The fireworks bursting over Pittsburgh this weekend promise to be a display of the latest in pyrotechnic technology.
New Castle-based
Pyrotecnico will be orchestrating the Pittsburgh Three Rivers Regatta firework display at dusk on July 4th from a barge floating off The Point, a show that will shower sparks over the rivers in a choreographed display of music and innovative firework artistry.
Fireworks have changed substantially in two areas technologically, explains Stephen Vitale, president and CEO of Pyrotecnico, a family-owned company that was founded in Italy in 1889 by Constantino Vitale. The younger Vitale is a fourth generation family member and the great-grandson of the founder. Constantino moved the family to New Castle in the 1920s.
Pyrotecnico choreographs firework shows using software, which allows the bursts to pop during precise beats of music. While the fireworks themselves are manufactured in China, the overall display is the creation of Pyrotecnico, he says.
"Our niche is in producing the displays," says Vitale. "It's a big show, a European design that's very spread out. It will be a first for Pittsburgh, new patterns including jelly fish, half-moons, arcs and donuts. There's no place we'd rather be on the fourth of July than Pittsburgh!"
While Pyrotecnico performs 2,000 shows a year, July 4th is 40% of the company's annual business, he adds. Other special displays have included fireworks for NFL Monday night football games and special displays for Macy's and in Montreal. Pyrotecnico employs 60 full-time in New Castle.
"Every show is unique and different," Vitale adds. "Our goal is to make the regatta one of the premier displays on July 4th in the country."
The
EQT Pittsburgh Three Rivers Regatta runs July 2 through 4th. Fireworks go off the evening of July 4th.
Writer: Deb Smit
Source: Stephen Vitale, Pyrotecnico