PITTSBURGH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA TO PARTNER WITH ALLEGHENY COUNTY LIBRARIES TO CELEBRATE "BEETHOVEN IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD" THIS FALL

The special project is part of Beethoven's 250th birth year celebration and the 125th anniversaries of both the Pittsburgh Symphony and Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh.

For Immediate Release
January 21, 2020

PITTSBURGH, PA—The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra announced today a ground-breaking collaboration with area libraries: throughout the fall of 2020, the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh and the Allegheny County Library Association will partner and present all 16 Beethoven string quartets in more than 20 libraries, and that all of these performances will be presented for free to the public. In addition, the partners will collaborate on community engagement and artistic responses to the music.

In 2020, the world celebrates the 250th birth year of Beethoven, one of the most performed, influential and known composers throughout history. The “Beethoven 2020” year coincides with the 125th anniversary celebrations of both the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra and Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh that are planned to begin this fall.

“Beethoven’s music and our anniversaries compel our community to perform, and to celebrate together,” said Melia Tourangeau, president and CEO of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. “We are deeply grateful to have Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh and the Allegheny County Library Association as partners in this endeavor to bring this exceptional music to our neighborhoods in a joint gift to the community.  Our libraries are crucial in creating connections and a community response. We invite the community to join us on an exploration of Pittsburgh and the musical genius of Beethoven.”

“Beethoven’s observation that ‘Music is a higher revelation than philosophy’ rings true today more than ever,” said Marilyn Jenkins, Executive Director, Allegheny County Library Association. “Since libraries are in the business of revealing the world to readers and users, it makes sense that we would partner with the symphony to celebrate such a monumental figure in history.”

“As we approach our 125th anniversary, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh has evolved into a neighborhood cornerstone that is welcoming and vibrant, connecting residents to robust learning and cultural opportunities,” said Mary Frances Cooper, President & Director, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh. “We are delighted to partner with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra in bringing their world-renowned talents to the Library. Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh is home to one of the most extensive public library music collections in the United States making it an attractive destination for musicians, both amateur and professional, worldwide.” 

The concerts are expected to take place between September and November of 2020 at six county libraries (all original Andrew Carnegie libraries) and 17 libraries in the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh system which are located in the City of Pittsburgh. Participating libraries are:

CLP - Allegheny
CLP - Beechview
CLP - Brookline
CLP - Carrick
CLP - East Liberty
CLP - Hazelwood
CLP - Hill District
CLP - Homewood
CLP - Knoxville
CLP - Lawrenceville
CLP - Main (Oakland)
CLP - Mt. Washington
CLP - Sheraden
CLP - South Side
CLP - Squirrel Hill
CLP - West End
CLP - Woods Run

Andrew Carnegie Free
Braddock Carnegie Library
Carnegie Free Library of Swissvale
Carnegie Library of Homestead
Carnegie Library of McKeesport
Oakmont Carnegie Library

Additional details about the partnership will be announced over the next several months.

These concerts are made possible by generous support from PNC Bank and Carnegie Corporation of New York.

 


 

Media Contacts
Julie Goetz | Director of Communications
jgoetz@pittsburghsymphony.org | 412.392.4866