The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra (PSO) has announced that Music Director Manfred Honeck will support a free first ticket for every new student who registers for PSO Go, the orchestra’s student ticket program.

The orchestra said that a student who signs up receives their first concert ticket at no cost, courtesy of the Music Director, after which all student tickets are $15.

This is the first initiative Honeck has announced since the June 10 extension of his contract through the 2032–33 season.

In a statement the conductor said, “When I re-signed my contract as Music Director of the Pittsburgh Symphony. I thought carefully about a special initiative, and decided that getting students to come to programs was of utmost importance. A young person who has never heard an orchestra live cannot know yet whether this music is for them. My hope is to help them simply walk through the door. If the price of that first ticket is what stands in the way, then let it be my gift, and I will let our music do the rest.”

Melia Tourangeau, President & CEO of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra added, “Manfred has never treated this orchestra as something that belongs only to the people already in the hall,” sWhen he extended his contract in June, he told us he wanted the years ahead to reach further into this region. This is what that looks like in practice, and it is characteristic of him that the first step is one he is taking personally. I look forward to continuing the growth of PSO Go, and the number of curious students at Heinz Hall every weekend.”

Honeck has been with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra since 2008 and is the longest-serving Music Director in the orchestra’s 131-year history.

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