Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra Announces 2026 European Tour

The orchestra will perform 13 concerts across six countries and major venues, led by Music Director Manfred Honeck.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 1:06am

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An extreme close-up photograph of glittering golden sequins reflecting dramatic, high-contrast studio lighting, creating an abstract, glamorous texture that evokes the energy and prestige of a major orchestral tour.The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra's upcoming European tour will bring its acclaimed sound and diverse programming to major concert halls and festivals across the continent.Today in Pittsburgh

The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra has announced a three-week European tour from August 26 through September 10, 2026, featuring 13 concerts across six countries and nine cities. The orchestra will be led by Music Director Manfred Honeck and will be joined by guest soloists including pianist Alexandre Kantorow, violinist Augustin Hadelich, Anne-Sophie Mutter, and pianist Bruce Liu. The program will feature works by composers such as Dvořák, Shostakovich, John Adams, Carlos Simon, Barber, Penderecki, and Szymanowski.

Why it matters

The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra has a long history of international touring, dating back to 1947, and this tour will continue the tradition of bringing the orchestra's unique sound and artistry to major European venues and festivals. The tour also highlights the orchestra's commitment to contemporary and diverse composers alongside the classical repertoire.

The details

The tour will include appearances at the Lucerne Festival, the Salzburg Festival, the Elbphilharmonie in Hamburg, the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam, and the Chopin and His Europe Festival in Warsaw. The program will feature works such as Dvořák's Symphony No. 9, 'From the New World,' Shostakovich's Symphony No. 5, and compositions by John Adams, Carlos Simon, Barber, Penderecki, and Szymanowski. An album featuring Dvořák's Symphony No. 9 and Carlos Simon's Four Black American Dances will be released in early July.

  • The tour will run from August 26 through September 10, 2026.
  • The orchestra will perform 13 concerts across six countries during the tour.

The players

Manfred Honeck

The Music Director of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, leading the ensemble on this European tour.

Alexandre Kantorow

A pianist who will join the orchestra as a guest soloist during the tour.

Augustin Hadelich

A violinist who will join the orchestra as a guest soloist during the tour.

Anne-Sophie Mutter

A violinist who will make guest appearances with the orchestra during the tour.

Bruce Liu

A pianist who will join the orchestra as a guest soloist during the tour.

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What they’re saying

“When we tour, we carry the unique sound and spirit of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra onto the world stage. What I value most is the opportunity to present the orchestra's artistry, precision, and expressive depth at Europe's most inspiring venues.”

— Manfred Honeck, Music Director, Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra

What’s next

The orchestra will release an album featuring Dvořák's Symphony No. 9 and Carlos Simon's Four Black American Dances in early July 2026, ahead of the European tour.

The takeaway

The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra's 2026 European tour will showcase the ensemble's artistry and commitment to both classical repertoire and contemporary compositions on the world stage, continuing the orchestra's long tradition of international performances.