Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra
The West Virginia University College of Creative Arts and Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra will assess their partnership after the April 24 PSO Canady Symphony Series concert at WVU’s Creative Arts Center.
WVU and PSO first established a partnership in 2006 with support of donors William and Loulie Canady in memory of their daughter, Valerie, who lost her life in the 1988 bombing of Pan Am 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland. Since 2006, PSO has visited WVU three times a year to perform the Canady Symphony Series at the Creative Arts Center. A vital aspect of the partnership also supported master classes from PSO musicians and internships for WVU students.
PSO has faced financial and operational challenges in recent years and can no longer support the current agreement after the April 24 concert. The organizations are now in discussion to decide what the future holds for the partnership.
The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra has been in operation for more than 120 years and is credited with a rich history of the world’s finest conductors and musicians, and a strong commitment to the Pittsburgh region and its citizens. The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra provides musical experiences at the highest level of expression to enrich the community and to satisfy the needs and preferences of its audiences.
“Unfortunately, circumstances over the past season have required us to make painful decisions in the interest of the fiscal health of the organization. It has become clear that continuing a regular series of three annual concerts at WVU is not financially sustainable. And so it is with deep regret—and with sincere thanks and appreciation to each audience member and donor—that we announce the end of the ongoing subscription series of the Pittsburgh Symphony at WVU, effective after this season’s final concert on April 24, 2017,” said Christian Schornich, Chief Operating Officer of PSO. “However, while the series is ending, we continue conversations with WVU to bring the Pittsburgh Symphony back to Morgantown at least once next year and will continue to look for opportunities to partner with the university.”
“On behalf of the College, I thank Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra for 11 years of wonderful cultural and educational experiences for our students and Morgantown Community,” said Dean Paul Kreider. “We hope to find a way to evolve the partnership’s format to continue our relationship.”
According to Kreider, it’s possible PSO could return to Morgantown for one concert in the fall under the University Arts Series.
-WVU-
bmd/04/19/17
CONTACT: Bernadette Dombrowski, College of Creative Arts
304-293-3397, Bernadette.Dombrowski@mail.wvu.edu
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