PSO Go First Ticket Free to All Students

As published in August 20th, 2026 News Brief by Symphony from the League of American Orchestras:

In Thursday’s (8/20) Opera Wire, Francisco Salazar writes, “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…. 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…. 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, ‘When 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.’ ”