Concert one is in the books! The Pittsburgh Symphony kicked off our 2017 European Festivals with a performance at the Rheingau Musik Festival in Wiesbaden. It was a fast and furious concert, with dear friend of the PSO Anne-Sophie Mutter performing two works, Lutoslawski’s Partita and Dvorak’s Violin Concerto in A minor, followed by a passionate performance of Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 6. Follow along on our journey from rehearsal to concert!
The day began with a visit to the Wilhelm Heckel bassoon factory. Bassoonists David Sogg and James Rodgers woke up early to tour the facility where their bassoons are made and try new instruments.
Meanwhile, PSO stagehands John Karapandi and Rocky Esposito are busy unloading our instruments and setting up the stage. Das Kurhaus, the hall in Wiesbaden, is a tight fit compared to Heinz Hall!
Associate concertmaster Mark Huggins finds a quiet moment to warm up onstage. Das Kurhaus is absolutely stunning.
Principal bass Jeff Turner warms up backstage.
Anne-Sophie Mutter and Manfred Honeck sharing a joyful moment during rehearsal. Mutter is joining the PSO for three concerti over five concerts.
Second clarinet Ron Samuels, principal clarinet Michael Rusinek, principal bassoon Nancy Goeres and second bassoon Philip Pandolfi rehearsing the Dvorak Violin Concerto.
Trombonists Pete Sullivan, James Nova and Jeff Dee letting it rip while rehearsing the Tchaikovsky. We’ll get trumpeter Chad Winkler some earplugs next time…
Anne-Sophie Mutter and Manfred Honeck meet during a break in the action.
Between the rehearsal and concert, a technician from Schiedmayer Celesta came to the hall to service on our celesta.
Guest concertmaster Alexi Kenney and associate concertmaster Mark play together during the Tchaikovsky.
The cello section enjoying performing together.
Principal percussionist Andy Reamer and percussionist Christopher Allen during the 3rd movement of the Tchaikovsky.
Manfred Honeck congratulates Anne-Sophie Mutter after a fabulous performance.
Manfred Honeck recognizes the orchestra after performing two encores – Tchaikovsky’s “Panorama” from The Sleeping Beauty, and Prokofiev’s “The Death of Tybalt” from Romeo and Juliet.
Thank you, Wiesbaden!