The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra announced new 2021 dates for two special concerts that were postponed from the 2019-2020 season.
“An Evening with Honeck & Mutter & Williams” will take place on June 9, while Ben Folds will appear with the orchestra on Oct. 15 next year.
Both concerts will begin at 7:30 p.m. in Heinz Hall in Pittsburgh’s Cultural District.
“Pittsburgh Symphony is just one of the greatest orchestras in the world, it always has been,” Folds said in a video message to the symphony, sent from Australia, where the singer/songwriter was playing with symphony orchestras when the pandemic hit and has since been residing.
“Normally, I would have my Terrible Towel with me. Honestly, it hangs up over my suits in my closet back home,” he said. “I don’t have it with me, or I’d be waving it for you. Squirrel Hill, Jerry’s [Records], all that stuff — I just love Pittsburgh.”
In May, the symphony postponed both performances in response to government restrictions on public gatherings and public health guidance to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.
“An Evening with Honeck & Mutter & Williams” will feature violin virtuoso Anne-Sophie Mutter and the symphony performing the Beethoven Violin Concerto under the baton of Music Director Manfred Honeck.
The special one-night-only event then will continue with legendary composer and conductor John Williams at the podium, leading the orchestra and Mutter in selected works from “Across the Stars.”
The album collaboration by Williams and Mutter features an array of Williams’ most beloved movie themes in adaptations written especially for Mutter.
The repertoire for the Folds concert, featuring Folds on vocals and piano, will be announced from the stage.
Folds has performed with some of the world’s greatest orchestras, including four appearances with the PSO, beginning with a sold-out concert in 2010.
Folds has created a large body of genre-bending music that includes pop albums with the alt-rock Ben Folds Five, multiple solo albums and collaborations with artists ranging from Regina Spektor to William Shatner. Folds also is a critically acclaimed author and a photographer whose work has appeared in National Geographic.
Tickets for both concerts are available now. Current ticket-holders should retain their tickets for use at the rescheduled dates.
Details: 412-392-4900 or pittsburghsymphony.org
