In the first quarter of the twentieth century, aspiring artists, poets and musicians were all drawn to Paris to partake in its artistic vibrancy – it was the place to be. Once unrivalled as the musical capital of the world, even Vienna was eclipsed by the glamour of the City of Light.

It was a time when the arts thrived on contact with each other: poets discussed music, musicians attended literary salons and artists illustrated musical works. As the century progressed, a distinctly French musical nationalism emerged alongside the contributions of the Americans, Spanish, Russians and others who called the city their home. Paris Festival: The City of Light celebrates the music, art and culture born out of this most fascinating period in French history.

The festival is anchored by three spectacular concert weekends at Heinz Hall. When attending these concerts, be sure to arrive early and stay after to enjoy pre-concert lectures and film screenings as well as post-concert musical performances and a festival closing party on Friday, May 11. Also, during the festival, take notice of special touches throughout the Hall giving it a distinctive Parisian flare and creating the perfect ambiance for you to immerse yourself in the music.

Please join us for Paris Festival: The City of Light, and experience the magic of Paris! For a downloadable schedule of the Paris Festival events, click here.

Attend the Paris Festival and win a Paris Get-Away for Two!  Click here to learn more. Delta-Vacations_copy FlyPIT-positiveS_copy

Click here to purchase a festival subscription package and SAVE! Attend all three Heinz Hall concerts for only $90!


Paris Festival Schedule of Events


The Magic of Paris
April 27, 28 & 29 - Heinz Hall
noseda Pre-concert
A Window into the City of Light

Cinematheque – Excerpts from Paris the Luminous Year: Toward the Making of the Modern
  Post-concert
La'Amour, La Vie: Daphne Sings Piaf

Debussy & Ravel's Bolero 
May 4 & 5 - Heinz Hall
lasalle Pre-concert
A Window into the Parisian Salons

Cinematheque
– La Passion Bolero

Wine and Free French Food Tasting
Post-concert
Fascinatin' Rhythm: Gershwin Songs

An American in Paris
May 11 & 13 - Heinz Hall
manfred

Pre-concert
A Window into the Exotic

Cinematheque – Charlie Chaplin Silent Shorts with Live Piano Accompaniment

 

Post-concert
After-Party | Pittburgh/Paris: The Roaring Twenties


Events Around the City

bolero FREE! Film Screening of La Passion Bolero

May 3 - Harris Theater

jacobs Renowned Organist Paul Jacobs in Recital

May 6 - Heinz Chapel

cmoa The Art and Music of Avant-Garde Paris

May 12 - Carnegie Museum of Art & Carnegie Music Hall

wine Wine Tasting and Concert Package

April 27, May 4 & May 11 - Elements Contemporary Cuisine & Heinz Hall

Music Director Manfred Honeck welcomes you to the Paris Festival!



Important Paris Festival Information

  • Doors open one hour and thirty minutes prior to all Paris Festival performances at Heinz Hall.
  • All pre- and post-concert events are free to concert ticket holders.
  • Concert Preludes and Cinematheque film screenings begin at 6:45PM (Fridays and Saturdays) and 1:15PM (Sundays).

Click here for information on PSO Conductor's Choice restaurants' special Paris Festival offerings.

 

 


To learn more about early twentieth century Paris, click here to read a Paris Festival: The City of Light introductory article written by Mary E. Davis, professor of musicology, Case Western Reserve University. 

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