Cover photo: Dale Jeong, Associate Principal Cello
A MESSAGE FROM OUR PRESIDENT AND CEO
Dear Friends,
This past season was defined by the joy of sharing incredible music and the strength of a community that makes it possible. Your support has ensured that our Symphony remains a cultural treasure for Western Pennsylvania, representing the vivacity and passion of Pittsburgh across the world. Thanks to you, the Pittsburgh Symphony has reached more lives, created new experiences, and continued to transform and enhance our community.
Right now, I’m heartened by our incredible growth. Last season saw a 17% overall increase in revenue, 9.5% more tickets sold, over 15,000 new households coming to Heinz Hall, and an especially large success with our Fiddlesticks and Holiday Pops series. Our Schooltime concerts saw an 8.5% increase in school district participation and attendance that beat our pre-COVID numbers. We had the debuts of incredible soloists like Víkingur Ólafsson and Sheku-Kanneh Mason, we brought popular artists such as Nas, Shaggy and Ray Angry, and—maybe my favorite— watched our cellists perform an original arrangement of Fred Rogers’s songs alongside Yo-Yo Ma in June.
While we look to double down on this incredible growth, the financial landscape for the arts has become increasingly difficult. Many arts organizations are making tough decisions about their future. However, I view our recent successes as confirmation that our continued investment in our people and programming is the right strategy for the future, and for the Pittsburgh communities we serve.
But costs climb higher, and our work is far from done. So, we’re continuing to ask ourselves and our communities how we can serve you better – by pushing boundaries artistically and bringing new formats and artists to our stage; getting more involved in Pittsburgh with education or community events; and, as always, maintaining the deep gratitude and commitment to you who make our mission possible.
My new optimism is hard-earned from the past few years, and while there is no lack of challenges, I’m confident in our direction and ever awed by who we are and the music we make. With bold programming, deeper connection, and expanded community engagement, the PSO will remain a vital force here in Pittsburgh and across the globe.
With deepest gratitude,
Melia Tourangeau President & CEO
WHO ARE WE?
MISSION:
To engage, enrich, and inspire through unparalleled live musical experiences
VISION: Great Music In Every Life
VALUES: Excellence, Inclusivity, Integrity, and Celebration/Enjoyment
PSO BY THE NUMBERS
52.8% Contributed Revenue
77.8%
People, Programming & Heinz Hall
EXPENSES
Over 75% of the PSO’s spending goes directly to where it matters mostour people and programs – helping to directly serve our mission and community at large.
22.2% Administration
REVENUE
Over half of the PSO’s budget comes from contributed revenue. Gifts raised through annual appeals, fundraising events, grants, sponsorships, endowment, and philanthropic support are vital to ensuring longterm sustainability.
23.6%
23.5% Earned Revenue Endowment
Click here to view our full audited financials by season.
2024/2025 SEASON HIGHLIGHTS
Our bus fund removed the school bus transportation cost barrier for many of the nearly 20,000 students that experience live classical music for free at Heinz Hall.
We were honored to recognize the unparalleled leadership and support of Richard “Dick” P. Simmons and the Simmons family with the inaugural naming of the Simmons Family Stage at Heinz Hall.
Pittsburgh Symphony performed over 135 concerts at Heinz Hall, commissioned several new works, and featured dozens of world-renowned guest artists.
We launched PSO Go, a new program that offers discounted tickets to high school and college students and teachers.
Thanks to the Allegheny County Parks Department, Allegheny Regional Asset District (RAD), and Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development for making our free summer concerts at South Park and Hartwood Acres possible.
Music is more than what you hear, it’s what you feel.
Manfred Honeck, Music Director
