The Pittsburgh Philharmonic is Southwestern Pennsylvania’s premier volunteer orchestra. Founded in 1975 as the North Pittsburgh Civic Symphony and until August 31, 2007, known as the North Pittsburgh Philharmonic, the orchestra was created to afford local musicians the opportunity to play great works of classical music. The Philharmonic sought and obtained its nonprofit status in 1992 and since that time has emerged as an organization committed to artistic development and quality programming, with a goal of providing convenient and affordable access to orchestral music to the greater Pittsburgh community. The name change to the Pittsburgh Philharmonic represents the diversity of its membership as well as its audiences, who come from all over the greater Pittsburgh area.
The Philharmonic is committed to the creative expression of great music played passionately, with core traditions of education, affordability and accessibility. The Philharmonic has approximately 70 members, ranging in age from 15 to 80, and hailing from throughout the tri-state area. Numerous musicians have been members for over 20 years, including several from the orchestra’s earliest days. The musicians of The Pittsburgh Philharmonic, though volunteers, have notable credentials. Many teach music or play professionally, have advanced degrees in music, and are active members of the Pittsburgh music scene. All have talents that inspire others, like the hundreds of young people who have experienced our educational programs.
The Philharmonic is dedicated to performing masterworks of the repertoire, exploring popular classics, and supporting the composition of new works through accessible performances. The Philharmonic has premiered several original works, including Whisper While We Dance, a composition by Dick Francis; a suite of original music entitled Dragon at a Party, composed exclusively for the Pittsburgh Philharmonic by local composer Alastair Stout; a commissioned arrangement of John Phillip Sousa’s Pride of Pittsburgh march by Eric Knechtges, Professor of Theory and Composition at Northern Kentucky University; and Frick Gates, a tone poem written by local composer and bassonist with the Pittsburgh Philharmonic, Mark Fromm.
The Pittsburgh Philharmonic has matured both as an organization and as an orchestra. Today, it is recognized as an orchestra with strength and depth and has achieved a successful track record providing more than just concerts. Our musicians and collaborators continue to develop their craft through on-stage performance while bringing the love of music to an ever wider audiences.