For centuries, the natural world has inspired composers to write more works than any other subject except perhaps love. It would be virtually impossible to program one complete season without a single piece inspired by nature, so prominent is its presence.Over the course of three years, the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra will pay special notice to this role of Nature as inspiration. Each season, the PSO will play several of these beautiful, evocative, dramatic pieces, placed in the context of Pittsburgh's environmental history.

Inspired by Nature 2011-2012 Season Repertoire:

From the peaks of great mountains to flowers in bloom, the PSO offers an up-close look at evocative works inspired by humankind’s irreplaceable bond with Nature.  Composer of the Year Steven Stucky will premiere his PSO commission with us, which will commemorate the 50th anniversary of the publication of Pittsburgh environmentalist Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring.

Inspired by Nature 2010-2011 Season Repertoire:

During the 2010-2011 Season the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra continues to look at the relationship between nature and music.

The PSO will take an introspective look at ourselves as an institution, evaluating the ways in which we are already eco-conscious and seeking out opportunities for improvement. In addition, the PSO will look at "green" spaces within the city of Pittsburgh , acknowledging the work of our environmental partners and the larger corporate community.

Several of the works on next Season were inspired by nature. We will look at each of these works and the natural world that inspired the composer.