“Not every orchestra performance touts selfies with musicians. Then again, the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra’s Sunday evening ‘Classical BBQ,’ the second of the summer, was hardly your typical concert,” writes Meredith Carroll in Tuesday’s (8/4) Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. “The program featured a mashup of musical styles…. Then there was the pre-concert barbecue in the crowded courtyard outside Heinz Hall. Guests mingled as waiters circulated with trays of rapidly vanishing food. The series is part of a push to engage new audiences. ‘It brings out families, children,’ said longtime subscriber Rita Yoder of Irwin. ‘It’s a novel way to get classical music to people who might not’ otherwise experience it…. Wit and good humor abounded. Violist Stephanie Tretick introduced Elgar’s ‘Nimrod’ with a crossword clue, drawing in etymology and imitating Elmer Fudd in the process. Percussionist Jeremy Branson introduced himself as one of the lucky few who get to ‘bang on stuff’ for a living. Then he invited a couple onstage for a historic opportunity: a selfie with the entire orchestra…. A post-concert jazz performance in the courtyard attracted a number of curious passers-by. The band, Orchestra Denial, was led by PSO trumpeter Neal Berntsen. Among the offerings: a spirited rendition of ‘Green Hornet’ arranged and led by PSO trombonist James Nova.”

Posted August 6, 2015