hear the program first. One of today’s most exciting and in-demand pianists, Seong-Jin Cho brings brilliance and fire to Rachmaninoff’s Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini. The evening also features Shostakovich’s powerful Fifth Symphony, a work immortalized by the PSO with its 2x Grammy-award winning 2017 recording. ♦ Shostakovich’s Fifth Heinz…

♦ PITTSBURGH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA ♦ Grimaud Plays Gershwin Heinz Hall 11/7 730PM, 11/9 2:30PM ROBERTO SIERRA: Alegría GERSHWIN: Piano Concerto in F major FRANCK: Symphony in D minor Notes: The worthy sequel to the universally loved Rhapsody in Blue, Gershwin’s Piano Concerto is a thrilling blend of jazz rhythms, grand soaring melodies, and pianistic fireworks. It’s a treat to hear it from sensational pianist Hélène Grimaud, who brings brilliance and depth to this virtuosic favorite. Franck’s beloved and irresistibly tuneful symphony will sweep you off your feet, but you might fall most in love with Robert Sierra’s Alegría, a bold, joyful burst of Latin…