Cabaret Pittsburgh, which showcased the talents of top-flight vocalists as well as emerging singers, is going out of business.

In a June 30 letter to supporters, Stephanie Riso, the nonprofit organization's founder, said the board of directors voted to dissolve the organization. She blamed the economic downturn.

Cabaret Pittsburgh began in 2004 under the auspices of Pittsburgh Irish & Classical Theatre. Initially, singers performed at La Prima Espresso coffee house on Liberty Avenue, Downtown.

In 2005, Riso moved the series to the Symphony Room of the Renaissance Pittsburgh Hotel at 107 Sixth St., Downtown. Performers there included Ann Hampton Callaway, Pittsburgh native Joyce Breach, Tony DeSare and Craig Carnelia. The series was partly underwritten by Richard Rauh, whom Riso called "a singular philanthropist."

Riso, who also co-founded Pittsburgh Irish & Classical Theatre with Andrew Paul, has returned to that organization and is serving as its operations director. Part of a restructuring at PICT "includes the ongoing consideration of musicals and special musical events," she said.

In her letter, Riso told Cabaret Pittsburgh supporters that PICT will open its 2009-10 season with "Beautiful Dreamers," a new musical drama written by local actor Martin Giles, with songs by Stephen Foster and arrangements by local composer Douglas Levine. This production is "a show I think cabaret patrons might enjoy," she said.