The BNY Classics season finale featured dancers from Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre

By CLAIRE STEVENS

The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra concluded its BNY Classics season with Appalachian Spring, a celebration of the works of American composers. The performance was dedicated to Richard P. “Dick” Simmons, an influential Chairman of PSO who passed away this past April. Simmons hoped that the Symphony would bring “solace, peace, and inspiration” to the people, a goal I undoubtedly witnessed come to fruition throughout this performance. 

The program began with the world premiere of Michael Daugherty’s Dancing in the Streets, a tribute to four influential figures in American dance. Horns heralded a strong opening to the three-movement piece, immediately immersing the listener in the music’s trance. I was reminded of a landscape of rolling hills or ocean waves, watching the orchestra members work together to create this beautiful piece of auditory art. Switching seamlessly between fast, intense segments and soft, lulling melodies, the orchestra transported the audience beyond the beautiful walls of Heinz Hall and left us so awestruck that they received a long, but deserved, standing ovation.

Conductor Manfred Honeck boldly led the musicians into Concerto for Violin and Orchestra, Opus 14, composed by Samuel Barber. His command of the group was extraordinary, and his love for his work and the gift of music he channeled from the musicians was apparent in his fluid direction. His devotion was matched in this piece by violin soloist Augustin Hadelich, who immediately entranced the audience with his adept handling of the instrument and obvious passion for the sound it produced. Watching him get lost in the spell of the music, even just listening to the rest of the orchestra, was truly inspirational and a great reminder of the power of live music to evoke emotion and unlock artistic vision. While the soaring notes inspired me to imagine flying, it was truly beautiful to watch the symphony work together like a family, with a deep passion for sharing their talents and forging the beautiful music they are clearly so enamored of. 

After a brief intermission back to normal life, Strum for String Orchestra, composed by Jessie Montgomery, instantly transported the audience back into the music. It felt as though we were entering together a world of fantasy, with shifts in pace and instrumentation making me feel as if anything could happen. This compelling piece was followed by Suite from Appalachian Spring, composed by Aaron Copland, which featured dancers from Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre. Silence enveloped the viewers as the five ballerina pairs took the stage, their slow, purposeful movements heightening the anticipation of those gathered. Choreographed by Mark Godden, their precise and graceful movements provided a compelling visual aspect to the musical performance. Through a balance of whimsical humor, props, and reliance on their partners, the dancers conveyed Appalachian Spring’s story of human connection and hope. The dancers honed their craft beautifully, and their appreciation for the symphony and the music they provided was evident in their applause for the musicians at the end of their performance. While I appreciated the enhancement their dancing brought to the piece, I also appreciated how the other compositions relied on the audience’s imagination and the music’s momentum to capture attention. It was a fitting reminder in a world full of visual snares that sometimes “tis the gift to be simple”, as played in the recognizable tune “Simple Gifts” in this final composition. 

The importance of music as an art form cannot be understated, and PSO does not shy away from spreading this message. I was pleasantly surprised at how moving it was to hear these pieces and watch the performers entranced by the love of their work. I saw hands in the audience wiping tears from faces at all stages of the performance, which illuminated how the music affected everyone differently. As we all returned from the inspiring journey these musicians transported us on, I was reminded of the beauty of using music as a vessel for solace and peace, as Simmons desired. PSO certainly concluded their BNY Classics season successfully with this stunning celebration of American music. 

TICKETS AND DETAILS

The PSO’s America 250 Festival: Appalachian Spring (BNY Classics) has remaining performances on Saturday June 20th, 2026 at 7:30 pm and Sunday the 21st, at 2:30 pm. Tickets at: https://www.pittsburghsymphony.org/production/99048/appalachian-spring

Categories: Arts and Ideas