PSO Tour Blog

The 2022 Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra European Festival Tour came to a triumphant close in Cologne last night with Anne-Sophie Mutter playing the Beethoven Violin Concerto and the Manfred Honeck conducting the Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 5.  In this final Tour Report, Jim spoke with both Manfred Honeck and Anne-Sophie Mutter to get their thoughts on the tour.  Plus, hear from Principal Tuba Craig Knox who talks about how he stays in shape on tour.  Plus, hear from the organizer of the Cologne Philharmonie, who says it's not only the acoustics that bring orchestras to Cologne, but also the beer!    

Jim Cunningham spoke with cellist Aron Zelkowicz as he visits a family home and factory outside of Wiesbaden, Germany.   He also talks to the organizers of the Rheingau Music Festival; the Principal Officer and Consul General at the U.S. Consulate General in Frankfurt, Germany Norman Thatcher Scharpf and his wife Donna; as well as with PSO President and CEO Melia Tourangeau and President of the Pittsburgh Regional Alliance Mark Thomas.      

It's a day off for the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, but it's a jam packed tour report!   Jim Cunningham spoke with Principal Clarinet Michael Rusinek and Principal Bassoon Nancy Goeres; New York Times Classical Music Critic Zachary Woolfe, PSO Clarinetist Victoria Luperi and her two nephews as they visited a botanical garden, President pro tempore of the Pennsylvania Senate Jake Corman, and Artistic Director of the Philharmonie Essen, Marie Babette Nierenz.   

It was the next to last concert on this 2022 Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra European Festivals Tour.  The PSO played at Wiesband, Germany with Anne-Sophie Mutter playing the Beethoven Violin Concerto and Manfred Honeck conducting the Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 5.  After the concert, Jim Cunningham spoke with Principal Harp Gretchen van Hoesen and cellist Mikhail Istomin to get their thoughts on tonight's concert.       

It's a beautiful day in Wiesbaden, Germany.  The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra just arrived and will perform tonight.   It's the next to last concert of the tour.  Jim Cunningham interrupted PSO Assistant Conductor Jacob Joyce's lunch to get his thoughts on the tour, his role on the trip and more.  

"Everyone's a Critic" goes the saying.  But for Jeremy Reynolds - it's the truth!  Jeremy is the Classical Music Critic for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.   He joined WQED-FM's Jim Cunningham in the lobby of the hotel after the Dresden concert for this tour report.  It was going to be a long night of writing, so he had ordered a pizza for delivery.  Jeremy talks about tonight's concert, some of the other stories he's covered while on the tour and much more.  Which European concert hall sounds a lot like Heinz Hall?  Find out in this tour report!    

WQED-FM's Jim Cunningham chats with cellist Jan Vogler.   He's performed with Manfred Honeck and the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra at Heinz Hall  in the past, and he's thrilled to have them at the Dresden Music Festival.  Jan talks about his role as intendant of the Dresden Music Festival, his recent recordings, and growing up in East Berlin.      

Two Pittsburgh Presidents joined WQED-FM's Jim Cunningham for a conversation - Melia Tourangeau, President and CEO of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, and Mark Thomas, President of the Pittsburgh Regional Alliance.  Both talk about how the PSO is a fantastic Ambassador of Pittsburgh to Europe, and the importance of the arts in bringing European business to Pittsburgh.      

It was an emotional evening at the Grosses Festspielhaus in Salzurg.  The audience soaked up the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, Manfred Honeck and Anne-Sophie Mutter, providing rhythmic applause before their encore.  Hear that, along with a conversation with PA State Representative Rob Mercuri and his wife Kelsey; and Florian Wiegand - who went to school at CMU, but is now the Director of Concerts for the Salzburg Festival.   

The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra just arrived in Salzburg, where they will perform a concert tonight.   WQED-FM's Jim Cunningham chatted with English Horn Ian Woodworth about the tour, his experience so far and more.      

Playing for John Williams and Paul McCartney?   That's what Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra guest violinist Josefina Vergara does on a regular basis living in Hollywood as a member of the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra.  She's a frequent player with the PSO and she's joining them on this European tour.  Jim Cunningham caught up with Josefina and PSO Trumpet Neal Berntsen to talk about the tour, the type of trumpets being used on the Mahler and how this tour is making them feel like a sense of normalcy is returning.      

This morning's tour report featured an interview with Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra Vice President of Artistic Planning Mary Persin.  She talks about what went on to pull the tour off; her highlights so far; and much more.      

What does Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra Principal Piccolo do on a day off?   Go rowing on the river!  WQED-FM's Jim Cunningham asked Rhian Kenny about her rowing experience, along with the music on this tour that is best for the piccolo.  Jim also spoke to guest horn Donna Dolson, who had just visited the Folkwang Museum.    

Jim Cunningham spoke with two touring members of the Pittsburgh Symphony on this European tour - violinists Boson Mo, who is a member of the Houston Symphony, and Yi Zhao, who is the Assistant Concertmaster of the Colorado Symphony.   Jim also spoke with Robert Rydel, who is a member of the Charlotte Symphony, who has been a guest musician with the Pittsburgh Symphony for more than 30 years!   

It's a day off in Essen after a concert last night in Dusseldorf.   We go low on this report, as Jim Cunningham spoke with three members of the double bass section - Jeffrey Grubbs, Jeff Turner and Paul Matz.  Jim also spoke with the Consul General for the U.S. Consulate General in Düsseldorf, Pauline Kao, as well as the Mayor of Dusseldorf, Stephan Keller, both of whom were thrilled to hear the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra during their concert at the Tonhalle.

The Orchestra has left Hamburg, but Jim Cunningham caught up to some folks before heading out.  In this report, PSO Double Bass John Moore talks about his love of biking in the cities while on tour.  Plus, guest cellist Gautier Capucon is really enjoying his time with the PSO and looks forward to coming to Pittsburgh at some point.  And finally, you'll hear from Burkhard Glashoff, who helped bring the Orchestra to Hamburg.   

As the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra tour moves to Essen, Germany, Jim Cunningham revisits some interviews he did in Hamburg. First with Music Director Manfred Honeck, then soloist Helene Grimaud, and finally with Principal Cellist Anne Martindale Williams.

The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra is traveling from Hamburg to Essen where they'll be staying for the next few days.  Jim Cunningham called in from the train for a quick update and to introduce a conversation he had with Mark Huggins, the Associate Concertmaster who has been a member of the PSO for over 30 years.  He's retiring in October and moving to Portugal.   

Jim Cunningham calls in after the 2nd Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra concert at the Elbphilharmonie in Hamburg.  He spoke with violist Emilio Carlo, who is on loan from the Cincinnati Orchestra and is on his first tour with the PSO.  He talks about the concert hall; highlights of the tour so far and more.   

WQED-FM's Jim Cunningham spoke with Christoph Lieben-Seutter, the General and Artistic Director of the Elbphilharmonie.   He talks about having the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra back in Hamburg, his first meeting with Manfred Honeck, and the state of classical music.       

Jim Cunningham called in live after the first of two Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra concerts at the Elbphilharmonie in Hamburg, Germany.  He was joined by violinist Jennifer Orchard and cellist Charlie Powers who gave their thoughts on the hall and the audience reaction.   It's a unique structure and the view from the Hall reminded Charlie of the view from Mount Washington in Pittsburgh.  Jennifer was amazed at the acoustics, and enjoying a special place to hang her instrument backstage!       

It's a concert day for the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra as they perform the first of two concerts in Hamburg, Germany.   Jim Cunningham spoke to violist Tatjana Mead Chamis as she stepped off a treadmill to talk about the tour so far.  She is looking forward to tonight's concert and discusses some of the dining options in Hamburg.    

As the orchestra gets settled in Hamburg, WQED-FM's Jim Cunningham caught up with Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra violinists Irene Cheng and Sarah Clendenning.  They describe the scene in Hamburg, their memories of the concert Hall, performing with Helene Grimaud and more.      

It was an off day in Vienna.  Jim Cunningham spoke to new Principal Tympanist Jim Benoit.  He has a Pittsburgh connection, having studied and worked at both Duquesne University and the University of Pittsburgh before leaving for the Seattle Symphony.   Jim also spoke to 2 of Manfred Honeck's children - oldest son Joachim and daughter Anna Maria.      

The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, just played 2 concerts at the Graffenegg Festival.  The Festival Artistic Director is famed pianist Rudolf Buchbinder.  Jim Cunningham asked him about the founding of the festival, and his long time friendship with Manfred Honeck.  Jim also spoke to Moon Doh, the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra Assistant Conductor, who gave his own review of the Grafenegg Festival concerts, as well as his responsibilities on the tour.

It's an off day in Vienna for the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra.   Jim Cunningham caught up with PSO Principal Oboe Cynthia Koledo DeAlmeida to ask about her thoughts on the tour so far.

Jim Cunningham introduces you to new Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra double bassist Nick Meyers.  Nick comes to the PSO after 4 years in the Detroit Symphony Orchestra.   He talks about being on tour with the Pittsburgh Symphony, how the first couple of concerts went and growing up in Michigan.   He's even built his own bookshelves!!

The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra tour continues tonight with a concert at the Grafenegg Festival, just outside of Vienna.  WQED-FM's Jim Cunningham was able to speak with the orchestra's new Concertmaster - David McCarroll.  Ironically, David has lived in Vienna for the last 7 years as a member of the Vienna Piano Trio.  David tells Jim about auditioning for the job; living in Vienna; and whether he has seen a Steelers or Pirates game yet.   

Arriving in Vienna, Jim Cunningham caught up with Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra violinists Ellen Chen-Livingston and Jennifer Orchard, as well as cellist Mikhail Istomin.  He talked to them at the Cafe Diglas to enjoy some apple strudel and to talk about the start of the tour, including the first concert of the tour in Lubljana, and getting ready for their concert tomorrow night in Grafenegg, just outside of Vienna.

Jim Cunningham called into the QED Morning Show with Anna Singer from the bus as the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra traveled from Slovenia to Vienna, where they'll perform at the Grafenegg Festival.  PSO Trumpet Chad Winkler spoke to Anna about the concert at Ljubljana and what he's looking forward to in Vienna.

The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra just concluded their first concert of this 2022 European Tour.   The concert included Helene Grimaud playing the Ravel Piano Concerto, along with Mahler's Symphony No. 1 and Schulhoff's "Five Pieces," with Manfred Honeck conducting.  Jim Cunningham managed to catch up with Second./Utility Trombone James Nova in the hotel after the concert to get his thoughts on the concert, the concert hall, and the reaction of the audience.   

Jim Cunningham checks in from Ljubljana, Slovenia after the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra had their first rehearsal.  They play their first concert of the tour tonight with music of Mahler, Schulhoff and Schumann's Piano Concerto with Helene Grimaud.  Manfred Honeck will conduct.   Jim spoke with Principal Contrabassoon James Rodgers, Librarian Lisa Gedris and Katie Blakey, Coordinator of Orchestra Operations about the tour experience so far.  They talk about their favorite lunch spots, coordinating with the hall, and what it is like to make sure a tour with an orchestra goes as smoothly as it can.

The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra plays their first concert on this 2022 European Festival Tour Thursday night in Ljubljana, Slovenia - part of the 70th Ljubljana Festival.   The Festival held a press conference on Wednesday and Jim Cunningham was there to hear it, as well as interview the Festival's General and Artistic Director Darko Brlek.   

Jim Cunningham called in to Anna Singer with his first tour report of the 2022 Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra European Tour.  Jim was joined by PSO Executive Vice-President and COO Marty Bates to talk about arriving in Ljubljana, how some instruments missed their flights, volleyball on water, and more!!   

The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra performed the final concert on this 2019 European Cities tour tonight in Dussldorf, Germany.  Manfred Honeck conducted Mason Bates' Ruserrexit and the Shostakovich Symphony No. 5.  Igor Levit performed the Mozart Piano Concerto No. 22.  After the concert, Jim Cunningham talked to Principal Trombonist Peter Sullivan, trombonist Jim Albrecht and violinist Jennifer Orchard in the hotel lobby.  Peter talks about sounds from the various concert halls on this tour, and Jennifer talks about getting around the cities on scooters.  Jim wraps up this final tour report with sincere thanks to everyone who made this tour possible, including Botkin Family Wealth Management, Thiel College, and the members of WQED-FM.  

The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra just arrived in Dusseldorf, Germany when Jim Cunningham called in with his morning report.  The Orchestra performs the final concert from this long European Cities tour tonight at the Tonhalle.  Jim managed to chat with Principal Flute Lorna McGhee in the hotel lobby just as the musicians arrived.   Lorna spoke about the concert last night in Brussels and what she hopes to do today in Dusseldorf.      

Jim Cunningham caught up with some musicians and audience members from the concerts in Munich and Paris.  First he speaks with Principal Horn William Caballero and Principal Oboe Cynthia Koleda DeAlmeida in Munich to get their thoughts on the tour and the hall in Munich.  He then spoke with Dr. James Duggan, who's taken in several concerts on this tour.   Jim also spoke with Ulrich Hauschild, the Director of Music for the Bozar Centre in Brussels.  Finally, he interviewed several students from the American University of Paris, who saw the Orchestra perform at the Philharmonie.  

Jim Cunningham managed to catch Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra Principal Piccolo Rhian Kenny and her daughter in the lobby of their Brussels hotel.    Rhian talked about the concert they'll perform tonight at the Bozar Centre; the audience reactions to the Mason Bates piece; and what sightseeing they've done in Brussels.   

The members of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra arrived safe and sound in Brussels, after their 5 hour bus ride from Paris.  Thursday night, the orchestra performs their next to last concert of this tour at the Bozar Centre for the Fine Arts with music of MacMillan, Shostakovich and Rachmaninoff.  In this tour report Jim Cunningham spoke with violinists Alison Fujito and Ken Johnston about last night's concert in Paris; the hall; and what makes Matthias Goerne, who sang Lieder of Schubert and Strauss, such a special artist.        

The Pittsburgh Symphony is in the home stretch of their 2019 European Cities tour.  After performing in Paris last night, the orchestra was traveling by bus to Brussels where they'll perform on Thursday night.  WQED-FM's Jim Cunningham called in and spoke with Robert Lauver, horn and Stephen Kostyniak, Associate Principal horn.  They talked about last night's concert in Paris - their debut at the new Philharmonie.  They spoke about having the audience surround them while they play and the size of the new building.      

Tonight, the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra made their debut at the Philharmonie de Paris, performing Resurrexit by Mason Bates and the Shostakovich Symphony No. 5.  Also, Matthias Goerne sang Lieder by Strauss and Schubert.   On his way to a post-concert reception, WQED-FM's Jim Cunningham called in from an elevator and chatted with musicians Michael Lipman and Marylene Gingras-Roy to get their thoughts on the concert.  He also spoke with long time WQED-FM helper Atoninette Tuma about the concert, who admitted her brother waved a Terrible Towel at the conclusion of tonight's concert!!    

The Orchestra just arrived in Paris when Jim Cunningham filed his morning report.  He spoke with violinist Mark Huggins and horn Joseph Rounds about being in Paris, their excitement to play in the new hall there and their thoughts on the previous night's concert at the Concertgebouw.    

The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra arrived in Munich after a successful visit to Vienna, which included 2 performances at the Musikverein.  Jim Cunningham spoke with Zenas Hsu, guest concertmaster for the Pittsburgh Symphony tour, with with his wife, violinist Janny Joo.   He also spoke with Johannes Prinz, the Choir Director of the Singverein der Gesellschaft der Musikfreunde in Vienna, Austria.  The Choir joined the orchestra for Brukner's Te Deum for th 2nd concert in Vienna.

Where does one go after a concert at the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam??   To a Vegan junk food bar, of course!   WQED-FM's Jim Cunningham chatted with fellow diners Albert Manders, PSO Principal Contrabassoon James Rodgers, trombonist Rachel Coor and oboist Lexie Kroll to get their thoughts on the concert with Igor Levit playing the Rachmaninoff Rhapsody on a Theme of Pagaini, plus music of MacMillan and Shostakovich.  They also talk about their meals, the number of bikes in Amsterdam, and the number of young people at tonight's Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra concert.  You'll even hear from their waitress!  

Jim Cunningham calls in on the bus from Munich to Amsterdam.  The Orchestra played at the Gasteig in Munich Sunday night and were on their way to Amsterdam to perform at the Concertgebouw tonight.  Jim got some thoughts from Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra Resident Conductor Andres Franco; Victoria Luperi, Stephanie Tretick, and Jennifer Steele.  They all talk about the tour in general, the performance in Munich, and what they are looking forward to in the Netherlands.      

In this tour report, WQED-FM's Jim Cunningham has a conversation with Manfred Honeck's brother in law, Florian Partl, who kindly took Jim around to tour some of the sights of Vienna.  Florian talks about his brother in law and gives his impression of the PSO concerts he's seen.       

WQED-FM's Jim Cunningham filed his eveing tour report from the "Salm Braeu" brewery in Vienna, where Music Director Manfred Honeck was hosting a dinner reception for the musicians after their 2nd concert at the Musikverein.  Jim caught up with violist Tatjana Mead Chamis and cellist Mikhail Istomin at the party to get their thoughts on tonight's concert with all Bruckner on the program.  They both describe the hall and Tatjana describes visiting the house where Franz Schubert died.      

What does one eat when in Vienna?   A Chinese meal of course!    WQED-FM's Jim Cunningham managed to catch up with several Pittsburgh Symphony musicians as they enjoyed lunch at a Chinese restaurant in Vienna.  They spoke about their meal; their performance the previous night at the Musikverien; and what they are looking forward in tonight's concert.

Jim Cunningham caught up with former PSO Resident Conductor Daniel Meyer in Vienna - they talked about the Musikverein; hearing the Bruckner Symphony No. 9 in rehearsal; how both PSO concerts there are sold out and much more.    

It's Halloween here in the States, but it's the first concert at the Musikverein for the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra on this 2019 tour.  WQED-FM's Jim Cunningham joined some patrons at a cafe in Vienna where they discussed how to get young people more involved in classical music.  You'll hear their thoughts on that subject, as well as highlights they've had on the tour so far.  Jim also spoke with PSO President and CEO Melia Tourangeau to get her thoughts on the tour so far.  Jim asked her son about his favorite part of Vienna, and if he's seen any trick or treating there.    

It was a busy day of travel for the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra as they went by bus and by plane from Berlin to Vienna.  They arrived safely this evening and WQED-FM's Jim Cunningham managed to catch up with cellist Will Chow.  It's Will's first time in Vienna, so he shared his initial thoughts on the city, his excitement to play at the Musikverein, his experience on the radio program "From the Top" when he was in high school, and much more.