To buy tickets for this performance at a reduced price for PSA Members: https://www.gofevo.com/event/Psa3
Anne has always been very generous with her time and talent for the PSA.
After 50 years with the PSO, Anne Martindale Williams will be retiring after the Oct. 4 concert in Heinz Hall. Many who attend the symphony regularly recognize her beautiful tone, lyrical phrasing and intense, excellent, cello playing.
She quickly rose to principal cello in 1979 under the direction of Andre Previn after only three years with the orchestra. Her historic Tecchler cello was made in 1701 in Rome
Besides her outstanding role with the symphony, she has a wide range of performance settings. She was featured in the Pittsburgh premiere of Lorin Maazel’s The Giving Tree, conducted by the composer. She also has performed at many of America’s prestigious summer music festivals including those in Aspen, CO; Caramoor, NY; Skaneateles, NY; Maui, HI; Grand Teton, CO; Steamboat Springs, CO; Orcas Island, WA, and San Diego, CA.
Ms. Williams has been active as a chamber musician, collaborating with many celebrated artists and ensembles, including Yehudi Menuhin, André Previn, the Emerson String Quartet, Lynn Harrell, Joshua Bell, Gil Shaham, and Pinchas Zukerman
Ms. Williams is also a dedicated teacher and mentor. She is artist lecturer at Carnegie Mellon University and has given master classes at leading institutions and festivals. A graduate of the Curtis Institute of Music, where she studied with Orlando Cole, she brings both deep musical knowledge and extensive professional experience to her teaching.
She was the proud recipient of the Carlow University, Women of Spirit National Award, and the Celebrate and Share Women of Achievement Award.
“An exceptional musician, Annie performs with a passion that elevates every piece and captivates audiences from the moment her bow meets the strings. Her artistry is beautifully matched by her historic 1701 cello, from which she draws a remarkably rich, resonant sound. Her magnetic stage presence draws listeners into the music, creating an unforgettable connection between performer and audience. As she retires, her extraordinary talent and the profound emotional depth she brought to the stage will be deeply missed.” – Susanne Wilkinson-longtime PSA member and wife of a former interim PSA CEO, the late James Wilkinson
“Anne was always happy to play for any or all of our fundraisers. I could always count on Anne to take musician slots at both house and garden tours when I scheduled them. She played solo and with others. Anne has always been a huge supporter of the PSA. She and Tommy [Thompson] are the only two musicians who have played in the orchestra for 50 years.”- Chris Thompson, Longtime PSA and Mendelson Choir member and wife of retired principal clarinetist.
