Pittsburgh Symphony on Tour

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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’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.