Johnstown Symphony Orchestra Celebrates Local Steel Heritage with Upcoming Performances
Johnstown, PA – The Johnstown Symphony Orchestra (JSO) will kick off their 96th season, entitled Our Strengths, with their October 19th “Steel and Innovation” concert. In addition to their season opener, the Johnstown Symphony Orchestra invites members of the public to attend two additional events in October: a duet performance on October 6th at the Johnstown Area Heritage Association’s new Iron & Steel exhibition, and an exclusive artist talk with renowned composer Stacy Garrop at the Center for Metal Arts the morning of October 19th.
Performance at JAHA’s New Exhibition – October 6th at 1:00pm
On Sunday, October 6th, 2024, JSO violinists Angela Brumbaugh and Alyssa Conway will be performing in the gallery space of the Johnstown Area Heritage Association’s (JAHA) new exhibition, “Forging a Nation: Johnstown Iron & Steel,” located in the Heritage Discovery Center’s Iron & Steel Gallery. From 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM, this musical interlude will feature classical pieces that resonate with the themes of industry and innovation showcased in the exhibition.
“JAHA is very excited to be working with the JSO on this duet performance,” said Patty Carnevali, President & CEO of the Johnstown Area Heritage Association. “The history of steel is so important in this community and to have it highlighted in this collaboration is very special. We hope that this event inspires more people to come out and see both the exhibit and the orchestra’s season opening concert.”
There is one admission fee to see everything in the Heritage Discovery Center, $10 for adults, $8 for seniors, and $8 for children from 3-18 (children 2 and under are free); JAHA members are free. JAHA also participates in Museums for All, which means anyone receiving food assistance can present their card and receive a reduced admission price of $3 per person, for up to four guests.
Artist Talk and Demonstration at the Center for Metal Arts – October 19th at 10:00am
Join the JSO for an exclusive artist talk with renowned composer Stacy Garrop at the Center for Metal Arts on October 19th, 10am-11am, before her compelling piece, “Forging Steel,” is performed by the Johnstown Symphony Orchestra at 7:30pm at the Pasquerilla Performing Arts Center during their season opener.
This unique event will provide an intimate glimpse into Garrop’s creative process and the inspirations behind “Forging Steel,” a composition that celebrates the resilience and enduring spirit of making and forging steel. After her talk, the Center for Metal Arts Executive Director, Patrick Quinn, will demonstrate the industrial hammers used by Cambria Iron Works and Bethlehem Steel.
Tickets for this event are $10 and by pre-registration on the Johnstown Symphony Orchestra website, johnstownsympony.org. Space is limited.
Season Opener, “Steel and Innovation” – October 19th at 7:30pm
Tickets for the JSO’s season opening concert are available on johnstownsymphony.org.
The dynamic season opener will be at the Pasquerilla Performing Arts Center on October 19th at 7:30pm, and will honor the industrial history of the region, featuring Stacy Garrop’s Forging Steel, premiered by the Pittsburgh Symphony and performed with a specially curated version of the 1992 Guggenheim film of the Mill workers of Bethlehem Steel. Next, the JSO celebrates the role of technology and innovation in the region with Automation, a composition that places the cello soloist against an AI version of itself, blurring the lines of technology and human creativity. On the second half, the musicians perform Rachmaninoff’s extraordinary Symphonic Dances, his final orchestral masterpiece, composed in America in 1940.
About the Johnstown Symphony Orchestra
For over 96 years, the Johnstown Symphony Orchestra has played a pivotal role in the cultural landscape of Johnstown, Pennsylvania. The JSO is dedicated to providing exceptional musical experiences and educational outreach, promoting the appreciation of music, and enriching the community’s quality of life through artistic expression.