Lake Fong, Post-Gazette The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. Click photo to view larger version

In years past, this list has bowed and curtsied to the generous people who fund the performing arts. Bouquets were extended to previous No. 1's Teresa Heinz, Martin McGuinn of Mellon Bank and Janet Sarbaugh of the Heinz Endowments.

And while we're mentioning angels, thank heavens for Jim Rohr, a part of this year's Next 5, whose leadership at PNC Bank has contributed in a major way to support for the arts in Western Pennsylvania and earns a spot on the list of Top 50 Cultural Forces in Pittsburgh.

	Meet the top 50 contributors ... Staff writer Mackenzie Carpenter, staff writer Rosa Colucci, classical music critic Andrew Druckenbrod, Sunday Magazine editor Sharon Eberson, staff writer Nate Guidry, staff writer John Hayes, copy editor Jim Heinrich, books editor Bob Hoover, Features associate editor Brian Hyslop, Features design editor Diane Juravich, Homes editor Kevin Kirkland, pop music critic Ed Masley, staff writer Adrian McCoy, Weekend Mag editor Scott Mervis, TV editor Rob Owen, cultural arts writer Marylynne Pitz, staff writer Johnna A. Pro, drama editor Christopher Rawson, art critic Mary Thomas, Seen editor Marylynn Uricchio, staff writer Barbara Vancheri, dance critic Jane Vranish, assistant managing editor/features Allan Walton and movie editor Ron Weiskind.

But in the voting process for 2004, there was no doubt that this was to be the year of the artist -- those who take and hold center stage, either in Rome or at home.

Our No. 1 ranking goes to the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, which played portions of Mahler's Symphony No. 2 for an ailing Pope John Paul II at the Vatican. The orchestra's 99 musicians have reached new heights of virtuosity while touring European capitals, playing Manhattan's Carnegie Hall and right here in Heinz Hall.

In the eighth year of picking the Top 50 cultural forces, the Post-Gazette Arts & Entertainment and Features staffs have continued to consider achievement, contribution and recognition in our region and how those qualities are reflected both nationally and worldwide when we get down to the task of naming just 50 names.

This year, we hail "The Chief," better known as Tom Atkins, a lone actor whose nuanced portrayal re-created one of this city's singular characters with such verve that audiences felt as if they had spent an evening in the presence of Arthur Rooney Sr. The show was held over and will be staged again in December.

We recognize Jon Rinaldo, the promoter who stepped in to resuscitate the local club scene by transforming Rosebud into The World and who is our local David, facing down that Goliath called Clear Channel.

We praise Charlie Humphrey, who still hopes to build an Oakland campus for Pittsburgh Filmmakers. His thought-provoking approach to running that organization, coupled with his service on several arts boards, means he wields influence in several cutting-edge arenas.

They are all part of a new category this year, The Next 5, which also includes a strong contender for No. 1, J. Kevin McMahon, president of the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust.

We recognize many others as well, and in a new format. We've gone back to basics with simply named categories (no more "800-pound gorillas): No. 1, The Next 5, Artists, Artistic Directors/Managers, Producers/Promoters, Donors and Wild Cards.

Steve Mellon, Post-Gazette Actor Tom Atkins' performance in Pittsburgh Public Theater's production of "The Chief," at the O'Reilly Theater, was held over in its first run. Its success spurred Atkins and the Public to bring "The Chief" back in December. Click photo for larger image.

As usual, the process of selecting those who appear on this list involved lots of one-liners and snappy comebacks as well as some snarling, interrupted only by the occasional cogent argument.

Initially, Post-Gazette dance critic Jane Vranish insisted that the PSO, which she has heard since she was in college, has never sounded better. Her assertion silenced all of the grumpy scribes who had grudgingly left their desks and gathered in the conference room. Post-Gazette music critic Andrew Druckenbrod, who arrived late because of an interview, agreed with Vranish and persuaded more people to cast their votes for the PSO.

Enthusiastic reviews of the PSO, while on tour under the direction of Mariss Jansons, back up this No. 1 ranking. Like the famous orchestra that played on during the siege of Leningrad, the PSO has soldiered on despite their having taken a pay cut and played under a series of guest conductors because of Jansons' reduced role. As teachers, ambassadors and performers, these 99 musicians exert a broad and deep cultural influence.

If this year's list appears different, and it will to devotees, that's because for the first time, Sunday Magazine Editor Sharon Eberson was at the helm. She brought bagels to the first meeting, brooked no nonsense and insisted that we call an actor an actor and a donor a donor.

And that's why this year's categories represent a return to basics.

We welcome your comments, kudos and quibbles.

Let the list begin:

No. 1: Musicians of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra; previous No. 1's
The Next 5
Artists
Producers
Benefactors
Artistic Directors/Managers
Wild Cards
Expatriates