Welcome to The Pittsburgh Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Sharon Regional Hospital parent company Steward Health files for bankruptcy.

• Upcoming performance by Eyedress

• A deep-dive into the life of Lorin Maazel

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“Setting goals is the first step in turning the invisible into the visible.”

—Tony Robbins

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!

Week 19 Trivia: Pittsburgh's historic amusement park, Kennywood, was established in what year?

A) 1898

B) 1901

C) 1920

D) 1945

Answer to Last Week's Trivia: The "Polio Vaccine" was developed by University of Pittsburgh researcher A) Jonas Salk.

News

💼 Business

Consol Energy hopes to get Baltimore coal exports up and running in June. (Link)

Sharon Regional Hospital parent Steward Health files for bankruptcy. (Link)

🏒 Sports

Red Sox, Rangers pitchers off to great starts; why the AL and NL Central are interesting. (Link)

Yohe: Why Mike Sullivan’s loyalty figures to keep him with Penguins (Link)

MLB Power Rankings: Twins, Dodgers stay hot; it’s ‘Wish You Were Here’ week. (Link)

🏦 Finance

Fast-growing distillery tapped by SBA as Western PA Small Business of the Year. (Link)

Never occupied building at Innovation Ridge in Marshall Township hits market for sale. (Link)

The National Observer: Retailer Rue21 closing all stores after bankruptcy. (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

⚽ North Carolina FC at Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC
Highmark Stadium - PA, Pittsburgh
Saturday, May 18th | (More info)

⚾ San Francisco Giants at Pittsburgh Pirates
PNC Park, Pittsburgh
From May 21st to 23rd | (More info)

⚾ Atlanta Braves at Pittsburgh Pirates
PNC Park, Pittsburgh
Friday, May 24th | (More info)

Music & Concerts

🎵 Eyedress
Spirit Hall, Pittsburgh
Thursday, May 16th | (More info)

🎸 Helmet and Cro-Mags
Spirit Hall, Pittsburgh, PA
Saturday, May 18th | (More info)

🎤 The String Cheese Incident
Stage AE, Pittsburgh
Tuesday, May 21st| (More info)

Family

🎨 Art in the Garden Spring Festival 2024
527 North Beatty Street, Pittsburgh
Sunday, May 19th | (More info)

🧀 Pittsburgh Mac and Cheese Festival
2865 Railroad St, Pittsburgh
Saturday, May 18th | (More info)

🖌️ Spring Session: Art Class for Littles
101 Brilliant Avenue, Pittsburgh
Friday, May 10th | (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):

A Musical Prodigy (1930-1940s):

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.

-Matthew Larsen

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