Pennsylvania - Music and Performing Arts

Two of the country’s premiere orchestras make their homes in Pennsylvania.

The Philadelphia Orchestra was founded in 1900, and the ensemble has premiered many major works in the United States, including symphonies by Mahler and Rachmaninoff and Stravinsky’s Rite of Spring.

The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, which has played there since 1896, performs at the splendid Heinz Hall. The Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre is also noteworthy, and for non-classical music fans, Pittsburgh has a thriving popular music scene.