Joan Chambers Concert Series

The Joan Chambers Concert Series

Pittsburgh Trombone ProjectPittsburgh Trombone Project
Live in Concert

Friday, November 3 2023 at 7:30 PM EST

The Pittsburgh Trombone Project is now in its 17th year and is recognized as one of America's leading chamber ensembles. This trombone quartet has performed its diverse repertoire to audiences of all ages and at various venues throughout the country. The members of the “Project” are four of the leading freelance trombonists in the Pittsburgh music scene: Kevin M. McManus, Taylor Jones, James Nova and Chris Carson. The group is committed to raising the profile of the trombone as a chamber music instrument by demonstrating its versatility as a classical, jazz and pop music instrument. Through writing its own arrangements and commissioning new works, the Pittsburgh Trombone Project has expanded the boundaries of the trombone quartet and widened its appeal to an ever increasing audience. The group has given recitals and masterclasses at Penn State University, Slippery Rock University, Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP), West Virginia University, Westminster College and Seton Hill University.  Twice a year, The Pittsburgh Trombone Project hosts "Trombone Sunday" at Memorial Park Presbyterian Church in Allison Park, PA. Always excited to promote music education, the PTP is active in delivering workshops and clinics to students of all ages and abilities from college music majors to elementary aged students. Members of the group have degrees in music and have attended some of the finest music schools in the United States. Members have also performed and recorded with some of the biggest entertainers and performers throughout the world.

Gina Morgano, SopranoGina Morgano, mezzo-soprano
Songs and Stories
NEW DATE - Friday, February 2, 2024 at 7:30PM EST

Gina Morgano is currently an alto in professional core of the Mendelssohn Choir of Pittsburgh where she sings regularly with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra at Heinz Hall. While living in New York, she performed at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, 54 Below, The Laurie Beechman Theatre, Don’t Tell Mama, The Strand and St. Patrick’s Cathedral. In addition to being a soloist, chorister and artist teacher with National Chorale, Gina is an avid recitalist and cabaret artist throughout the country. This past summer, she performed the National Anthem for the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park.

As an educator, Gina’s teaching experience includes the 92nd Street Y School of Music and the Professional Performing Arts School in New York City, as well as Oakland Catholic High School in Pittsburgh, PA. She currently maintains a private online voice studio. She also hosts The Voice Space podcast and Facebook group and is the creator of The Practice Planner.

Through her work with organizations such as Sing for Hope and Vocal Ease, Gina strives to create a world of beauty for those who cannot easily access live performance. She is also passionate about supporting our veterans and regularly uses her voice to fundraise for charitable causes she believes in.

Born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Gina graduated with vocal honors from Northwestern University (B.M., M.S.J.) and San Francisco Conservatory of Music (M.M.)

Gina believes that curiosity and storytelling are the floodgates to empathy and compassion - and that, sometimes, the best way to use your voice is to listen.

Visit GinaMorgano.com to say hello and for more information.

Heinz Chapel Choir on tourHeinz Chapel Choir
Spring Concert
Friday, April 19 2024 at 7:30PM EST

The Heinz Chapel Choir, founded in 1938, is a well-noted and internationally recognized mixed a cappella choir from the University of Pittsburgh. Membership is drawn by audition from Pitt's student body and campus performances are sung in the historic Heinz Memorial Chapel. HCC is currently under the direction of its 10th conductor, Dr. Susan Rice.

HCC rehearses in the Bellefield Hall Auditorium every Tuesday and Thursday from 4-6 p.m. Members are expected to sing in the Choir for both semesters of the academic year, although exceptions are generally made for those studying abroad and planning to return. In addition to the four hours of rehearsal each week, the Heinz Chapel Choir members also attend two choir camps, one in the fall and one in the winter. During these times, HCC members get to know each other and become closer as a group, all while rehearsing the music to be performed at concerts throughout the year. Additionally, once every three years, the Choir tours internationally.

About the Series

The Joan Chambers Concert Series is possible through the generous support of President Emeritus George F. Chambers. It brings local, national, and international artists to our campus for performances of the highest professional caliber. It has featured international opera star Andrew Zimmerman, cello/piano duo Antonio Lysy and Patricia Hoy, soprano Julie Wyma, pianist Pablo Amorós, the Swara Sonora Trio, Shana Mashego, North Sea Gas, the Tucson Girls Chorus, thingNY, tenor Chris Carr, contralto Emily Marvosh, and it has proudly presented some of Pennsylvania's finest ensembles and artists, including the Pittsburgh Camerata, Voces Solis, Kassia Ensemble, Heinz Chapel Choir, Pittsburgh Trombone Project, Elizabeth Lins Shonfelt, Skip Napier & Tim Heavner, Blue Mile Jazz, PM Woodwind Project, Zach Rohlwing, and the Penn State Chamber Singers.

The series is named in honor of Joan Chambers, late wife of President Chambers, who was an ardent supporter and representative of Pitt‐Greensburg in the community for many years. While her interests were widespread, she especially enjoyed participating in book‐discussion groups, attending cultural events, hosting themed luncheons at her home, and spending winters in southwest Florida. The Children’s Literature Collection in Millstein Library, another of her passions, was developed and named in her honor.

Contact Chris Bartley to join our email list.

Recent Performance

Voces Solis in ConcertVoces Solis
Make Peace
Saturday, March 19 at 7:30 PM EST
Re-watch the Livestream here

The Joan Chambers Concert Series returns! Come join us in Campana Chapel for Voces Solis (Voices of the Sun), Pittsburgh's premiere chamber ensemble, under the direction of Dr. Ryan Keeling.

Make Peace is a musical reflection on inner and outer peace, peace for ourselves and peace for others, and the places in which we should be making peace: "if you can make peace, make peace." - David Lang

Program Highlights

  • Adolphus Hailstork, "Motherless Child"
  • David Lang, "Make Peace"
  • Ysaye Barnwell, "Nearly Insane"
  • J.S. Bach, BWV 230, "Lobet den Herrn, alle Heiden"
  • Caroline Shaw, "And the Swallow"

See Complete Program

Voces Solis performs a diverse repertoire of challenging and innovative choral works. Composed of professional musicians, music educators, and experienced choristers, we are committed to providing an educational experience for our members and our audiences alike. In addition to public performances, private events, recordings, and symposiums, Voces Solis also collaborates with other arts organizations to bring the highest quality choral chamber music to the Pittsburgh area.