In Monday’s (6/22) Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Sono Motoyama writes, “As the giant armies of Rohan and Isengard clash across the screen at Heinz Hall on June 26 … Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra musicians will be synching the score of ‘The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers’ live to the film playing overhead, recreating composer Howard Shore’s Grammy-winning soundtrack in real time. The concert launches a summer season packed with movie-related programming, including a live orchestra accompaniment to segments from the two ‘Fantasia’ films, Disney’s landmark mashups of animation and classical music; a visit from director Tim Burton’s favorite composer, Danny Elfman; and a concert devoted to blockbuster film scores … The lineup is part of the PSO’s 2026 ‘Summer with the Symphony’ and reflects a programming strategy that has become increasingly common among major American orchestras, as they look for dependable box-office revenue and opportunities to attract audiences who may never attend a traditional Beethoven or Mahler concert.” The Pittsburgh Symphony’s summer schedule includes a wide variety of music, from classical to pops to patriotic, along with five film-related performances.
