Pittsburgh Youth Symphony Orchestra Alumni Page

02/26/2025

PYSO alumnus Robert Harris (Violin/Viola, 1969-72) shares his incredible journey—from performing at the Sydney Opera House to running a sheep farm in Australia!

Read the full story on our blog:

YSO recently heard from Robert Harris (Violin/Viola - 1969-72) who is in his 52nd year of playing, teaching, tutoring, and concertizing “down under” in Australia - including some concerts at the Sydney Opera House...

01/22/2025

At our last rehearsal, we welcomed back PYSO alums Sarah Stern (Harp, 2000-02) and Kenken Gorder (Trumpet, 2013-16). Sarah held an informal Q&A with PYSO harpists, and Kenken joined the trumpet section for an awesome rehearsal. It’s always great to reconnect with our PYSO alumni!

01/11/2025

This past weekend, Joann Vosburgh (Oboe, 1974-77) and Amanda Vosburgh (Cello, 2010-15) took in a performance at the MET in New York City. At intermission, they had a chance to catch up with Pedro Diez (Oboe, 1983-85) who plays in the MET Opera Orchestra - !

11/13/2024

PYSO alumna and Toronto Symphony Orchestra Principal Harpist Heidi Bearcroft (née Van Hoesen Gorton) recently graced the cover of Harp Column magazine, the premier source of news and information for harpists worldwide!

In an inspiring interview, Heidi shares how early career challenges helped her redefine her relationship with music, highlighting the resilience and dedication that have shaped her success. She also offers invaluable advice for young harpists on finding joy in the journey, even through setbacks.

Read the full article with a Harp Column subscription at harpcolumn.com/blog/article/sound-reasoning/

09/11/2024

PYSO recently heard from PYSO Alum Joshua Dick (Percussion 2009-11) who currently is a professional musician in Houston, TX.

Josh shared some of his favorite and most memorable PYSO memories…“Our conductor (Lawrence Loh) was so passionate and enthusiastic; I learned a ton from those musicians and all of the leadership involved…PYSO gave me the opportunity to perform alongside high-level musicians. It gave me real audition experience, discipline, better musicianship, and friendship with so many people. I will always be thankful to this organization.”

Read the full blog post to hear more about Josh's career and PYSO memories: https://pyso.org/pyso-alumni-update-joshua-dick/

We love hearing from alumni! Let us know what you've been up to here: https://pyso.org/alumni-survey-form/

PYSO recently heard from PYSO Alum Joshua Dick (Percussion 2009-11) who currently is a professional musician in Houston, Tx. After graduating in 2014 from Duquesne University with a degree in Percussion Performance...

06/10/2024

Relive the magic of Mahler's Symphony No. 1, performed by PYSO students and over 35 PYSO alumni! 🌟✨ Video of our Heinz Hall May 19 concert is now on YouTube.

Watch here: youtube.com/watch?v=mDOlU3dIsbo

05/20/2024

05/17/2024

It was amazing to see so many alumni at rehearsal last night! Over 30 PYSO alumni will join the orchestra for the fourth movement of Mahler's Symphony No. 1 "Titan." for our final concert of the 2023-24 season. 🎼✨

We can't wait for our concert this Sunday at 7:30 PM at Heinz Hall! See you there! 🎻✨

04/12/2024

Tune in tonight! PYSO will be featured on Classical WQED FM 89.3 Performance in Pittsburgh. The program will feature our May 2023 Heinz Hall concert, including works by Shostakovich, Rossini, Jennifer Higdon, and Villa-Lobos.
Kick off your weekend with great music and tune in to 89.3 FM or live stream at www.wqed.org/fm

04/09/2024

PYSO concludes the 2023-24 season on Sunday, May 19 at 7:30 PM at Heinz Hall!
Program features Mahler’s Symphony No. 1 "Titan” in D Major, Respighi’s Fountains of Rome, and the vibrant Overture to L'Amant anonyme by Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges, whose remarkable story was recently portrayed in the acclaimed 2022 film 'Chevalier'.

Adding to the magic, PYSO alumni will grace the stage to accompany the orchestra for the fourth movement of Symphony No. 1. This promises to be an evening of extraordinary power and music that you won't want to miss!

Free tickets are available now at www.pyso.org/tickets

03/25/2024

Attention PYSO Alumni! There is still time to register and be part of our upcoming Alumni Side-By-Side concert on Sunday, May 19! Return to the stage of Heinz Hall and perform with current members of PYSO in the fourth movement of Mahler’s Symphony No. 1 in D major, under the direction of PYSO Music Director Jacob Joyce.

Connect with old friends, meet former students, share your story with our current students, and enjoy music-making with PYSO once again! All PYSO alumni are welcome to join us.

If you are interested in participating, please complete this form by Monday, April 8, 2024: http://tinyurl.com/PYSO-Alumni-Side-By-Side



Take a look at some of these photos from our archives. If you have any favorite PYSO photos feel free to share!

03/20/2024

Congratulations to PYSO Alumni Jimmy Cunningham and Devin Moore who recently performed at Carnegie Hall with the NYO All Stars Orchestra. The orchestra was comprised of accomplished musicians who have participated in Carnegie Hall's renowned National Youth Orchestra of the United States of America (NYO-USA). The concert was conducted by Maestro Yannick Nezet-Seguin (currently music director of the Orchestre Métropolitain, the Metropolitan Opera, and the Philadelphia Orchestra) and featured renowned pianist Daniil Trifinov. The program included Gershwin's Piano Concerto in F, and Shostakovich's Symphony No. 7.

Check out these photos from the concert, including Jimmy Cunningham with Maestro Seguin, and Jimmy and Devin with PSO violist Sean Juhl.

Bravo to Jimmy and Devin!

02/14/2024

Congratulations to Imani Winds on their Grammy win!! 🎉🎶 We're thrilled to celebrate Monica Ellis, a PYSO Alumna (bassoon, 1989-1991), and all of her colleagues for this incredible achievement! 🌟

02/09/2024

We recently heard from PYSO Alumnus Thomas Dougherty (Violin 2006 – 2008) who writes, “…I was lucky enough to get to sub with the PSO last weekend on their Lift Every Voice concert (February 3, 2024)…” Tommy sat near PSO Violinist Ross Snyder, who is also a PYSO Alumnus (Violin 1999 – 2003)! Tommy’s dear friend, and PYSO Alumna, Lucy Bender (Violin 2006 – 2008) came to support in the audience. Tommy shared these pictures with Lucy and his parents. Thanks for reaching out Tommy – !

01/24/2024

Attention PYSO Alumni! Join us at our concert on Sunday, May 19 at Heinz Hall for a PYSO Alumni Side-by-Side. Return to the stage of Heinz Hall and perform with current members of PYSO in the fourth movement of Mahler’s Symphony No. 1 in D major, under the direction of PYSO Music Director Jacob Joyce. Connect with old friends, meet former students, share your story with our current students, and enjoy music-making with PYSO once again! All PYSO alumni are welcome to join us.

If you are interested in participating, please complete this form by Monday, April 8, 2024: http://tinyurl.com/PYSO-Alumni-Side-By-Side

Take a look at some of these photos from our archives. If you have any favorite PYSO photos feel free to share!