Pitt student plays tonight as soloist

University of Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra Concert

Violin Soloist Wyatt…

University of Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra Concert

Violin Soloist Wyatt True

Bellefield Hall Auditorium

Tonight 8 p.m.

Bellefield Hall Auditorium, Free

All ages

(412) 624-4186

Think of classical music in the city and the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra comes to mind. There is, however, a place where classical works can be heard that is much closer to Pitt and offers performances at an unbeatable price: The University of Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra.

Composed of University of Pittsburgh students – including music majors and non-music majors – faculty, staff and musicians from the Pittsburgh area, the Pitt Symphony Orchestra gives concerts several times a year. Under the direction of conductor and violinist Roger Zahab, the orchestra performs well-known classical works along with modern pieces and new works composed by university students.

Tonight, the Orchestra will present its December concert with performances of Dvorak’s “Violin Concerto” and Mendelssohn’s “Italian Symphony,” along with a collection of pieces by student composers.

The concert will also include violinist Wyatt True, a triple major in philosophy, physics and music, and concert master for the University of Pittsburgh Orchestra, as the featured soloist. Having studied violin for 17 years and currently under the direction of Roger Zahab, True has made frequent appearances with the University String Quartet and has performed with the Vivace String Quartet from Harrisburg. True is featured in tonight’s event to perform Dvorak’s Violin Concerto in A minor.

If the opportunity to hear classical music performed within walking distance of the Cathedral of Learning isn’t enticing enough, the price of the concert certainly is: It’s free, giving even more incentive to come out and support local and student musicians and composers. Now is the perfect opportunity to see and hear their talents while they are just around the corner.