Pittsburgh Symphony musicians donate $10,000 for PBT orchestra

Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra musicians have contributed $10,000 to the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre's endowment fund for the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre Orchestra.

The fund aims to protect the company's current level of orchestra accompaniment and build on its goal of sustainable, long-term funding for annual performances with live music.

“The musicians of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra have great pride in our city and its cultural institutions — the heart and soul of any great city,” said Micah Howard, PSO bassist and Orchestra Committee chairman. “We believe that live music is essential to the success of all ballet performances, and we hope that our donation will encourage other generous individuals in our city to give in order to bring the orchestra back to all Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre performances.”

Pittsburgh Ballet has set a $4 million goal for the orchestra endowment, as part of its $21.2 million capital campaign, and is nearing the 86 percent mark of its total campaign goal.

Since 2006, when finances forced the company to scale back live music, the ballet has committed to performing with the full PBT Orchestra for two out of five main-stage productions and often features a live musical ensemble for a third. In recent years, gifts from an anonymous donor have helped sustain this commitment and allowed Pittsburgh Ballet to add additional orchestra performances for occasions like the company's 45th anniversary season.

This season, Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre will feature the 50-member orchestra for two productions and a total of 12 performances — up from nine performances during the 2016-17 season.

Information on making a donation is available at 412-454-9133, lwholey@pittsburghballet.org or pbt.org/support .