Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra Excited For Halftime Show During Steelers-Ravens Game
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- If you hope to excel on Thursday Night Football, practice, practice, practice. Or, if you're in the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, rehearse, rehearse, rehearse.
The Orchestra will perform at halftime, to honor the Steelers' newest entry into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
While the Orchestra plays on the field, highlights from Jerome Bettis's career will appear on the big screens at Heinz Field. This may be one halftime show where the fans actually stay in their seats.
"The Orchestra will essentially be playing the soundtrack to that video," says Symphony CEO Melia Tourangeau.
She says Steeler and Orchestra fans are often one and the same.
"In fact, Steeler players are fans of the Symphony. And so it's a great way to be able to cross those stereotypical barriers," Tourangeau says.
Sponsored by UPMC Health Services, it's their first-ever performance at a professional sporting event.
Guest conductor Jeff Tyzik composed the music. He explained how he'd get an entire orchestra on and off the field.
"We actually practiced getting out onto the field, getting 75 people and our instruments and our music stands, and we have it down to a minute 45 seconds, to get out on the field," Tyzik said.
Principal Oboe player Cindy Koleda Dealmeida says she's undaunted by the fact this will be a different audience.
"Don't forget, we're all yinzers," she smiled. "It's two of the great institutions of the city, helping each other out. That's what it is. It's not a concert."
PSO talks about halftime show on Pittsburgh Today Live:
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