Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra Announces Sizzling Summer 2014 Lineup

When the weather is hot, the music stays cool thanks to the classic sounds of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. A sizzling lineup of guest artists, musical tributes and movie scores, as well as unique performances of classical, pops and contemporary pieces, await at Heinz Hall during the Pittsburgh Symphony's summer season.

Summer concerts include:

· Acura/ELS Presents The Ben Folds Orchestral Experience - June 17, 7:30 p.m.

Folds returns to Heinz Hall for the third time with his first-class melodies and irony-laced lyrics in a one-night-only performance! In addition to his hit pop arrangements, this performance will feature his new classical piano concerto.

· WDVE Presents The Music of Queen - June 24, 7:30 p.m.

Connecting rock 'n roll and classical music, conductor/arranger Brent Havens presents a program he scored to extend the listening experience of Queen's exceptional tunes. Performed by the Pittsburgh Symphony and amplified with a full rock band and vocals, Havens captures Queen's distinct sound in a whole new arena.

· Play It Again, Marvin (A Tribute to Marvin Hamlisch) - June 28, 8 p.m.

Written and produced by pianist Kevin Cole, this world-premiere star-studded event celebrates the award-winning music of Marvin Hamlisch and provides an insider's view into his life through song, family videos and personal memories.

· South Park and Hartwood Acres Concerts - July 5 at 8:05 p.m. and July 6 at 8:15 p.m.

Part of the Allegheny County Summer Concert Series, these free concerts, led by Resident Conductor Fawzi Haimor, feature a rousing mix of American music and audience favorites, including "American Salute," Overture to "Candide," the 1812 Overture and more. The Hartwood Acres concert features Pittsburgh Symphony cellist Adam Liu in Saint-Saens' Concerto No. 1 in A minor. (Please note that the Saint-Saens piece will not be performed at South Park.)

· "Gladiator" Live featuring Clara Sanabras - July 12, 7:30 p.m.

Ridley Scott's sword-and-sandals epic film comes to the concert hall for the first time, making its U.S. premiere in Heinz Hall! Winner of five Academy Awards and countless other honors, this film's Hans Zimmer-composed soundtrack comes to vivid life with world-renowned vocalist Clara Sanabras and a live symphony orchestra with choir as the film plays overhead on the big screen.

· Stayin' Alive: One Night of the Bee Gees with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra - July 17, 7:30 p.m.

With nine Grammys and more than 200 million records sold, this tribute to the music of the legendary Bee Gees by the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra features many favorite tunes, like "You Should Be Dancing," "How Deep Is Your Love" and "Stayin' Alive."

· Music of John Williams - July 19, 2:30 p.m.

Soar to new heights with the music from legendary composer John Williams' well-known movie scores, including "Star Wars," "E.T." and "Harry Potter"! This concert with Resident Conductor Lawrence Loh promises to be a thrilling ride through the unmistakable melodies of Williams' masterful movie music!

· Boyz II Men: July 23, 7:30 p.m.

The Pittsburgh Symphony joins with one of the most iconic R&B groups in music history to present some of the greatest hits of their 20-year history. This concert also features "tweet seats" for audience members wishing to share their experience in real time.

· A Symphonic Celebration: July 25, 7 p.m.

Resident Conductor Lawrence Loh and the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra throw a summer symphonic celebration featuring Dvorak's Carnival Overture, Brahms Symphony No. 3 and a breathtaking performance of Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No. 2 with Russian pianist Olga Kern.

· Triple Play! - August 2, 7:30 p.m.

Experience a buffet of musical favorites with Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, guest conductor Christian Capocaccia and pianist Xiayin Wang. With selections from John Williams, Ravel, Rossini and more, "Triple Play" offers something for everyone during a unique concert experience featuring three 30-minute sets with two 10-minute intermissions.

Tickets for all summer concerts are on sale now and can be purchased by calling the Heinz Hall box office at 412-392-4900 or visiting pittsburghsymphony.org.

Heinz Hall for the Performing Arts is owned and operated by Pittsburgh Symphony, Inc., a non-profit organization, and is the year-round home of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. The cornerstone of Pittsburgh's Cultural District, Heinz Hall also hosts many other events that do not feature its world-renowned orchestra, including Broadway shows, comedians, speakers and much more. For a full calendar of upcoming non-symphony events at the hall, visit heinzhall.org.

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