PITT ARTS Program Offers Five ‘Pitt Nights’

PITT ARTS—the University of Pittsburgh program that connects the Pitt community to the city’s cultural life through deeply discounted event tickets—has scheduled five Pitt Nights for this academic year.

These outings—open to Pitt faculty, staff, and students—include optional free transportation, a dessert reception, and a chance to meet some of each arts event’s key performers. As long as a member of the Pitt community is purchasing the tickets and attending the event, he or she may bring a non-Pitt guest.

The 2011-12 schedule follows.

Pitt Night with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, Triple Beethoven,    8 p.m. Sept. 30, Heinz Hall, 600 Penn Ave., Downtown

The all-female, Grammy-nominated Eroica Trio makes its BNY Mellon Grand Classics debut performing Beethoven’s seldom-programmed Triple Concerto for violin, cello, and piano with the Pittsburgh Symphony and music director Manfred Honeck. Then Honeck and the Orchestra play Beethoven’s Symphony No. 3—the Eroica. Tickets start at $15.

Pitt Night with Pittsburgh Opera, La Traviata, 8 p.m. Oct. 21, Benedum Center, 719 Liberty Ave., Downtown

Verdi set the heart-rending story of a suffering, unjustly maligned Parisian courtesan to some of his most beloved music. Tickets start at $10.

8 p.m. Oct. 28, Pitt Night with Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, Peter Pan, Benedum Center, 719 Liberty Ave., Downtown

Jorden Morris’ choreography is set to music by Britten, Eric Coates, Elgar, and others performed by a live orchestra. This Peter Pan features “whimsical costumes and magnificent sets that transform J.M. Barrie’s classic fantasy into a breathtaking production.” Tickets are $17 or $22.

8 p.m. Jan. 28, Pitt Night with Pittsburgh Public Theater, As You Like It, O’Reilly Theater, 621 Penn Ave., Downtown

A rosy glow of enchanted love follows young nobles into the Forest of Arden, where this Shakespeare romantic comedy takes shape. Tickets start at $17.

7:30 p.m. Feb. 8, Pitt Night with Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, Cedric Watson and Bijou Creole, Byham Theater, 101 Sixth St., Downtown

Cedric Watson is one of the most noted young talents to emerge in Cajun or Creole music. A fiddler, vocalist, accordionist and songwriter, Watson revives old Creole fiddling styles, injected with a healthy dose of his own personality. Tickets start at $17.

For more information about PITT ARTS, call 412-624-4498.