Orchestra Operations Intern - Summer 2026

The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra (PSO) was founded over 125 years ago, performing its first concert at Pittsburgh’s Carnegie Music Hall in 1896. Today, the PSO is one of the finest, most acclaimed orchestras in the world, having toured and recorded extensively throughout its history and boasts of multiple GRAMMY nominations and wins. It also owns and operates Heinz Hall for the Performing Arts, an historic movie theater which in 1971 became home to the PSO and the cornerstone of what is now called Pittsburgh’s Cultural District. In 2008-2009, Austrian conductor Manfred Honeck became the PSO’s ninth music director following in the luminous footsteps of Victor Herbert, Fritz Reiner, William Steinberg, André Previn, and Lorin Maazel, among others. In addition to presenting more than 100 performances each year at Heinz Hall, both with and without the Orchestra, PSO boasts award-winning Learning & Engagement programs that reach more than 30,000 youth and adults each year in and around the Western Pennsylvania region.

JOB PURPOSE AND REPORTING STRUCTURE:

• The Orchestra Operations Intern will be responsible for assisting the Operations Department with all day-to-day orchestra operations. Primary areas of responsibility include support for the 2026 European Tour, preparation for the 26-27 Season, and assisting with the PSO’s Summer concerts.
• Reports to: Director of Orchestra Operations

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assist with preparation for domestic and international tours. Draft departure memos; research venues and travel bulletins; assist with database entry, tracking, and reporting; generate sign-up sheets as assigned; compile content for management books; and assist with distributing key information to musicians and staff.
• Assist the Personnel Department with PSO auditions.
• Prepare media components and props for PSO concerts.
• Assist with department organization; prepare drafts for 26-27 Season.
• Shadow PSO concert duty both in and out of Heinz Hall.
• Other duties/projects as assigned.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

• Develop a thorough understanding of Orchestra Operations concepts, including working with collective bargaining agreements and managing an orchestra schedule.
• Experience with “hands-on” work backstage with the chance to shadow and observe PSO concert duty staff, musicians, and stagehands.
• Knowledge of the schedule and structure of a full-time professional orchestra.
• Skills in database management and data collection through OPAS, OPAS Online, and Jotform.

REQUIREMENTS:
The ideal candidate must possess the ability to work independently as well as function as part of a collaborative team. Other requirements include:

• Currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program, preferably with a performing arts focus.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams).
• Highly organized with strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Comfortable handling confidential materials with discretion.
• Confidence working with a broad variety of personalities and maintaining a professional demeanor.
• Ability to work irregular hours, including some evenings and weekends.

COMPENSATION: This is an unpaid internship, but the intern may qualify for pay through Federal Community Service Work Study, or may qualify for class credit. This position will average 20 hours per week.