FredO writes: I wanted to give you and your readers some advance notice about ticket sales for “The Lord Of The Rings Symphony” here in Pittsburgh, PA for July 22 & 23, 2005. Tickets will go on sale via the internet at the Pittsburgh Symphony web site, pittsburghsymphony.org and at the box office (phone 412-392-4900 or toll free at 1-800-743-8560) on Monday, March 28, 2005 at 9:00AM. Ticket prices are $75.00, $43.50 and $19.50.

All 3 performances last year in Pittsburgh were sold out! This year the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra will be conducted by John Mauceri (johnmauceri.com) as he leads more than 200 musicians and vocalists through Middle Earth with Howard Shore’s amazing score. Accompanying John Mauceri will be two soloists: Susan Egan (susanegan.net) and Tammy Tyburczy.

It should be noted that this is an early opportunity for TORN readers to purchase tickets before the general public is made aware of the concert dates and ticket availability. No major advertising has been done for the shows yet.

In addition to the concerts there will be a Q&A before each show. There will also be a post-concert event where attendees who purchase tickets at the $75.00 level (only 208 per show are available at this price) can meet John Mauceri and the soloists.

There is also a benefit dinner for the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra preceding each concert. The menu for this dinner is derived from Emerald Took’s “Regional Cooking From Middle-Earth: Recipes Of The Third Age”. Tickets are $65.00/person and may be purchased at the same time seat tickets are purchased. As this is a benefit the cost of this ticket is tax deductible. The conductor and vocal soloists will likely attend this affair. There is a theme for each night’s dinner. Friday night the theme is “A Shire Homecoming.” Saturday night the theme is “The Coronation Of A King.” The menu for each evening will be different and will include a broad and exotic array of choices including vegetarian (and of course mushrooms!).