“The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra used to perform an annual concert in the Hill District but discontinued the series in 2012, citing budgetary reasons,” writes Jeremy Reynolds in Thursday’s (1/18) Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. “On Saturday, the PSO will launch a reimagined partnership with the district in the form of a concert at Heinz Hall, Downtown. The program, ‘Lift Every Voice: Resonating Music, Words, & Legacy,’ features local ensembles and performers and the world premiere performance of composer Kathryn Bostic’s ‘August Wilson Symphony,’ dedicated to the memory of the Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright from the Hill District. Noted actress Phylicia Rashad will host and narrate the concert [led by] Lucas Richman…. The remainder of the program features [Bostic and] the Pittsburgh Cultural Arts Collective percussion ensemble … the interfaith Hill District Unity Choir, Pittsburgh-based singer Anqwenique, and … cellist Ifetayo Ali, winner of the junior division of the 2017 Sphinx Competition. ‘We’re looking to establish a presence in the area,’ … said Suzanne Perrino, the PSO’s senior vice president of learning & community engagement…. Perrino … said that the symphony is talking with Act3 Consulting Partners to determine the best strategy moving forward.”
Posted January 19, 2018
