Sep 6, 2002 3 min read

PITTSBURGH – On Sept. 11, one year after the tragic terrorist attacks on the United States, the Pittsburgh Symphony will host a benefit performance to remember those who died and to honor the thousands of workers and volunteers, who assisted in the rescue efforts in New York, Washington and Pennsylvania. This concert, which will be attended by both Mayor Tom Murphy and Allegheny County Executive Jim Roddey, culminate the memorial events planned by the City of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County.

Net proceeds from the concert will be directed toward the Somerset County Flight 93 Memorial Fund, which just received U.S. House approval, authorizing national memorial status. Donating their services and talent to this effort are the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, Conductor Gilbert Kaplan, the Mendelssohn Choir of Pittsburgh and music director Robert Page, Pittsburgh Symphony Heinz Hall ushers and the man America watched and turned to for leadership and comfort during this difficult time – former Mayor Rudolph Guiliani. Guiliani can be heard on public service announcement being aired on Pittsburgh area radio, encouraging community support for this memorial event.

“I think that what Gilbert Kaplan and the Pittsburgh Symphony are doing is wonderful,” Guiliani said. “In addition to the cause that they’re serving, which is to build a memorial – so vitally important for the entire country – they are performing a beautiful piece of music. I love classical music, and I have his recording of Mahler’s ‘Resurrection.’ This is a magnificent piece of music, and its theme is an appropriate commemoration of the courageous acts of those who so bravely gave their lives over the skies of Pennsylvania, at the Pentagon and in New York City.”

Also contributing their services are local newspapers, radio and television, who are donating production, space and airtime.

The Pittsburgh Symphony has selected Mahler’s Second Symphony to mark this day. “Resurrection” Symphony’s reaffirmation of life makes it an appropriate commemoration of the life-altering events of Sept. 11, 2001. Gilbert Kaplan, one of the leading authorities of Gustav Mahler, has been engaged to conduct the orchestra that evening at Pittsburgh Symphony Heinz Hall.

Kaplan has immersed himself in Mahler, authoring a biography, lecturing and becoming the foremost interpreter of Mahler’s Second Symphony, conducting more than 45 orchestras in this work. The New York Times recognized his proficiency in the piece, naming his recording with the London Symphony Orchestra as one of its Records of the Year. It also has become the best-selling Mahler recording in history.

Net ticket proceeds benefit the Somerset County Flight 93 Memorial Fund. All tickets are $50 and can be purchased by calling 412-392-4900 or visiting the Web site at www.pittsburghsymphony.org.