PITTSBURGH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA ANNOUNCES CONTRACT EXTENSION FOR MUSIC DIRECTOR MANFRED HONECK

The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra (PSO) announced today that the Orchestra and Music Director Manfred Honeck have agreed to extend his current three-year contract through the 2015-2016 Season. This contract began in September 2008, and at its conclusion will mark eight years. Honeck conducts nine weeks in Pittsburgh during the current season and 10 weeks in subsequent seasons, with additional weeks for touring.

Honeck has already led the Orchestra on a critically acclaimed tour to Asia in May 2009, the PSO’s first trip to mainland China since 1987. On September 12, the Orchestra leaves for an eight-day European Tour, which will take them to the Beethovenfest Bonn, the Lucerne Festival’s final concerts and to the Essen Philharmonie.

“Our first season together has reinforced the enthusiasm and excitement I have felt since my first guest conductor engagement with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra,” said Music Director Manfred Honeck. “I admire so much the vitality and enthusiasm of these wonderful musicians. I love working with them to make magnificent music for our loyal home audience, and I am so proud that we serve as Pittsburgh’s ambassadors all over the world.”

Chairman of the PSO Board of Trustees Dick Simmons stated, “On behalf of the trustees, I am so delighted that Manfred has extended his contract with the PSO to a total of eight seasons, and look forward to the years to come.”

Lawrence Tamburri, Pittsburgh Symphony President remarked, “On behalf of the Orchestra and the administration, we are all very happy about this truly wonderful news.”

PSO Concertmaster Andres Cardenes said, “The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra musicians and I are elated Manfred Honeck has extended his contract. We have a long history of working with the finest conductors in the world, and we are honored to call Honeck our music director.”