Pittsburgh Symphony extends Manfred Honeck’s contract
Share this post:
Manfred Honeck will continue through the 2027-28 season as music director of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, following the announcement of a six-year extension to the renowned conductor’s contract.
“There is no better artistic and music leader than Manfred Honeck, and the orchestra’s future is very bright in his stellar hands,” said Melia Tourangeau, PSO president and CEO. “Manfred brings a deep sense of humanity, with keen sensitivity to the emotional connection between music and people. He is a true artistic partner whose relationship with the musicians brings out the very best in each other.”
Now in his 14th season, Honeck was named the Pittsburgh Symphony’s ninth music director in 2008. His position is endowed by the Vira I. Heinz Endowment.
Under the extended contract, Honeck will continue to lead the Pittsburgh Symphony in 10 weeks of programs at Heinz Hall, special projects, recordings and tours.
“We have so much to look forward to with the return to live concerts, new recordings that continue to share the unique Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra sound with the world, and deep and meaningful engagement with our own community,” Honeck said. “It is exhilarating for me to know that our musical partnership will continue well into the future.”
“The Pittsburgh Symphony has long been recognized as one of the world’s great orchestras and Manfred Honeck is one of the most compelling music directors in the world. His continuation with the orchestra is a demonstration of the commitment of this community to the secure future of this orchestra’s excellence,” said PSO board chairman Tony Bucci.
With Honeck, the Pittsburgh Symphony is one of the most frequently touring North American orchestras, with regular appearances at Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center in New York, as well as the major venues and festivals of Europe.
“Every musician knows the exceptional musical leadership that Manfred brings and with this extension he will continue to make Pittsburgh a musical destination,” said PSO principal horn William Caballero. “This city, and all of our supporters, have the greatest affection and admiration for Manfred and the orchestra, and are thrilled about what we can continue to achieve together.”
International recognition
As a guest conductor, the Austrian-born Honeck has been at the podium of all major U.S. symphonies and leading international orchestras. He also has been artistic director of the International Concerts Wolfegg in Germany for more than 25 years.
Honeck’s work in Pittsburgh has been recognized with a Grammy Award and numerous Grammy nominations.
In 2021, Honeck and the Pittsburgh Symphony have released two albums, both recorded live at Heinz Hall: Beethoven Symphony No. 9, released in March in celebration of the orchestra’s 125th anniversary season; and the just-released Brahms Symphony No.4/MacMillan Larghetto for Orchestra.
In the 2021-22 season, Honeck leads five world premieres, with five commissions by the Pittsburgh Symphony (in order of appearance): Reza Vali’s “The Girl from Shiraz” from Persian Folk Songs; Michael Daugherty’s Fifteen: Symphony Fantasy on the Art of Andy Warhol; David Ludwig’s Concerto for Two Clarinets and Two Bassoons; Gloria Isabel Ramos Triano’s why?; and Puccini (arr. Honeck/Ille): Symphonic Suite from Turandot.
Honeck also will conduct six Pittsburgh Symphony premieres, including Wynton Marsalis’ Fanfare, a co-commission.
Next spring, for the first time, Honeck and PSO will present all nine Beethoven symphonies in one week, beginning April 26. The festival will culminate with the April 30 performance of Beethoven Symphony No. 9, with the Mendelssohn Choir of Pittsburgh at Heinz Hall.
“I am honored and thrilled to continue as Music Director of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, my beloved Pittsburgh musical family,” Honeck said. “We share a deep and passionate commitment to prepare and to perform fantastic music, and these outstanding musicians play from their hearts with tremendous power and soul each and every time they take the stage.”