Bluff Series Returns for a Second Run at The Dean’s List

“The Bluff Series has been drawing full houses since 2002,” said Music Dean David Allen Wehr. “And I am delighted the share the stage with 18 faculty colleagues and eight guest artists, including 12 members of the GRAMMY-winning Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra.” 

Season two of The Dean’s List kicks off Sunday, Sept. 21, at 3 p.m. with Completely Copland. At the opening concert, favorites by the renowned American composer including Appalachian Spring (heard in the original version for 13 instruments), Old American Songs and Hoedown will be performed alongside lesser-known gems such as the Songs on Poetry of Emily Dickinson and the monumental Piano Variations.

Last season, Wehr polled his music faculty for their favorites, then built cohesive programs around common themes, incorporating some favorites of his own. He said that it was such a joy to perform, it only seemed right to do it again. 

“This season’s programs showcase entire programs devoted to the music of Aaron Copland and Sergei Rachmaninoff, along with favorite musical selections by Beethoven, Debussy and Brahms,” Wehr said. 

Each concert in the series will be preceded by a 30-minute facilitated discussion. As was the case last year, Wehr anticipates that the personal connections these offerings have to the musicians will result in a very special series. 

“The intimate environment of PNC Recital Hall is the perfect place to experience chamber music at its finest,” he said.

Visit the Bluff Series website for a complete list of concert offerings and to purchase tickets.