Feb 8 Update - I have received the paid attendees' checks and they are now the Yes's.  The rest who have originally said Yes and have not paid have been moved to the Waiting List.  I had to release all originally reserved tickets or I get billed for them.  I may be able to get some tickets for the Waiting List if submitted ASAP, or if an attendee has a last-minute problem.  Once February 15 comes, there will be no more possibilities.  After that date, you must make your own arrangements through the PSO box office.

 Make sure you read and can follow ALL of the details before RSVP'ing YES, and see the procedure at the bottom of the ad!!

For those of you who have never attended a Pittsburgh Symphony concert, this will be a different and delightful experience. I have chosen a program with the major themes from famous Verdi and Wagner operas - see details below. A group of tickets in the rear Gallery section has been chosen to make it as affordable as possible. It's reasonably priced at $17 each, and because early sign-ups have been so good, we'll get that group discount rate for 10+ people. I have reserved 26 seats initially, will have a waiting list, and if demand is good, I can increase the number, or reduce the number before the deadline. I have to put down 20% now, but feel I'm covered. The deadline will be 3 weeks before the concert, or February 9 (that's the PSO's guidelines).

We are toward the back of the upper section, but the sound is the same all over. Bring opera glasses if you'd like close-ups of the orchestra. The concert begins promptly at 8PM, but I've scheduled a pre-concert cocktail nearby. See below. All tickets will be held in your name at the box office (I'll supply a list), so you can skip the cocktail if need be. Plan to DRESS PROPERLY (business casual to semi-formal; no jeans or tees). I have allowed sign-ups with up to 3 guests.

SCHEDULE:

7:15 PM at Olive-Or-Twist, 140 6th Street (nearby) for pre-concert cocktail(s) and any money paybacks from me if we get the group rate (see below process)

(if some of you like, you could arrange an even earlier time to have dinner there)

7:40 PM - head to Heinz Hall Box Office to get our tickets and go to our seats

8:00 PM - Concert Begins (total duration never exceeds 2 hours, with an intermission about half-way through. You can have a beverage and/or stroll outside on the ground floor during intermission, talk, etc.)

THE PROGRAM:

(go to http://pso.culturaldistrict.org/production/32012/verdi-and-wagner-greatest-hits for more details, and to listen to previews of music):

Highlights from:
La Forza del Destino, La Traviata, Il Trovatore, Nabucco, Aida, Tannhäuser, The Flying Dutchman, Lohengrin and Gotterdämmerung

It’s a 200th birthday celebration! Pittsburgh Opera General Director Christopher Hahn hosts an evening of greatest hits from two of operas most prolific yet contrasting composers. Both Giuseppe Verdi and Richard Wagner were born in 1813, and each made an indelible stamp on the opera world. Hear why they are still celebrated today with crowd-pleasing arias from their most famous works.

10:00 PM - We can meet for an optional post-concert drink at Olive-Or-Twist or other afterward for anyone who wishes; or head home

Note: there is nearby parking - generally for about $5 on weekends

YOUR PROCEDURE:

1. If you decide to RSVP, do so with a YES, and indicate the number of guests.

2. I MUST have your check for $17 per person made out to "James Gump" ASAP, but absolutely by Saturday, February 9, or I will move you to the waiting list. Mail the check to James Gump, 694 Hestor Drive, Pittsburgh PA 15220. My cell is [masked]. I'll send YES's an e-mail through the meetup system and will want a phone and your e-mail address so I can get in touch later easily if need be. If there is a problem with your check (NSF, etc.) when I deposit it, I will contact you with an e-mail and change your RSVP to a NO.

3. There will be a waiting list, and I will have the ability to adjust the allowed number from 26 to what's needed or taken.

4. There are NO REFUNDS after the deadline date unless a substitute comes forth !! If you have paid and must cancel before the deadline, I can change your RSVP, return a refund check to you (less $1 for expenses), and open a spot. If this occurs after the deadline, you will only get your money back if someone else comes forward and wants your spot, and I'll do everything to make this happen if possible - or solicit someone on your own and let me know so I can change the list the box office has (and have them pay you). Nobody has been stuck yet for the past 2 concerts I held. ENJOY !!

I am posting this on Pittsburgh Singles as well, so sign up on one or the other, but NOT BOTH.