Pink Martini to Make a Splash as MIAC Season Opener

Contributed

Kicking off the Mercyhurst Institute for Arts and Culture's latest season is the dynamic, globe-trotting little orchestra Pink Martini. Expect a rousing, colorful evening that will have attendees dancing in the aisles.

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 16

Each year, the Mercyhurst Institute for Arts & Culture (MIAC) hosts a multitude of talented and popular artists from around the world, and their 2024-2025 season opener Pink Martini is no exception, promising an exciting and memorable start to the season.

Founded in 1994 by pianist Thomas Lauderdale, the initial purpose behind the group was to help provide more beautiful and inclusive soundtracks for political fundraisers — supporting causes like affordable housing, the environment, libraries, education, and parks, to name just a few. A year after its founding, Lauderdale invited his former Harvard classmate, singer China Forbes, to join the ensemble.

Making their European debut at the 1997 Cannes Film Festival and their orchestral debut with the Oregon Symphony in 1998, the band has continued their success through the decades, playing with more than 50 orchestras around the world — including the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the Boston Pops, the National Symphony at the Kennedy Center, and the BBC Concert Orchestra at Royal Albert Hall in London.

"We're very much an American band, but we spend a lot of time abroad and therefore have the incredible diplomatic opportunity to represent a broader, more inclusive America," said Lauderdale. "[We represent] the America which remains the most heterogeneously populated country in the world, composed of people of every country, every language, every religion."

With 11 studio albums under their belt — released on its own independent label, Heinz Records (named for Lauderdale's dog) — and more than 3 million albums sold worldwide, Pink Martini brings their 30th anniversary tour to the Mary D'Angelo Performing Arts Center to kick off the latest MIAC season.

"I cannot think of a better way to kick off our season of encore engagements than with Erie's favorite globe-trotting 'little orchestra,' Pink Martini," said Dr. Brett Johnson, artistic director for MIAC. "The band's multilingual repertoire offers something for everyone to enjoy, and their infectious energy is certain to have patrons dancing in the aisles." 

7:30 p.m. // Mary D'Angelo Performing Arts Center, 501 E. 38th St. // $30-$55 // For tickets and info: call the box office at (814) 824-3000 or visit miac.mercyhurst.edu