History

The Pittsburgh Festival Orchestra, formerly the St. Andrew's Festival Orchestra, first performed in November 2003 at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church in the Highland Park neighborhood of Pittsburgh. As an outgrowth of a visitation of England's Hereford Cathedral Choir of Men and Boys, St. Andrew's sponsored an All Saints' Festival which lasted a week, culminating in two performances by the St. Andrew's Festival Orchestra and Chorus, conducted by Dr. Melissa McBride.

As a result of the tremendous success of this project, the ensemble was hired to perform again at both the Christmas Eve and subsequent Good Friday evening concerts. Discussions in the spring and summer of 2004 led to the formation of a non-profit organization with a change of name.

Now in its fourgh season, the Pittsburgh Festival Orchestra enjoys a rich affiliation with St. Andrew's Episcopal Church.

Future plans include additional concerts in similar venues, with an outreach to other choirs in the neighborhoods of Pittsburgh.