Pittsburgh Symphony looks to January return to Heinz Hall

The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra is planning its return to Heinz Hall in January, but in the meantime will offer a new digital music series free to the public this fall.

The digital programming will introduce a “reinvented” 2020-21 season, the symphony’s 125th, taking the place of in-person concerts that have been canceled between September and December. Details will be announced later.

“The fall programs are being planned to include ensembles of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, and will incorporate community artists and partners when possible, to create meaningful musical experiences during this time of shutdown of normal business and limited human interaction,” according to a release. “They will be produced in accordance with health and safety regulations, including wearing masks and social distancing.”

“It is my wish that our digital programs will be a reminder to us all of how music continues to lift our souls and bring us together as a community,” says symphony Music Director Manfred Honeck.

“While it is heartbreaking to know that we will not be able to share the special experiences that were planned for the fall, we simply can’t be together with our audience inside Heinz Hall at this time, given current building restrictions and public health guidance,” says symphony CEO Melia Tourangeau.

“We are currently planning a return to the Hall in January 2021 to continue the celebration of the 125th season with previously announced and newly imagined concerts and programs,” Tourangeau says. “This return will be based on public health and safety guidance, and expected conditions, including possible travel restrictions.

“We will continue our close consultation with health and safety experts, and we will continue to maintain Heinz Hall so that it is ready to welcome (audiences) back.”

Symphony updates

The symphony also announced these actions for the upcoming season:

• All subscriptions to the 2020-21 season will be rolled automatically to the 2021-22 season. These subscription series are BNY Mellon Grand Classics, PNC Pops and Fiddlesticks Family Concerts.

• Pillar elements of the 125th anniversary season, such as artistic partnerships, commissions and Beethoven in Your Neighborhood, will be incorporated into programming throughout 2021.

• All Learning and Community Engagement concerts scheduled for September through December are cancelled. Online content will be available in the fall.

• The 125th Anniversary Celebration will move from Oct. 3 to Feb. 27, the anniversary date of the first Pittsburgh Symphony concert in 1896.

• The “Mahler 8” program that was scheduled for Feb. 26-28 will not be performed due to health and safety guidelines regarding choirs. New programming is being planned for those dates.

• With the planned return to Heinz Hall in January, tickets and subscriptions to the 2021 mini-season will be announced later in the fall.

The 2020-21 season also marks the 50th anniversary of Heinz Hall as the home of PSO.

“When I’m at Heinz Hall I can’t help but think how magical the theater is — and to think about all the incredible sounds that have swirled around. That spirit of great music is still with us and will continue to be a source of sustenance during this time,” says Byron Stripling, PSO Principal Pops Conductor.

Details: 412-392-4900 or pittsburghsymphony.org