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Welcome to The Pittsburgh Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• UPMC posts wider loss after industry headwinds.

• Upcoming Pittsburgh Penguins match

• A deep-dive into the life of Lorin Maazel

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“Failure is the condiment that gives success its flavor.”

— Truman Capote

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Trivia

Here is your trivia question of the week. The answer will be shown in next week’s newsletter. Which do you think it is? No cheating!

Which Pittsburgh-born actress won an Academy Award for her role in The Great Ziegfeld (1936)?

A) Shirley Jones

B) Luise Rainer

C) Gene Tierney

D) Loretta Young

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:

Pittsburgh's historic amusement park, Kennywood, was established in A) 1898.

News

💼Business

UPMC posts wider loss after industry headwinds. (Link)

PNC hires Wells Fargo vet to lead wealth advisor team. (Link)

🏒Sports

Mike Tomlin says Steelers will continue to use Justin Fields as part of offensive gameplan. (Link)

Rust helps Penguins beat Canucks 5-4, snapping 3-game skid. (Link)

🏦Finance

Pharrell Williams's Black Ambition awards local startup $50,000. (Link)

Upcoming Events

Here are some events that are happening in our city this week. There is a good mix between sports, entertainment, conferences, concerts, and more.

Sports

🏒 Florida Panthers at Pittsburgh Penguins
PPG Paints Arena, Pittsburgh
Tuesday, Dec. 3rd | (More info)

🏀 Duquesne Dukes at Pittsburgh Panthers Women's Basketball
Petersen Events Center, Pittsburgh
Wednesday, Dec. 4th | (More info)

Music & Concerts

🎵 Evan Honer
Spirit Hall, Pittsburgh
Tuesday, Dec. 3rd | (More info)

🎵 Jonathan Coulton
City Winery Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh
Wednesday, Dec. 4th | (More info)

Family

🚨 Infant Red Cross BLS CPR and AED Class
3700 Butler Street, Pittsburgh
Tuesday, Dec. 3rd | (More info)

Image of the Week

Every week, I have a habit of making some AI art about our city.

This week, I typed in “Pittsburgh illuminated entirely by bioluminescent plants and structures” and this is what I got.

Let me know what ideas you have for this. I really enjoy making these types of photos.

Pittsburgh Historical Events

1920: Pittsburgh radio station KDKA becomes the first commercial radio station in the U.S.

In 1920, Pittsburgh's KDKA made history by becoming the first commercial radio station in the United States. The station's groundbreaking broadcast took place on November 2, 1920, during the Harding-Cox presidential election. The historic event originated from a makeshift shack atop one of the Westinghouse Electric buildings in East Pittsburgh. With a power of 100 watts on a wavelength of 360 meters, KDKA began scheduled programming with the election night broadcast, which captivated a small but entranced audience. This milestone marked the genesis of the history of broadcasting and set the stage for the future of radio in the United States.

KDKA's pioneering steps in broadcasting paved the way for the development of the radio industry. The station's first broadcast by licensed radio station license under the call sign KDKA was a significant moment in the history of media. KDKA's role in broadcasting continued to grow, and in 1921, it became the first radio station to broadcast a Major League Baseball game. This achievement solidified KDKA's position as a trailblazer in the world of radio and marked the beginning of a new era in communication and entertainment.

The impact of KDKA's historic broadcast on November 2, 1920, cannot be overstated. It not only marked the birth of commercial radio in the United States but also laid the foundation for the future of broadcasting. KDKA's pioneering spirit and commitment to innovation have left an indelible mark on the history of media and continue to inspire the evolution of radio and other forms of communication.

Famous People From Pittsburgh

Lorin Maazel (1930–2014): Conductor, violinist, and composer.

Lorin Varencove Maazel was born on March 6, 1930, in Neuilly-sur-Seine, Paris, to American parents of Russian Jewish origin. His father was a Russian Jew, and his mother, Marie Barnet Maazel, was of mixed Hungarian and Russian background. The Maazel family moved to the United States, settling in Pittsburgh, where Lorin spent his childhood. His musical journey began at the age of five when he started violin lessons, and by the age of nine, he made his distinguished debut as a conductor, showcasing his prodigious talent and passion for music.

Early Career and Musical Education (1950s-1960s)

In the early 1950s, Lorin Maazel encountered the music of Gustav Mahler, which would become a significant influence on his career. He pursued a career as a violinist and composer, showcasing his versatility and dedication to music. Maazel's musical education and early experiences laid the foundation for his future success as a conductor and composer.

Rise to Prominence as a Conductor (1970s-1980s)

Maazel's career as a conductor took off in the 1970s, and he became known for his dramatic and idiosyncratic interpretations. He held prominent positions with renowned orchestras, including the Cleveland Orchestra (1972-1982) and the Vienna State Opera (1982-1984). His exceptional talent and innovative approach to conducting solidified his reputation as a leading figure in the world of classical music.

Connection to Pittsburgh and the Pittsburgh Symphony (1988-1996)

Lorin Maazel's connection to Pittsburgh was deeply rooted in his upbringing and family history. His mother, Marie Barnet Maazel, founded the Pittsburgh Youth Symphony Orchestra, and Maazel himself had a significant impact on the city's musical landscape. From 1988 to 1996, Maazel served as the music director of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, leaving a lasting legacy and contributing to the city's vibrant cultural heritage.

Legacy and Contributions to Music (1996-2014)

Throughout his career, Maazel's contributions to music were extensive and far-reaching. He conducted most of the world's greatest symphony orchestras, leaving an indelible mark on the classical music world. His legacy as a conductor, violinist, and composer continues to inspire and influence aspiring musicians and music enthusiasts worldwide.

Key Achievements of Lorin Maazel:

• Distinguished debut as a conductor at the age of nine, showcasing prodigious talent.

• Held prominent positions with the Cleveland Orchestra and the Vienna State Opera, earning recognition for his innovative approach to conducting.

• Served as the music director of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, leaving a lasting impact on the city's musical landscape.

• Conducted most of the world's greatest symphony orchestras, contributing to the classical music world.

• Remembered for his dramatic and idiosyncratic interpretations, leaving an enduring legacy in the world of classical music.

Lorin Maazel's life story is one of musical brilliance, dedication, and a profound impact on the world of classical music. His connection to Pittsburgh and his remarkable contributions to music have left an enduring legacy that continues to inspire and influence generations of musicians and music lovers.

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I would love to hear from you. Don’t be shy.

-Yannick Lyons

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