American orchestra founded in 1926. Its first conductor was Antonio Modarelli (1927-37); subsequently conductors have included Reiner, William Steinberg, Previn and Maazel. Its home is Heinz Hall for the Performing Arts (formerly Penn Theater; cap. 2847). Activities include a summer festival and free park concerts. The Mendelssohn Choir (formed 1909) performs with it. The Pittsburgh Orchestra, founded in 1895, gave c 1000 concerts before it disbanded in 1910.

The Concise Grove Dictionary of Music. Copyright © 1994 by Oxford University Press, Inc.. All rights reserved.