The Score | Building Bridges in Pittsburgh

On November 27, one month after the October 27 mass shooting at Pittsburgh’s Tree of Life Synagogue, the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra performed a free Concert for Peace and Unity at Heinz Hall to honor and remember the victims. The concert featured Israeli-American violinist Itzhak Perlman, Principal Clarinet Michael Rusinek, and the Mendelssohn Choir of Pittsburgh in music by Pärt, Ravel, Shostakovich, David Zehavi, James MacMillan, Mendelssohn, Brahms, John Williams, and Elgar. All artists donated their services for the performance, and volunteers collected contributions for the Jewish Federation’s Our Victims of Terror fund and the Injured Officers Fund. The event provided an opportunity for the Pittsburgh community “to honor the victims, bridge differences and celebrate the human experience during this difficult time,” said PSO President and CEO Melia Tourangeau. Music Director Manfred Honeck said he hoped the concert could “bring people together as we collectively grieve and heal.” The concert was streamed live on the Pittsburgh Symphony’s Facebook page and broadcast live on Pittsburgh’s WQED radio station, and shown in December on PBS television stations.