Did you ever imagine back when “MMMbop” was the No. 1 song in America that one day we’d be seeing Hanson with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra?
The Hanson brothers, who scored that hit in 1997, will be part of PSO’s pop-friendly summer schedule, along with indie-rocker Ben Folds, a frequent guest, and comedian Harry Shearer appearing as Spinal Tap bassist Derek Smalls.
The PSO will also present the John Williams music to “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” and “Star Wars IV: A New Hope” with screenings of the films.
Here is the summer lineup at Heinz Hall, Downtown.
June 20: Ben Folds
June 27: Harry Shearer
July 12-13: Music of “Star Wars IV: A New Hope”
July 26-27: Music of “Harry Potter & the Sorcerer’s Stone”
Aug. 2: Hanson
In addition to those shows and the conclusion of the PSO’s subscription seasons, the orchestra also will perform three free outdoor concerts:
June 3: Three Rivers Arts Festival at Point State Park, Downtown, time TBA
June 30: South Park Amphitheater, 8 p.m.
July 1: Hartwood Acres, Hampton, 8:15 p.m.
There are also several community outreach shows:
May 31: “An American Salute,” Wilkinsburg Community Engagement Concert, Wilkinsburg High School Auditorium, Wilkinsburg, 7 p.m. The concert will feature Wilkinsburg students, Mayor Marita Garrett as narrator, vocalist Katy Williams and a PSO soloist. $10; $5 for students. Benefits the music education programs in the Wilkinsburg School District.
June 29: “An Americana Concert” at Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall and Museum, Oakland, 7 p.m.: Concert of sing-alongs, marches and tributes to military personnel.
July 20: PSO/MCG Jazz Concert, Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild, Manchester, 7:30 p.m. The PSO will be joined by vocalist Maucha Adnet and percussionist Duduka da Fonseca to celebrate the music of Brazilian icon Antonio Carlos Jobim.
July 31: Hill House Concert, Kaufmann Auditorium in the Hill House, Hill District, 7 p.m. Program will be announced soon.
For details, go to pittsburghsymphony.org.