FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Krista Schwandt

Grab Your Passport and Travel with the Pittsburgh Concert Chorale!

PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA – September 12, 2008 – The Pittsburgh Concert Chorale (PCC) announced today their 2008-2009 Season, titled "Journey with Us!" This travel-inspired program will feature songs from all over the globe, including some national treasures. As an added incentive, audience members will be eligible to win an overnight stay for two at a popular Pittsburgh-area destination!
     "I am very excited about our upcoming season," said PCC Director, Katherine Mueller. "We'll be taking audiences on a musical and global trip with a variety of traditional, classical, and pops programs. We have wonderful musical guests with whom to collaborate, as well as a "first" for the Chorale - singing Beethoven's Ninth Symphony as special guests of the Pittsburgh Civic Orchestra in May. I look forward to presenting what I think will be a memorable season!"
     The season starts with "Carols Around the World," on December 5, 6 and 7. The concert, with Thomas Godfrey on flute, Eliseo Rael on percussion and David Billings on organ, features holiday favorites from a variety of countries. Then, on March 7 and 8, the chorus sings the works of famous classical French composers with "The French Masters: Fauré’s Requiem and Poulenc’s Gloria." Katy Shackleton-Williams and Craig Verm will be the featured soloists, accompanied by the Academy Chamber Orchestra. On May 2 and 3, the season wraps up as the PCC travels back in time with "Fabulous 50’s/Swingin’ 60’s!" The group will shake, rattle and roll in this live ‘jukebox’ of famous pop songs along with instrumentalists Douglas Levine, David Pellow and Robert Rawsthorne.
     This year, the PCC is excited to offer even further incentive for those who visit all available musical ports of call. Musical passports will be issued as part of the season brochure (to be clipped out) as well as at the door for the December concerts. At every performance, passports will be stamped, indicating that the passport holder attended that performance. Patrons who "sample the whole world" by obtaining stamps for all three shows ("Carols Around the World", "The French Masters" and "Fabulous 50’s/Swingin’ 60’s!") can turn in their passports at the last show, to be entered into a giveaway for an overnight stay for two at either Nemacolin Woodlands Resorts or Buhl Mansion. One winner will be drawn each night of the final concerts in May. Trips are possible through the generous donation of Travel by Dodie (www.travelbydodie.com). Certain restrictions apply.
     Each program will be presented at two locations in the North Hills: Ingomar United Methodist Church and Fox Chapel Presbyterian Church.  Season subscriptions at the discounted price of $45 for reserved seats at all three concerts can be purchased in advance from chorale members or from the office by calling 412.635.7654. Tickets for individual concerts, which can be purchased in advance or at the door for each performance, are: Adults- $20 (reserved) or $16 (unreserved), students-$8, and free for children under 12. Forms for all tickets, including group and retirement center bus groups, can also be found online at www.PCCsing.org.
     Additionally, this year the PCC will host a fundraiser on February 1 at the Teutonia Männerchor (Deutschtown section of North Side). Also, as special guests of the Pittsburgh Civic Orchestra (www.artsnet.org/pco), the group will perform Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 on Saturday, May 16, at Upper St. Clair High School Theater.
     For more information on the season, fundraiser and additional performances, please visit the web at  www.PCCsing.org or call 412.635.7654 and leave a message.

"Pittsburgh Concert Chorale: Building Bridges of Music

throughout Greater Pittsburgh"

About the Pittsburgh Concert Chorale
Founded in 1985, the Pittsburgh Concert Chorale continues to build bridges of music throughout western Pennsylvania. The 90-member chorus is under the leadership of the highly-acclaimed director, Katherine Mueller, and aims to provide a diverse repertoire of choral music for a growing audience.

Contact: Krista Schwandt, Pittsburgh Concert Chorale, 412-635-7654 or PCCsing@nauticom.net

FRED ROGERS RECOGNIZED WITH NEWLY COMMISSIONED WORK

Concert Chorale Celebrates Pittsburgh 250 with Sounds of Local Legends

PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA – March 13, 2008 – The Pittsburgh Concert Chorale will premiere three newly commissioned works by Robert Page and Tom Roberts on May 3rd and 4th. "Pittsburgh on Parade" commemorates both Fred Rogers and Pittsburgh’s birthday with these new pieces, which include Page’s medley of four songs from "Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood" (with special permission by Joanne Rogers) and two arrangements from Tom Roberts of music by Oscar Levant and Earl Hines.
     "I’m so pleased to work with Robert Page and Tom Roberts on this concert. Their arrangements really reflect the spirit of the artists’ original compositions," said Pittsburgh Concert Chorale Director Katherine Mueller. "The Chorale is so fortunate to have such talented musicians to arrange these exciting works of legendary local artists for our audiences."
     In addition to Rogers, Levant, and Hines, other Pittsburgh musicians represented include Stephen Foster, Henry Mancini, Stephen Flaherty, Perry Como and Bobby Vinton. Songs such as "Moon River," "Blame it on my Youth" and "Days of Wine and Roses" are in the program, as well as music from "Ragtime" and "Godspell," which was written at CMU. Mueller will direct featured guests Tom Roberts on piano, David Pellow on bass and Robert Rawsthorne on drums, plus the 90+ chorale members.
     On May 3rd, the concert starts at 8 p.m. at the Hillman Center for the Performing Arts Shady Side Academy, Fox Chapel, PA. The following day, May 4th, the concert starts at 4 p.m. at Ingomar United Methodist, 1501 W. Ingomar Road, Franklin Park, PA. Doors open 30 minutes before each show.
     "Pittsburgh on Parade" is the final of four concerts for the 2007-2008 Season. Audiences delighted in "A Festival of Carols" in December, the "German Romantics" in early March and "If You’re Irish" at the Benedum Center on March 9.
     Pittsburgh Concert Chorale ticket prices range from: Adults – $16-$20, students – $8, children under 12 – Free. Tickets are available at the door of each venue, or by calling 412-635-7654. See www.PCCsing.org for individual or group order forms, directions and more information.

CHORALE PARTNERS WITH “If You're Irish…”  –  ONE DAY ONLY!

The Irish Tenors’  Frank McNamara & PCC Headline
Together March 9 at the Benedum Center

PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA – January 30, 2008 – The Pittsburgh Concert Chorale has announced the group will perform with The Irish Tenors’ Frank McNamara and a dynamic collection of Ireland’s most celebrated vocalists, backed by a full orchestra. This exciting new show will take place on Sunday, March 9 at 3:00 p.m. in the Benedum Center.
     "We’re very fortunate to have this exciting opportunity to collaborate with 'If You’re Irish…' and Mr. McNamara," said Pittsburgh Concert Chorale Music Director Katherine Mueller. "Having just done 'The German Romantics,' I’m excited to showcase the Chorale’s versatility in singing the music of different heritages."
     McNamara, who gained recognition for his work with both The Irish Tenors and The American Tenors, has crafted the ultimate evening of Irish music in Pittsburgh. The audience will delight in passionate dance tunes and stirring ballads complemented by the Pittsburgh Concert Chorale, a full orchestra and three of Ireland’s sensational soloists.
     This new show will include classic Irish gems sung by Ireland’s finest, including Deirdre Shannon of Celtic Woman and Lord of the Dance fame. Other featured artists include Derek Moloney, first discovered on "Search for Tenor," and Irish fiddler Cora Smyth, one of the original violinists in Lord of the Dance.
     For more information about this special, one-day only event and photographs of the performers, click here.
     Tickets for this inspirational import, direct from the Emerald Isle, are on sale now through the Box Office at Theater Square, by calling 412-456-6666 or online at www.pgharts.org.

CHORALE BRINGS SPRING ROMANCE TO THE REGION
WITH "The German Romantics"

PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA – January 10, 2008 – Spring romance is in the air when the Pittsburgh Concert Chorale presents "The German Romantics" on March 1and 2.
     The stirring concerts will feature Schubert’s Mass in G and Brahms’ famous Liebeslieder Waltzes, and more. The 90 mixed voices of the Pittsburgh Concert Chorale will join Katy Shackleton-Willliams, soprano; Jason Karn, tenor; and Craig Verm, baritone, with the Academy Chamber Orchestra and David Billings and Karen Roethlisberger, piano. Pittsburgh Concert Chorale Music Director, Katherine Mueller, will direct the performances.
     "I am excited to present these classical masterpieces to the Pittsburgh region. I think the mix of established pieces, vibrant guest voices, gifted accompanists and the outstanding Chorale will lend itself to a remarkable concert," said Mueller.
     On March 1, the concert will start at 8:00 p.m. at Ingomar United Methodist Church, 1501 W. Ingomar Rd., Franklin Park, PA 15237. The following day, March 2, the concert will start at 4:00 p.m. at Fox Chapel Presbyterian Church, 384 Fox Chapel Rd., Pittsburgh, PA 15238. Doors open 30 minutes before each show.
     "The German Romantics" is the second of three concerts for the 2007-2008 season. The season will continue with a musical celebration of Pittsburgh's 250th anniversary on May 3 and 4. Performances will be held in the North Hills as well as in Fox Chapel.
     Pittsburgh Concert Chorale tickets prices range from: Adults – $16-$20, students – $8, children under 12 – Free. Tickets are available at the door of each venue, or by calling 412-635-7654. See www.PCCsing.org for individual or group order forms, directions and more information. 

CHORALE WELCOMES NEW MANAGER

Pittsburgh Concert Chorale greets Krista Schwandt

PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA – November 15, 2007 – Pittsburgh Concert Chorale President,  Jack Robertson, announced the appointment of a new Office Manager today. Ms. Krista Schwandt will help coordinate daily operations of the organization effective immediately.
     In this role, Schwandt will aid and assist various facets of the Chorale, including marketing, budgeting and office support. Additionally, she will utilize her strong background in public relations to help facilitate strong working relations with other arts organizations and the Pittsburgh media.
     "We’re very pleased to bring Krista on board in this capacity," Robertson stated. "We feel as though her skills and passion for the creative performing arts will help our organization continue to flourish."
     Ohio native Krista Schwandt came on board with the Chorale after her recent move to Pittsburgh. Prior to moving here, Schwandt worked at Time Warner Cable as a Media Relations Manager. She also served on a freelance basis doing public relations for the Cleveland Shakespeare Festival, Cleveland Entertainment Conference and Red Hen Theater while performing in various theater and film productions. Most recently, she served as the Casting Director for a low-budget SAG (Screen Actors Guild) film.
     Schwandt will continue to work both on and off stage in freelance capacities while assisting the Chorale.
     "It is my goal to bring my passion for the arts to the Pittsburgh region, and part of that is helping the Pittsburgh Concert Chorale in any way I can. I’m very pleased to join this organization, and am looking forward to a tremendous season," Schwandt said.
     Further information about Schwandt can be found at www.kristaschwandt.com