Pianist Rishi Mirchandani is on his way to London having completed his study at Yale, the Manhattan School of Music and Mannes School in New York. He’ll return to Pittsburgh March 3rd, 5:30pm in the Kresge Theater for a Master Class at CMU.  He last visited WQED-FM when he recorded Three Preludes for Piano by Nancy Galbraith for the Centaur label. Rishi studied with Luz Manriquez in Pittsburgh, Elizabeth Parisot at Yale where he also met Aldo Parisot, former Pittsburgh Symphony Principal Cello. At Yale, he also studied math, graduating summa cum laude. At commencement, he received the Stanton Wheeler and Marcia  Chambers Award for Outstanding Artistic Contribution to Campus Life. At Manhattan School of Music, he was the winner of the President’s Award scholarship and was named to the Dean’s List in each of his four terms. Rishi brought his recording of Four Brahms Rhapsodies opus 116 to the QED Morning show with Jim Cunningham and talked about his interest in math and music. Rishi’s brother Suvir was a WQED-FM Musical Kid who is now studying Computer Science at Stanford and continues to play the piano. 

The Executive Director of Chamber Music Pittsburgh, Kristen Linfante, is off to New York where she will become Executive Director of The Knights, an innovative chamber orchestra who have a Carnegie Hall series, a series of concerts in Chicago and have made highly regarded recordings with Gil Shaham, pipa virtuoso Wu Man and other notables. Kristen looks at the tea leaves for where classical music is headed and looks back on her decade of achievement with Chamber Music Pittsburgh expanding the range of offerings with Just Summer and Pittsburgh Performs concerts as well as exciting artists in the main stage series which has moved to the PNC Theater of Point park Playhouse downtown. Kristen also talks about her work in Apollo’s Fire, Cleveland’s baroque orchestra, where she has been a violist and Executive Director. Listen to the end of the conversation for viola talk and what bow she prefers.

Jim Cunningham spoke with Shadyside Brass member Joe Figliulo about this weekend's Shadyside Brass concert at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church on Sunday December 17th, 4:30pm. Joining them was Justin Davis of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

The Three Rivers Young People's Orchestra (TRYPO) has their Winter Concert this Sunday at the Pittsburgh Playhouse at Point Park University.  Brian Worsdale and David Allen Wehr stopped by the QED Morning Show with Jim Cunningham to talk about the concert and David plays some Gershwin live in our studio. 

Artistic Director of Confluence Ballet, Lea Havas, and Marketing Associate, Kinsey Love, discuss their upcoming performance of "Nutcracker for a Difference" on December 16th and 17th at the Kelly Strayhorn Theater. This different rendition of The Nutcracker will feature arrangements by David Berger, Billy Strayhorn, and Duke Ellington, and will feature children dancers during the party scene. Lea and Kinsey also talk about their love of the Nutcracker, the community of Pittsburgh, and how wonderful it is to connect with people over dance. Tickets are available at https://kelly-strayhorn.org/events/confluence-ballet-nutcracker/. Learn more about the Confluence Ballet at https://www.confluenceballet.org/.

World renowned Bass-Baritone opera singer, Kevin Glavin, discussed with Anna Singer live about his newest CD, A Touch of Class, which features reworked classics from Frank Sinatra and many more. Kevin and Anna also reminisce about the past, and converse about how Kevin chose the album cover. Visit https://www.kevinglavin.org/ to find the CD.

New Executive Director of the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre and Texas transplant, Nicholas Dragga, highlights PBT's famous Nutcracker performances that run from Friday, December 8th to Thursday, December 28th. Many performances will have cameo's by Pittsburgh's famous, and highlight the uniqueness of the city of Pittsburgh. Dragga also talks about his experience at Ballet Lubbock, PBT's draw, and how to look forward as he gets his Pittsburgh legs. Visit pbt.org to learn more and get tickets.

Scott Pauley, theorbo & baroque guitar for Chatham Baroque, and mezzo-soprano Raquel Winnica Young discussed with Anna Singer about their upcoming holiday concert, Alegria, featuring music of Baroque Spain and the Americas, on December 16th and 17th at the Hicks Memorial Chapel and Levy Hall. Chatham Baroque also welcomes soprano, Pascale Beaudin and percussionist and guitarist Paul Shipper in these two concerts. Scott and Raquel also discuss with Anna about the unique Spanish Baroque double harp that will be played by Paula Fagerberg, and the songs to be performed from the Sephardic diaspora. Visit chathambaroque.org/ to learn more.

WQED-FM's Anna Singer joined Jim Cunningham and the QED Morning Show to talk about her performance this weekend with Chamber Orchestra of Pittsburgh.  Plus, they talk about other holiday events taking place this weekend.   

Violinist with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, Marta Krechkovsky, and concert organizer, Cheryl Redmond, highlights the 3rd Benefit for Ukraine Concert on Sunday, December 10th at 5pm at the Park Presbyterian Church in Beaver. This benefit concert will host several PSO musicians and a reception afterwards with food donated from local restaurants. Marta and Cheryl both talk about how DTCare and NovaUkraine help those in need in Ukraine, and why continuing to support Ukraine is still needed. Donations are welcome at the door, by mailed check, and online at https://www.dtcare.org/ukraine-benefit.

Director of Education and Public Programs at the Carnegie Museum of Art, Dana Bishop-Root, discusses the many exciting things happening this month at the Museum, just in time for the cold weather and holiday season. The museum will hold a free Winter Exhibit Celebration on December 14th at 6 pm with a soundscape in the Hall of Sculpture. Meet the curators of all the present exhibits in the museum, and see the exhibits before many leave the museum in January. The museum will also host the River City Brass on December 9th for a free concert as a part of their Sounds of the Season concert series. Visit https://carnegieart.org/ to learn more.

Retired Detroit Symphony Orchestra bassist and composer, Rick Robinson AKA Mr. Cut Time, discusses with Anna Singer about his upcoming Pittsburgh debut concert at Rodef Shalom Congregation on Monday, December 4th at 7pm. Rick talks about his recent decision to move to Pittsburgh, who Mr. Cut Time is, and how he continues to try to bring classical music to a wider, more casual audience. Visit https://cuttime.com/ to learn more about Rick and his concert on Monday.

Native of Sewickley, Pennsylvania, bass-baritone David Crawford and Artistic Director of the Pittsburgh Festival Opera, Marianne Cornetti, discuss with Anna Singer their upcoming "Legends in the Limelight" concert on Friday, December 1st at the Carnegie Music Hall in Carnegie, PA. Featuring David Crawford with pianist Kate Wogoman, David will perform some Christmas music, some musical theater numbers, and some of his favorite arias. David, Marianne and Anna also talk about how their careers intertwined. Visit https://pittsburghfestivalopera.org/ to learn more about the concert and get tickets.

Artistic Director of Little Lake Theater, Patrick Cannon, is back to talk about Little Lake's upcoming 2024 season, Escape to the Lake, which features 10 unique shows. Starting in April of 2024, the Season of 2024 has something for everyone. From Matilda, to School House Rock, to Wait Until Dark, to Escape to Margaritaville, the 2024 season will be jam packed! Patrick also discusses Little Lake's increase in summer camps and their apprenticeships. Visit https://www.littlelake.org/ to learn more about the 2024 season.

Associate Director of Music at the St. Paul's Cathedral and organist, Ken Danchik, as well as Director of Music, Brian Gurley, highlights their last Organ Series Concert of the 2023 season, with a concert by Ken this Sunday afternoon, that includes Christmas Music, original compositions, and French contemporary music. Ken also talks about his teaching methods with his students at University of Pittsburgh. The concert is free to attend. Visit https://saintpaulcathedral.org/cathedral-concert-series to learn more.

It's a holiday classic! Violinist and one of the Artistic Directors at Chatham Baroque, Andrew Fouts, as well as Director of Music at the Calvary Episcopal Church, Alan Lewis, talk about their upcoming concert together on Friday, December 8th at 7:30pm. They discuss how and why they will be performing the entirety of Handel's Messiah with original Baroque instruments in a smaller chamber setting. Visit https://www.calvarypgh.org/ to learn more.

It is time to get in the holiday spirit! Executive Director of the South Hills Chorale, Rick Smith, discusses with Anna Singer about the chorales upcoming holiday concert, Sound of the Season, on December 15th and 16th at the Christ United Methodist Church. Take a tour of holiday music from around the world, no passport required! Also enjoy a new musical composition by Music Director, Skylar Bunk, who is enjoying his first season as the Music Director of the Chorale. Visit https://www.southhillschorale.org to learn more and find tickets!  

Former KDKA-TV anchorman and U.S. Congressmen, Ron Klink, discusses his new role as Board Member of the emerging National Museum of Broadcasting that is hoping to open its doors in the Pittsburgh area. Ron talks about his experience as a broadcasting professional, the history of broadcasting in the Pittsburgh area, and how the Museum will work to serve the community of Pittsburgh and relate its history. You can find more information about the Museum, including its proposed site in East Pittsburgh on Braddock Avenue, at https://nmbpitt.org/.

Anna Singer talks with the Mendelssohn Choir's newest Music Director, Daniel Singer (no they are not related!). Daniel discusses his excitement for next years concerts, as well as three upcoming ones for the holiday season with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, the first of which is Mozart's Mass on December 2nd. It's the busiest time of year for the choir, but Daniel is looking forward to bringing holiday cheer this year. Visit https://www.themendelssohn.org/ to learn more about their upcoming concerts and get tickets.

Director of Person-Centered Support at Achieva, Jack Butler, discusses his role at Achieva in helping people with disabilities lead a life of personal significance in the community. Jack highlights the services Achieva offers to people with a wide range of disabilities, and how person center support enables a wide range of diversity in the support that is offered to those in need. Jack also discusses Achieva's latest award from Giant Eagle and WQED as one of the Community Champions of 2023. Visit https://www.wqed.org/champions to learn more about the community champions award, and https://www.achieva.info/ to learn more about Achieva.

Executive Director of Silver Eye Center for Photography, Leo Hsu, gives WQED an in-depth tour of their newest exhibit, Radial Survey Volume 3. This new free exhibit is open until February 3rd and features work from 7 emerging or mid-career artists from a 300 miles radius around Pittsburgh. Artists in Radial Survey Vol.3 are Eduardo L. Rivera, Share Rocheleau, Alanna Fields, Akea Brionne, Larry W. Cook, Marissa Long, and Lisa Toby. Leo Hsu also discusses the many other facets of Silver Eye and their continued efforts to raise and celebrate the art of photography in the Pittsburgh community. Visit https://silvereye.org to learn more.

Robert Aubry Davis, veteran host of Millenium of Music on Sirius XM and public radio nationwide joins the Baltimore Consort in Pittsburgh at Calvary Episcopal Church Saturday November 18th at Calvary Episcopal Church to present a concert of music with Mary Queen of Scots at the center In Angel's Wede. Davis in this conversation with Jim Cunningham looks from his vantage point as a legendary figure in the nation's capital as a host of multiple musical organizations including the Smithsonian, Dumbarton Oaks and on WETA's arts program Around Town. Robert talks about his fascination with the music of 1000 years before JS Bach, chant, Josquin Despres and where we are as Americans with support for the arts noting Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg and other Washingtonians as special champions of the arts.

WQED-FM's Jim Cunningham spoke with Andres Franco, a nonprofit executive and orchestral conductor. He is the first Executive Director of DNAWORKS, an organization dedicated to dialogue and healing through the arts.  DNAWORKS is an arts and service organization dedicated to dialogue and healing through the arts. Founded in New York City in 2006 by Daniel Banks and Adam W. McKinney, DNAWORKS centers Global Majority and LGBTQQ2SPIAA+ voices and experiences to create more complex representations of identity, culture, class, and heritage through theatre, dance, film, writing, and art installation. DNAWORKS is based in Fort Worth, TX; New York, NY; and Pittsburgh, PA.

Violinist and founding member of the Kronos Quartet, David Harrington, speaks with Jim Cunningham about the fifty year anniversary of the group. Topics include how the group was named, listening to George Crumb’s Black Angels on the radio and deciding he must play it, the Pittsburgh concert for Chamber Music Pittsburgh with Stacy Garrop utilizing Mahalia Jackson’s voice, his admiration for composer David Stock, love of jazz including Bill Evans and Thelonius Monk, the many influences of world music and how it all ties together, his optimistic view of the music scene and working with a quartet at CMU in the Kresge Theater where the interview took place, the New York and DC 50th celebrations, the influence of radio on composers and more. After the interview ended, David told Jim Cunningham that Kronos had played Jimi Hendrix’ Foxy Lady for David Stock’s wife Celia because one of their earlier concerts took place on her birthday.

Extraordinary harpist, Bridget Kibbey, discusses her newest release, Crossing the Ocean, and the concept behind the album. Bridget also talks about her lifelong curiosity of the harp, her astounding technical skills, and drive to continue to push the boundaries of harp playing and enjoyment. Visit https://www.bridgetkibbey.com/ to learn more and https://lnk.to/CrossingtheOcean to listen to the album.

Kyle Albertson, who sings the role of the Dutchman spoke with WQED-FM's Anna Singer about Pittsburgh Opera's production of Wagner's "The Flying Dutchman," running November 11th through 19th, 2023 at the Benedum Center.

Stage Director Sam Helfrich spoke with WQED-FM's Anna Singer about Pittsburgh Opera's production of Wagner's "The Flying Dutchman," running November 11th through 19th, 2023 at the Benedum Center.

Marjorie Owens, who sings the role of Senta, spoke with WQED-FM's Anna Singer about Pittsburgh Opera's production of Wagner's "The Flying Dutchman," running November 11th through 19th, 2023 at the Benedum Center.

Pittsburgh Opera Music Director spoke with WQED-FM's Anna Singer about Pittsburgh Opera's production of Wagner's "The Flying Dutchman," running November 11th through 19th, 2023 at the Benedum Center.  

Pittsburgh native Archivist and Digital Project Manager at WQED, Molly Tighe, discusses her role in digitizing Beta Cams and 1 inch film reels from the 42 year run of WQED produced Black Horizons. This project was funded by the National Endowment of Humanities and the National Historic Publications and Records Commission, and features collaboration with WGBH in Boston, Media Preserve in Wexford, the American Archive of Public Broadcasting, and the Library of Congress. Molly talks about her past at Chatham University, what an archivist does, and some of the tapes that she is digitizing from Black Horizons. At the end of this 15 month project, all digital files will be available for access from the public.

Tenor Bryan Register spoke with Anna Singer about his role as Erik in the Pittsburgh Opera's upcoming production of The Flying Dutchman from November 11th to the 19th at the Benedum Center. Bryan also discussed his journey to become a classically trained tenor, and how a very special someone paid for his schooling. Visit https://www.pittsburghopera.org/ to learn more about The Flying Dutchman.

THE BOW IS BACK! Jean Horne, Christine Thompson and Lorna McGhee talk with Jim Cunningham about the upcoming Symphony Splendor tours on Fifth Avenue in Shadyside, from November 17th to the 19th. Candlelight tours include beautiful music by Pittsburgh Symphony musicians and carols with the Mendelssohn Choir of Pittsburgh. Proceeds benefit the Pittsburgh Symphony. Lorna also plays some holiday music to get everyone ready for the season! Visit https://pittsburghsymphonyassociation.org/ to learn more and find tickets!

David Bennett will be in his 12th Pittsburgh Opera production this year as a supernumerary with The Flying Dutchman. David talks with Anna Singer about his discovery of being a supernumerary, the roles he has been in, and his one of a kind role in The Flying Dutchman as a pirate ghost. The Flying Dutchman opens this Saturday, November 11th. Visit https://www.pittsburghopera.org/ to learn more!

Grammy-nominated lutenist, Ronn McFarlane, spoke with Anna Singer about the Baltimore Consort's upcoming concert, In Angels Wede, on November 18th, 7:30 pm at the Calvary Episcopal Church, as a part of Chatham Baroque's 2023-2024 concert series. This concert will also feature live narration by Emmy award winner, Robert Aubry Davis. Ronn talks about how the program takes a walk through Mary Queen of Scots life, with music that highlights the different parts of the world she lived in during her life. Ronn also talks about his love of the lute, his transition from blues guitar, and how the lute brings new colors to his work. Visit chathambaroque.org to learn more.

Executive Director of Film Pittsburgh, Kathryn Spitz Cohan, discusses their busiest time of year, with two film festivals, a Script Competition, and a Filmmaker Conference happening November 8th to the 16th. The first festival, The Three Rivers Festival, kicks off with a world premiere of Unsinkable, a film about the sinking of the Titanic filmed in Pittsburgh at 7:00 pm on November 8th at the Point Park Pittsburgh Playhouse. See 22 feature length international films, followed by 119 short films from November 16th to the 19th. The Script Competition will be held November 19th, and the Filmmakers Conference will be November 17th to the 19th. Kathryn details how festival submissions are chosen each year, highlights of the festival, and why film festivals are still the best way to see independent films from across the world. Festival Passes and single tickets are available at filmpittsburgh.org.

Executive Director of Chatham Baroque, Donna Goyak, and Associate Director, Erick Hoffman, discuss the groups upcoming concerts the next two months. The first upcoming concert is on Monday, November 6th at 7:30 pm at the Calvary Episcopal Church in Shadyside, in collaboration with the church and Violins of Hope. Then on November 18th, The Baltimore Consort is back in a program featuring Music of Mary Queen of Scots and live narration from Emmy Award winner, Robert Aubry Davis. Chatham Baroque then has their last performance of the 2023 year, with two performances of Alegria, Music of Baroque Spain and the Americas on December 16th and 17th. Visit https://www.chathambaroque.org/ to learn more about their season!

Dr. Susan Medley joins Jim Cunningham to discuss the  annual Festival of Choirs this year in the Carnegie Hall foyer. Along the way she shares some thoughts about women conductors as seen in the film Tar with Cate Blanchett and growing diversity on high school choirs now recovering from the pandemic loss of members. The event takes place Sunday, November 5, 2023, at 4:00pm.  The Pittsburgh Concert Chorale is joined by area high schools Allderdice and Carrick, Burrell, and Quaker Valley in this special celebration of choral music!  The concert features a wide variety of choral repertoire as each choir presents an individual set. The grand finale brings all on stage together to perform the world premiere of this year’s Carol and Robert Woody Choral Commission, composed by Shawn Kirchner. 

The Hermitage Piano Trio makes their Western PA debut at Thiel College for the Con Spirito Chamber Music Series on Tuesday November 7th at 7pm in the David Johnson Chapel. They will play trios by Amy Beach, Sergei Rachmaninov  and Dimitri Shostakovich. Violinist Misha Keylin speaks from his home in Brooklyn with Jim Cunningham about the program, the Trio and how it became the Hermitage, Misha’s start in St. Petersburg with his Mom who knew Mariss Jansons, making recordings for Reference in Marin County at Skywalker Sound including their new Spanish Impressions release and his Gagliano Violin.  The concert is free with a reception to follow.

Senior Producer at WQED, Minette Seate, discusses the upcoming 15th season of Filmmakers Corner that will premiere this Saturday, November 4th at 10pm on the WQED HD Main Channel. The first episode of Filmmakers Corner will feature a conversation with Morgan Overton, the Workforce Director for Create PA, a new initiative created by The Pittsburgh Public Theater and the Pittsburgh Film Office to help train technicians using IATSE training for television, film, and theater productions in the Greater Pittsburgh area. The second episode will feature two of Benjamin Carlucci's films. To learn more about the Filmmakers Corner, visit https://www.wqed.org/filmmakers or on our Facebook page.

Steppin’ Out With Ben Vereen dances in to the Strand Theater in Zelienople November 11th at 7:30pm with ensemble and Living Legend presenting the hits from his classic roles as Judas in Jesus Christ Superstar, Hair, Sweet Charity, Pippin and Wicked. Mr. Vereen worked with Martha Graham, George Balanchine and Jerome Robbins at the High School for Performing Arts in New York. He starred with Pittsburgh’s Jeff Goldblum in Tenspeed and Brown Show on tv. There was Funny lady, All that Jazz, Sammy Davis Jr, Magnum PI, Star Trek, Roots, Arthur Fiedler and the Boston Pops, the Muppet Show and most recently the Gray House with Kevin Costner and Morgan Freeman. His awards include the Hero’s Award as a First Responder at the 9/11 site at the World Trade Center, the Tony, the Drama Desk Award, the Juneteenth Legacy Award, the Sidney Poitier Lifetime Achievement Award. In this conversation with Jim Cunningham, he speaks about many of the people he has worked with, the power of the arts and his faith. Plus you can join the VIP group and get a selfie and an autograph too.

Lead Social Media and Events Specialist of Made in PGH, Channing Powell, and VP of Community Engagement at WQED, Gina Masciola, discuss with Jim Cunningham about The Great Yinzer Tailgate on Saturday November 4th, from 11 am to 6pm, at the Southpoint Towne Center in Washington County. Local Pittsburgh cuisine, drinks, live entertainment from Johnny Angel, and the marketplace to start your holiday shopping! There will also be a Little Yinzer zone, sponsored by WQED, with face painting, games and much more! This free event is rain or shine! Visit https://m.facebook.com/thegreatyinzertailgate/ to stay up to date!

Chair of Violins of Hope Pittsburgh, Sandy Rosen, discusses in depth the next month of programming in the Greater Pittsburgh community. Sandy highlights the November 8th event, Resonance of Hope: Building Bridges Through Music at the university of Pittsburgh Alumni Hall, which features a premier new work with the Pittsburgh Youth Chorus. Tickets are also still available for the exhibit of 21 violins at Carnegie Mellon's Posner Hall. Sandy also discusses the impact of these programs in schools, in our community, and in our lives. Visit https://violinsofhopepittsburgh.com to learn more about the upcoming events that run through November 25th.

Director and PhD student at University of Pittsburgh, Alison Mahoney, and local actress Megan Michaels, discuss their upcoming performance of Will Arbery's play Corsicana that explores grief, disability, and family. Open captioning, sign language interpretation, and live audio descriptions will be available for every performance in an effort in include everyone in the world of theater. Alison and Megan also discuss Megan's shared experiences with her character Ginny, and Alison's exploration of disability practices in theater. Visit https://www.play.pitt.edu/production/corsicana to learn more.

Organist Titulaire of the grand organ at St. Eustache Church in Paris, Thomas Ospital is a young artist who has quickly earned a place amongst the world’s finest concert organists. He has won prizes at several international competitions including the Chartres Competition, the Xavier Darasse Competition, and the Saragossa and Angers competitions. He spoke with Jim Cunningham about his recital in Pittsburgh.  Dedicated to the art of improvisation in all of its forms, he typically includes improvisations in his concerts and frequently accompanies silent films as well. Topics included his church with the largest instrument in Paris St Eustache, where to get a good baguette in Paris, his work with composer Thierry Escaich, Ravel’s time in Bayonne and the new organ at the Maison de la Radio where he is artist in residence.  Mr. Ospital will showcase his amazing talent on the four-manual 120-rank Goulding & Wood organ at East Liberty Presbyterian Church. 7:30 Friday October 27th. 

Artistic Director of the Bach Choir and Director of Opera Studies at Carnegie Mellon University, Thomas W. Douglas, discusses live on air with Anna Singer the Bach Choir's upcoming 2023-2024 season. The season kicks off with two performances of "A Passion: Considering Matthew Shepard" by Craig Hella Johnson on November 18th and 19th. The rest of the season includes Requiem by Johannes Brahms in February, and Carmina Burana Africana in April. Thomas also briefly discusses the Bach Choir's 90th anniversary and his 20th anniversary celebration at the Bitz Opera Factory on March 23rd. Visit https://www.bachchoirpittsburgh.org/ to learn more.

Artistic Director of Resonance Works, Maria Sensi Sellner and the cast of Cinderella discuss with Anna Singer their upcoming performance of Pauline Viardot's Cinderella, this Friday October 27th to Sunday at the Andrew Carnegie Free Library Studio Space. Maria talks about Pauline's connection to the opera world, and the intimacy of their performance. Visit https://www.resonanceworks.org to learn more!

Artistic Director of Prime Stage Theatre, Wayne Brinda, discusses with QED about Prime Stage's upcoming performance of "The Miracle Worker," written by William Gibson from November 3rd to 12th. Wayne discusses the challenges Helen Keller and Anne Sullivan faced as they tried to communicate with each other when Helen was a child, and the lasting impact their friendship had on their lives. There will also be a post show discussion with Gary Rogers from the Oakmont Historical Society about the Pittsburgh connection to Helen Kellers story. Audio description, ASL interpretation, live captioning, and sensory performances are available for select performances. Visit primestage.com to learn more.

Little Lake Theatre is celebrating it's 75th anniversary this year with its ongoing season. Artistic Director, Patrick Cannon, discusses their last two upcoming plays, Mr. Burns A Post Electric Play and Irving Berlin's White Christmas. Patrick also discusses the robust community in Canonsburg that continues to support Little Lake into its 76th season and beyond. Visit https://www.littlelake.org/ to learn more and find dates and tickets!

Director of Music and Organist at Holy Name Cathedral Chicago , David Jonies visits St. Paul Cathedral in Oakland to play Bach, Widor, Cabanilles, Artur Piechler, Hindemith and more in a 7:30pm free concert. Jim Cunningham joined St Paul Director of Music Brian Gurley and David to discuss the music scene in Chicago, the Bavarian mood in Wuerzburg,  David’s birthplace, the pride of South Germans as described in Thomas Mann’s Magic Mountain to mention only a few topics. 

Wheeling Symphony's Executive Director, Sonja Thoms and Music Director John Devlin, discusses with Anna Singer about their upcoming concert on Thursday, October 19th at 7:30pm, featuring the Violins of Hope Pittsburgh and a world premiere of Walter Bricht's Piano Concerto No. 2 in A Minor. Visit https://wheelingsymphony.com to learn more.

WQED-FM's Jim Cunningham was joined by David Allen Wehr, Dean of the Mary Pappert School of Music at Duquesne University, and Mary Ellena, head of the Kosciuszko Foundation Pittsburgh Chapter, to discuss "An Afternoon with Chopin" - a concert at the PNC Recital Hall on Sunday October 22nd at 3pm.   

You know him as the Host of "From the Top" Saturday mornings at 9 on WQED-FM.  But he's also a talented pianist.  You can see him perform with the Johnstown Symphony Orchestra this Saturday night, 7:30, at the Pasquerilla Performing Arts Center in Johnstown. He'll play the Gershwin Rhapsody in Blue.   He spoke to Jim Cunningham about the upcoming concert, the latest on From the Top and more.  

Lenny Young is the Director of Music at Third Presbyterian Church.  He stopped by the QED Morning Show with soprano Lara Lynn McGill, who will be singing a program titled "Bach to Broadway" at the church on Friday October 20th, 7:30pm.  

Mariana Whitmer, Board Chair of the Friends of the Carnegie Music Department and Julie Hanify, Library Services Manager Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh speak with Jim Cunningham about the Music Sale taking place Saturday October 21st, 2023  from 10am to 4pm.  The sale takes place on the second floor of the main branch with compact discs five for a dollar featuring classical, pop and jazz, orchestral and opera scores, chamber music, and flute music; Suzuki how to do it books, books about music and much more at extraordinary bargain prices. The proceeds will benefit the library. They also discuss the extraordinary collection at the Main branch with a series of concerts for free, online streaming music services including one made in Pittsburgh, ‘Stacks’ and the Bakaleinikoff tablecloth signed by a huge list of the musical luminaries who visited Vladimir Bakaleinikoff’s home enjoying his wife’s post-concert hospitality  in his years as Fritz Reiner’s assistant conductor of the Pittsburgh Symphony. Mariana Whitmer has been teaching film music for many years at the University of Pittsburgh where she has lead discussion with a special interest in the western film world with Jerome Moross, Erich Wolfgang Korngold and Dimitri Tiomkin as favorites.   How to spend your day in Oakland and much more in this conversation recorded in the office of the reference manager at the Main Branch CLP.

New York Times Bestselling author and PBS regular Brad Meltzer talks with Jim Cunningham about his new book "I Am Mister Rogers" with illustrations by Christopher Eliopoulos.  His series "Ordinary People Change the World" has profiled 31  amazing figures including Frida Kahlo and Walt Disney having started with Amelia Earhart. Brad talks about Fred Rogers and his start in Latrobe, his interest in music, the Mister Rogers neighborhood programs produced for PBS at WQED and his message that we should slow down, be kind, be a good neighbor and look for the helpers when times get tough. Brad explains how he has had a huge career with writing thrillers and a non fiction book, "The Nazi Conspiracy," looking into the plot to do in Churchill, Stalin and Roosevelt at once which was recently covered on CBS Sunday Morning. Brad says that he is proud to have family in Western PA and looks forward to visiting the Riverstone Books store in McCandless Crossing on October 26th at 7pm for a book signing and meet the author event. 

Pittsburgh Opera General Director Christopher Hahn joined Jim Cunningham on the QED Morning Show to talk about Pittsburgh Opera's Season Opening production of Rossini's "The Barber of Seville."   Plus, they talk about the opera "Bon Appetite" featuring WQED-FM's Anna Singer, taking place Friday October 27th at the Hyeholde Restaurant.  

Senior at Slippery Rock University and songwriter Brett McCutcheon discusses with WQED about his newest album, The Ocean - five years. This collection of pop songs with symphonic orchestration from the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra takes an emotional journey through the stages of grief as experienced by Brett in 2017 when he lost his older brother Ryan. With vocals by June Bracken and The Voice Finalist Chris Jamison, and recorded at The Vault in Pittsburgh, this new album hopes to continue the dialogue around helping young people navigate loss. Visit https://thevaultrecording.com to learn more. Find this album on Spotify or Apple Music.

Stephanie Doche sings the role of Rosina in Pittsburgh Opera's season opening production of Rossini's "The Barber of Seville."   She told WQED-FM's Anna Singer that her very first live opera experience was seeing a Pittsburgh Opera production while she was in college.  She also talks about the role and her favorite moments in the opera.  

Johnathan McCullough sings the role of Figaro in Pittsburgh Opera's season opening production of Rossini's "The Barber of Seville."  WQED-FM's Anna Singer asked him about the role, his favorite moments and more.  

WQED-FM's Anna Singer spoke with Gregory Keller, the Stage Director of Pittsburgh Opera's season opening production of Rossini's "The Barber of Seville."  Gregory talks about how he's approaching the opera and how he's trying to make it relevant for an audience in 2023.    

WQED-FM's Anna Singer spoke with Pittsburgh Opera's Music Director Antony Walker about their season opening production of Rossini's "The Barber of Seville."  Maestro Walker talks about how he never gets tired of conducting the opera, the cast, and much more.  

Jonathan Wessler performs this Sunday October 8th, 3:30pm at St. Paul Cathedral as part of the Cathedral Concert Series.  He, along with St. Paul's Director of Music Brian Gurley, spoke with WQED-FM's Jim Cunningham about the recital, the organ and more.  

Executive Director of Quantum Theatre, Julie DeSeyn, discusses Quantum's upcoming two free RAD days on October 15th and October 17th at Rodef Shalom. Both RAD days feature an inside look into their upcoming show, "The Flying Lovers of Vitebsk," a klezmer musical about artist Marc Chagall and his poet wife Bella. Get a backstage tour on the 15th, and hear a symposium about Marc Chagall by Sandy Rosen (Chair, Violins of Hope), Kathy Keinholz (Docent Coordinator, the Carnegie Museum of Art), and Barbara Burstin (History, University of Pittsburgh). "The Flying Lovers of Vitebsk" opens on October 28th and includes a collaboration with the Violins of Hope Pittsburgh. Visit https://www.quantumtheatre.com to learn more about the show, and https://www.radworkshere.org to learn more about RAD Days.

Organizer and pianist with the Tuesday Musical Club, Nanette Kaplan Solomon, discusses with WQED about the club's upcoming performance on Tuesday, October 10th at 1pm at Rodef Shalom's Levy Hall. Entitled Violins of Hope: Music from the Holocaust, their upcoming concert features works by composers who lives were cut short or impacted by the Holocaust. This concert will also feature 4 instruments from Pittsburgh's Violins of Hope. Visit https://www.tuesdaymusicalclub.org to learn more and watch the livestream.

The Chamber Orchestra of Pittsburgh presents two concerts this weekend - Saturday October 7th, 7:30pm at Calvary United Methodist Church and Sunday October 8th, 3pm at Antonian Hall at Carlow University.  The concert features the music of Debussy, Shostakovich and a Pittsburgh Premiere of a work by Trevor Weston.  Conductor Edward Leonard and Executive Director Andrew Swenson stopped by the QED Morning Show to talk about the concerts.  

The Concert Society of Coraopolis presents soprano Brady Collins and clarinetist Ryan Leonard at Coraopolis United Methodist Church on Sunday October 8th at 7pm.  Brady was joined by pianist Bryan Sable to sing Schubert's Frühlingsglaube.  They also spoke with WQED-FM's Anna Singer to talk about the concert.  

Three Rivers Young Peoples Orchestra Music Director Brian Worsdale joins Jim Cunningham to discuss the opening of the 50th season for the orchestra and the radio station. The plan for the fall concert, upcoming European tour with stops in Germany, how to join, organizational history with Bernard Goldberg and Phyllis Susan, and the announcement of a transformative gift which will endow the conductor’s chair.

3,2,1, CLO! The Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera's Executive Producer Mark Fleischer, reveals their Summer 2024 season in three different stages in the Cultural District. Audiences will be able to see West Side Story, The Color Purple, and The Music Man at the Benedum Center in June and July of 2024. The Greer Cabaret will host Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill and a new staged version of Young Frankenstein. The CLO's Summer 2024 season will close with Seussical at the Byham Theater. Also hear Mark talk with WQED about how the CLO is staying ahead of other theaters across the nation. Visit https://www.pittsburghclo.org/ to learn more.

Lynette Garlan and Michael McFaden from the Pittsburgh Savoyards discuss with WQED about their upcoming free RAD day on Monday, October 9th, 7:30pm at the Andrew Carnegie Free Library and Music Hall in Carnegie, PA. Audience members can watch a technical rehearsal of the Savoyards upcoming show, Iolanthe, a fantastical show about fairies, true love, and Parliament. Iolanthe runs October 13th to the 22nd. They also discuss the Savoyards season and their special Halloween activity on October 27th. Visit https://www.radworkshere.org/events to learn more about RAD days. Visit https://www.pittsburghsavoyards.org to learn more about the Pittsburgh Savoyards.

Communications Officer of the Grable Foundation, Ryan Rydzewski, spoke with Jim Cunningham about his newest book, "When You Wonder, You're Learning: Mister Rogers Enduring Lessons for Raising Creative, Curious, Caring Kids" with a foreword by Joanne Rogers. They also discuss the foundations "Be the Kind Kid, the Kindness in Action Campaign" that culminates on November 13th at the Jewish Community Center and the Children's Museum of Pittsburgh with installations of the students kindness projects. Visit https://grable.org to learn more.

Pittsburgh Ballet Theater's new Artistic Director, Adam McKinney, talks about PBT's upcoming free RAD days from September 29th to October 1st at Hazelwood Green, as a part of the Open Air performance series, co-presented with the August Wilson Cultural Center. These three free RAD days feature various performances from dance organizations across Pittsburgh, free classes, food, kids activities and much more. Adam also discusses PBT's season opener, "Light in the Dark" from October 27th to the 29th, featuring a world premiere of Jennifer Archibald's Sounds of the Sun. This performance also exhibits an instrument from Violins of Hope played live onstage by a PBT Orchestra musician, as Pittsburgh grapples with the 5th Anniversary of the Tree of Life Synagogue shooting. Visit https://www.pbt.org/performances to learn more.

Max Gonano spoke with WQED-FM's Jim Cunningham about the Community Band South concert celebrating the musical legacy of Jim Bennett.  The concert takes place Saturday October 7th, 2pm at Upper St. Clair High School. 

Prime Stage Theater's Artistic Director, Wayne Brinda, and Board Member, Sueanne Zoratto, discuss with WQED about their upcoming Cemetery Walk at the Homewood Cemetery on September 30th from 1:30-4pm. They also discuss their upcoming free RAD day at the MuseumLab in partnership with the Children's Museum that showcases a sneak peak of their season opener, "The Miracle Worker." Featuring Helen Keller and Anne Sullivan's story, "The Miracle Worker" at Prime Stage Theater will include sensory performances, and performances with live captioning and ASL interpreters. "The Miracle Worker" runs in November, from the 3rd to the 12th. Wayne also discusses a Pittsburgh connection with Helen Keller. Visit https://primestage.com/events to learn more!

Hill Dance Academy Theater's Director of Operations Jennifer Phillip, and Pittsburgh jazz drummer Thomas Wendt, discuss HDAT's upcoming free Rad Day Concert at their site on Bedford Avenue on September 22nd at 5:30pm. Thomas Wendt, Ava Lintz and Mark Strickland will be playing some traditional jazz as HDAT kicks off their new Jazz series, Jazz at BWW. Visit 5678hdat.org/events to learn more.

Sam Spanos talks about his love of WQED-FM, his love of Greek music and his successful business with Raymond James.

Music Director at Coraopolis United Methodist Church, Bryan Sable, and soprano Caryn Alexis Greco, discuss with Anna Singer about their upcoming performance on September 17th at 7pm. This concert is a part of the on-going Concert Society of Coraopolis Series at the church. Bryan talks about how this series was born out of the pandemic, and Caryn discusses how she became interested in Scandinavian music. The concert is free and can be live-streamed on the Coraopolis United Methodist Church's Facebook page. Visit https://www.coraopolisumc.org/ to learn more.

CEO of the August Wilson Cultural Center, Janis Burley Wilson, discusses the Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival that is happening September 14th to the 17th at the August Wilson Cultural Center and Highmark Stadium. Two opening nights of Jazz with artists like Ledisi, Nigel Hall, and Madison McFerrin in addition to two full days of Jazz at Highmark Stadium with Bob James, Howie Alexander, Gregory Porter and much more. Janis also discusses the origin of the Jazz Festival, and the new Jazz train in a partnership with Amtrak. Visit pittsburghjazzfest.org to learn more.

Local Pittsburgh jazz pianist, Howie Alexander, discusses about his upcoming performance at the Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival on Saturday, September 16th with his smooth jazz band. Howie also imparts some wisdom about being a musician, and performs his jazz arrangement of Somewhere Over the Rainbow. Visit pittsburghjazzfestival.org to learn more.

Members of Chamber Orchestra of Pittsburgh discuss with Jim Cunningham live about their upcoming concert on Friday, September 9th at 7:30pm at Rodef Shalom's Levy Hall. Guest Conductor, Dr. Matthew Wardell, and piano soloist and Steinway Society of Western Pennsylvania Competition Winner, Leona Chen talked about their partnership and collaboration in Mozart's Piano Concerto No. 20 in D Minor. Artistic Director Edward Leonard and Executive Director Andrew Swensen discuss the details of the program and their partnership with Matthew Wardell in putting together Friday's program of Mozart. Visit https://copgh.org/ to learn more and buy tickets.

Internationally recognized Harpist, Joel Von Lerber, discuss with WQED's Anna Singer about his upcoming solo-recital in Pittsburgh at the St. Stephens Anglican Church in Sewickley on September 12th at 7:30pm. Lerber and Anna discuss his interest in the harp, overtones used in the harp, and his schedule after Pittsburgh. This Pittsburgh debut recital is organized by the Pittsburgh Chapter of the American Harp Society. Admission is free donations accepted. Visit https://pghharpsociety.org/joel-von-lerber-concert/ for more information!

Members of Chatham Baroque, Andrew Fouts (Violin) and Scott Pauley (Theorbo), discuss with WQED's Anna Singer about their upcoming RAD Days free concert at the Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve on September 16th at 10:30am. They will be performing a preview of their 2023-2024 season's first concert, Art of the Trio, discussing the different instruments used in Baroque music, and explore the hiking trails at the Reserve. Andrew and Scott also discuss their upcoming Art of the Trio concert on October 6th to the 8th, as well as their participation in the Violins of Hope presentation in Pittsburgh in October. Visit https://www.radworkshere.org/pages/radical-days to get a complete schedule of the free RAD Days calendar. Visit https://www.chathambaroque.org/ to learn more about Chatham Baroque and get tickets to their upcoming concerts.

Founder and Director of the Center for the Civic Arts in Wilkinsburg, Jody Guy, and founder of Shana Simmons Dance (SSD) company, Shana Simmons, discuss their upcoming collaboration for the Sacred Spaces Tour, this Saturday September 9th from 10am to 8pm in collaboration with Preservation Pittsburgh. View over 6 different historic churches in the holy city with live music from each church and dance from SSD. Tours are free with a suggested donation and are within a walking distance or a short car ride from each other. Jody and Shana also discuss the Center's future in Wilkinsburg and SSD's approach to creating an improvisational dance piece. Visit https://civicarts211.wixsite.com/website-1 to learn more.

Academy String Quartet, Warren Davidson (viola), Jorie Butler-Geyer (violin), Leah Givelber (violin), and Cecilia Caughman (cello), discuss with Jim Cunningham live about their upcoming performances with the first one being this Friday September 8th at 7:30pm at the St. Stephen Lutheran Church in Scott Township. Advance tickets are $15, with door tickets $20. They performed two pieces live in the WQED studios. The first one is a Tango by Michael McLean, and the second piece at the end of the podcast is Rhosymedre prelude by Ralph Vaughan Williams. Visit https://www.facebook.com/ChamberMusicAtOldStLukes to buy tickets and learn more.

Ready to Learn Project Managers with WQED in the Education Department, Denice Pazuchanics and Michelle Imler, discuss Arts in the Park in Washington Park on September 16th from 11am to 4pm. There will be vendors, demonstrations, performances, and children activities that are all completely free! They also discuss what is going on in the Education Department now that school has started. Visit https://www.facebook.com/events/201883109084093/ or WQED's Cultural Calendar for more information.

Director of Music Ministries at Aspinwall Presbyterian Church and former WQED intern, Danny English, discusses their upcoming 8th annual Worship by the Water at the Allegheny River Trail Park on September 24th at 11am. There will be featured live music from Mark Jackovic and the Jazz Influence throughout the service. Danny also discusses his new music programs at the church that feature his own compositions and community musicians, as well as his reviving of the church's singing program after the pandemic. To learn more, visit http://www.aspinwallchurch.org.

RAD Days are back again from September 8th to October 17th. Communications Manager James Santelli, and Board Chair Dan Griffin, stopped by to discuss all the performances and events RAD days have to offer. They also discuss the impact the RAD board has had on non-profits here in the Pittsburgh community. Visit www.radworkshere.org to view the RAD days schedule!

Board of Director of Britsburgh, Stephen Shandor, discusses with Jim Cunningham about the foundations upcoming Britsburgh festival running September 4th to the 10th with a special presentation by Stephen on 100 years of the BBC on September 7th. Events include a Royal Afternoon Tea at the Mansions on Fifth, as well as a behind the curtains of the Pittsburgh Savoyards production of Iolanthe. Stephen and Jim also discuss the impacts of the BBC in television, film and radio. Visit www.britsburgh.com to learn more.

CEO of Allies for Health and Wellbeing, Sean DeYoung, discusses how Allies offers testing and care for those living with HIV, Hepatitis C, and STD's, as well as LGTBQ+ and gynecological care in the Pittsburgh community. Sean also discusses their award as a 2023 WQED and Giant Eagle Community Champion. Visit https://www.alliespgh.org/ for more information about their services and volunteering.

David Allen Wehr is the Dean of the Mary Pappert School of Music at Duquesne University. He also runs the "Music On the Bluff" concert series at the school. Sunday August 27th, the concert series continues with "Chopin and Schumann on the Bluff" - 3pm at the PNC Recital Hall. David will be joined by pianist Cynthia Raim and members of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. David stopped by the QED Morning Show to talk about the concert.

Pittsburgh Shakespeare in the Park members, Director Jennifer Tober and actors Callee Miles and Harper York, discuss with Anna Singer about their upcoming production of Cleopatra and Antony, premiering September 2nd at 2pm at Frick Park. Performances of this all-female cast continue every weekend until October 1st. All performances are free! Visit https://www.pittsburghshakespeare.com for more information.

Former Chicago Symphony Principal Oboe, ALex Klein, joins with former Vancouver Symphony Principal Harp Rita Costanzi for a new CD named Amoroso. It features Debussy. Faure, Massenet, Piazzola, de Falla,Rachmaninoff, Rodrigo and Michael Cohen with Michael Amorosi. It's an hour plus of contemplative music that seems right for the post pandemic, war torn, politically charged world of today. Rita explains how it happened and what she and Alex have done in South America to bring the harp to the continent starting in Brazil. In addition, Rita has a long time connection to Pittsburgh Symphony Principal Harp Gretchen van Hoesen through their work as young musicians at the Eastman School and she know Pittsburgh's Duquesne University professor Charles Stegeman having worked together a lot at the Sunflower Music Festival. In this conversation with Jim Cunningham she talks about the new Navona CD and her hopes for a better world."

The co-artistic director's of Squonk, Jackie Dempsey and Steve O'Hearn, discusses the Pittsburgh based outdoor theater group's next spectacular show, Brouhaha. This show features an enormous musical instrument with huge playable bellows and towering tubas that ends with a 30-foot tall head complete with blinking eyes and smoke pouring out of it's ears. Interactive and fun for the whole family, Jackie and Steve dive deep into how they created this spectacle, and how years of a friendship continue to create playful art for all. See the premiere of Brouhaha on September 3rd and 4th at The Kickoff and Rib Festival at Acrisure Stadium. Visit squonk.org/brouhaha for more information.

Dana Bishop-Root, Director of Education and Public Programs at Carnegie Museum of Art, welcomes us to the live broadcast and talks about the Inside Out Summer Exhibition Celebration.  

Rachel Delphia is the Alan G. and Jane A. Lehman Curator of Decorative Arts and Design at Carnegie Museum of Art. She spoke with Jim Cunningham to give an overview of "What Brings Us Here?"

Jazz Drumming Legend Roger Humphries stopped by to chat with Jim Cunningham before his set during the Inside Out Summer Exhibition Celebration.  

Jim Cunningham spoke with Cynthia Stucki, who is the Curatorial Assistant for Contemporary Art and Photography. She gave an overview of "Joan Brown."

Akemi May is the Associate Curator of Works on Paper at Carnegie Museum of Art. She spoke with Jim Cunningham and gave an overview of "Imprinting in Their Time: Japanese Printmakers, 1912–2022."

DJ HUNY XO played a set from 6-7 p.m during the Inside Out Summer Exhibition Celebration.  She introduce her set and encouraged listeners to join her at the museum.

Brie Dominique is composer and performer who showcased a special performance as part of the Summer Exhibition Celebration.

A historic organ concert features the restored 1895 "Farrand & Votey pipe organ at the landmark Calvary United Methodist Church in Allegheny West. Brian Burns and David Bridge will perform favorites from classical to contemporary, including Bach and Pachebel. There will be a free-will offering at intermission to help support the Calvary Choir on their journey to perform the Messiah at Carnegie Hall in New York City this November over Thanksgiving weekend. For more information, please visit: https://calvarypgh.com/music/carnegie-hall.php

Executive Director of the Pittsburgh Botanic Garden, Keith Kaiser, discusses how the Garden brings nature and joy to people in the Greater Pittsburgh Community with programs for the young and old, and their award as a Community Champion. Visit https://pittsburghbotanicgarden.org/ to view programs, hours, and ticket prices.

Organist and Director of Music at the Mt. Lebanon Lutheran Church, Christopher Keenan, and Director of Music at the St. Paul Cathedral, Brian Gurley, talks about Chris's upcoming concert this Sunday, July 30th at 3:30pm as a part of the Cathedral's ongoing Organ Concert Series. Chris will be playing Eugene Gigout's Toccata in B minor, Buxtehude's Great Toccata in d minor, and Bach's Partita on Sei gegrusset. Chris Keenan also discusses his foray into medical school at University of Pittsburgh while still playing the organ. The concert is free to attend. Visit https://saintpaulcathedral.org/ to learn more

Chairman of the AmeriServ Flood City Music Festival, Ronald Carnevali, discussed the upcoming music festival which runs next weekend, August 4th and 5th, in this Voice of the Arts podcast. Discover the all-star line up for this year's festival including headliners Los Lobos and Keller Williams' Grateful Grass featuring The Hillbenders with smaller groups such as Johnstown based The Evergreens and The Platelets. Two nights of Americana music with some of the best bands. Visit www.floodcitymusic.com to learn more and see ticket prices.

An interview with Tammy Thompson, Executive Director of Catapult Greater Pittsburgh, a non-profit organization committed to eradicating generational and trauma built poverty in the Pittsburgh area through wealth building, and emergency resources.  Tammy is a 2023 Giant Eagle Community Champion. 

WQED-FM's Anna Singer spoke with Artistic Director of Quantum Theatre, Karla Boos. They talk about Quantum's upcoming performance of Hamlet at the Carrie Blast Furnace from August 4th-27th. They will have a special matinee of the performance on the 23rd at 11am. 

Hill Dance Academy Theatre Founder and Director Dr. Ayisha Morgan-Lee, and Director of Operations, Jennifer Phillips, discuss what the Hill Dance Academy does as a non-profit based in the Hill District, their new 29,000 square foot facility acquired in 2021, and the community events happening throughout the year. Their open house is on Saturday August 5th, and features a performance by their summer dance intensive class and opens up registration for their fall classes as well. 

Communications Specialist, Ronnell Hunt from the Greater Pittsburgh Food Bank, talks about how the food bank meets peoples needs across 11 counties in the area, the changes the pandemic brought to the organization, and their award as a Community Champion from Giant Eagle and WQED. We also discussed the new opening of their Marketplace in Duquesne last year. 

The North Pittsburgh Symphonic Band is this week's performer at the City of Pittsburgh Office of Special Events Bach, Beethoven and Brunch - Sunday July 23rd, 10:30am at Mellon Park.  Their Music Director, Tad Greig, stopped by to chat about the band, how much they enjoy playing at BBB, what they'll play and more.  

Carnegie Museum of Art presents their "Inside Out: Summer Exhibition Celebration" on Thursday July 20th featuring free museum admission;, a party inside and outside the museum honoring the season’s exhibition; and featured artists with music, performances, community, and conversation!  Plus, WQED-FM will broadcast from the event.  CMOA's Katie DelVerne stopped by to talk with Anna Singer about the event.  

The Allegheny Brass Band is scheduled to play at this week's Bach, Beethoven and Brunch concert on Sunday July 16th from 10:30am to noon at Mellon Park.  The Bands President and Euphonium player, Art Craft, talked about the band's history, performing at Bach, Beethoven and Brunch in the past, and what you can expect to hear on this Sunday's program.  

Duo Pragma is the husband and wife team of violinist Andrew Giordano and pianist Nathália Kato. They will be joined by oboist Lenny Young for a recital on Friday July 7th, 7pm at Third Presbyterian Church.  On the program, music by Edvard Grieg, Joseph Bologne, Ethel Smyth, and José White.  They stopped by the studio to play some music live, as well as chat with WQED-FM's Anna Singer about the program.  

Band of Brother's Shakespeare Company in Johnstown presents "As You Like It" at the Powell Stackhouse Park Pavilion in Johnstown July 11th-15th and 19th-22nd all at 7pm.   Miranda Reynolds plays Rosalind, and Kieran Cullen plays Orlando.

Jim Cunningham interviewed Violinist and Musical Director of the Mexico City Philharmonic, Scott Yoo. They talked about PBS Great Performance Series "Now Hear This," which is hosted by Scott Yoo.  They discussed  Schumann's mental health, Andy Akiho's episode in the 4th season, and some information on the development of the 5th season, which will include an episode about child prodigies. It is streaming on PBS's passport, and Amazon Prime and Hulu. 

The Pittsburgh Youth Symphony Orchestra has been on tour in Portugal and were scheduled to play their final concert of the tour tonight.  Before the concert, WQED-FM's Anna Singer spoke with PYSO Executive Director William Powers, Music Director Jacob Joyce, and violinist Sadie Navid.  They each talked about the tour, the experience and the audience reactions.  

The C Street Brass stopped by the QED Morning Show to talk about their Band Pop up Concert on Sunday, July 9th at 4pm at Club Cafe with Cello Fury. They also briefly discussed other possible concerts of C Street during the summer in Schenley and Point Park, and played two pieces live in our studio.   

The Bach, Beethoven and Brunch concert series continues this Sunday (July 2nd) with Klezlectic.   Janice Coppola, clarinet, and Roger Day, tuba, stopped by WQED-FM to talk about what audience members can expect in this conversation with Anna Singer. 

WQED-FM's Anna Singer spoke with Pittsburgh CLO Executive Producer Mark Fleischer, and Pittsburgh CLO Music Director James Cunningham, about their upcoming season, which features "Into the Woods," "The Sound of Music," "Once on This Island," "Guys and Dolls," and "Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812."  

The Negro Motorist Green Book exhibition at the Senator John Heinz History Center offers an immersive look at the reality of travel for African Americans in mid-century America and how the annual guide served as an indispensable resource for the nation’s rising Black middle class.  WQED-FM's Anna Singer spoke to the History Center's Director of African American Program Samuel Black about the exhibit.  

This Summer, Carnegie Museum of Art is once again presenting "Inside Out" in the Sculpture Court - a free event series celebrating Pittsburgh’s rich cultural landscape with performances, workshops and gatherings, DJs, art activities, food trucks, and local drinks.  On Thursday nights from 5 to 9 p.m., a lineup of some of the city’s most dynamic DJs transforms the outdoor space into a can’t-miss happy hour destination for friends and dancing during the week. On Saturdays from noon to 5 p.m., enjoy performances from regional arts organizations and performers, soak in summer sounds from bands and DJs, grab a bite from local food trucks, and get creative with artists and art-making. This Saturday, June 24th, the Chamber Orchestra of Pittsburgh will be performing in the Sculpture Court.  The Orchestra's Artistic Director Edward Leonard and Carnegie Museum of Art's Director of Education and Public Programs Dana Bishop-Root spoke with WQED-FM's Anna Singer about this weekend's concert and the "Inside Out" series in general.  

The 2023 Bach, Beethoven and Brunch concert season begins this Sunday, June 25th, 10:30-noon at Mellon Park.  The Munhall Community Band will kick off the season and will be making it's BBB debut.   Christine Morgan stopped by to talk about the band and what you can expect at this weekends concert.   

PSO Principal Pops Conductor Byron Stripling's Keynote speech from the League of American Orchestra's 2023 Conference in Pittsburgh.  The speech took place on June 16, 2023.  

The Young People's Panel moderated by Jessica Satava (Executive Director of the Greenville Symphony Orchestra). The four members on the panel include, Kristian Vasquez, Operations Manager of the Mid-Texas Symphony; Alexis Nguyen, recent Southern Methodist University MA/MBA graduate; Lauren Zwonik, Graduate Assistant and Director of Education at the LA Philharmonic; Diego Barbosa-Vasquez, conductor.   The panel talked about the present challenges with symphonies and classical music, as well as the future of the industry. 

The Gold Baton Award Presentation from the League of American Orchestras Conference on Thursday June 15, 2023. League CEO, Simon Woods, introduces Jamie Bernstein (Leonard Bernstein's daughter), who gives the award to Deborah Borda, and then Jamie and Deborah sit down for an intimate interview about Deborah. They talk about the challenges of the pandemic with the New York Philharmonic, which Deborah is President of currently. They also talked about her move to LA and her work with the LA Philharmonic.

The League of American Orchestras is holding it's annual conference in Pittsburgh.  The conference opened on Wednesday June 14th.  WQED-FM's Anna Singer had a chance to talk with League of American Orchestras President and CEO Simon Woods.  

The League of American Orchestras is holding it's annual conference in Pittsburgh.  The conference opened on Wednesday June 14th with performances by the Pittsburgh Youth Symphony Orchestra and the Three Rivers Young Peoples Orchestras and a keynote by National Endowment for the Arts Chair Maria Rosario Jackson.  WQED-FM's Anna Singer had a chance to talk with Dr. Jackson. 

MCG Jazz Director, Renee Govanucci, and the Executive Producer and Vice President, Marty Ashby discuss their upcoming 37th season, with Eliane Elias performing their season opener on September 30th.  They also talk about their 36th season, which is closing in July. 

Richard St John talks about his two upcoming poetry readings. The first one is with the Squirrel Hill Poetry Workshop on Saturday June 17th at 2pm at the CC Meller Library in Edgewood. The second is on Tuesday, June 20th with the Emmaus Community of Pittsburgh in "A Celebration of Life and Caregiving in Poetry and Conversation". He also read 3 poems from his newest collection, Book of Entangled Souls. 

Orlando Watson is the Senior Director of Programming of the August Wilson African American Cultural Center. The Center has several programming options in June, which Orlando talks about.  He also talks a little bit about the PGH Jazz Festival happening in September.

Organist Dr. Ann Labounsky and Director of Music Brian Gurley discus the St. Paul Cathedral's Organ Concert series that starts this Sunday, June 11th at 4pm. Ann will be playing Francois Couperin's Mass for the Convents, some Bach, and some repertoire from her mentor, Jean L'anglais. 

The Incidental Chamber Players will collaborate with the incomparable Zuly Inirio (soprano)- performing a variety of  works, from operatic arias to a new commission piece. WQED-FM's Anna Singer spoke with Kika Wright and Zuly Inirio about the concert taking place Monday June 12th at Church of the Redeemer. For tickets and information vist: icplayers.org/concerts/

Kelly Strayhorn Theater's Executive Director, Joseph Hall, talked about the theater's new strategic plan launched in November called "Owning Our Future: Thriving Where We Live" and its four pillars. He also talked about upcoming events in the summer, like their Alloy School and House Party, as well as his journey to KST and a bit about his background. 

The Pittsburgh Concert Society has their Alumni Concert on Sunday June 4th, 2pm at Kresge Hall on the CMU Campus.  The concert features Janet Sung, violin with Dimitri Papadimitriou, piano, as well as pianist Bruce Murray.   Janet stopped by the QED Morning Show with Anna Singer to talk about the concert.  

This Saturday, June 3rd, the Chamber Orchestra of Pittsburgh has it's season finale concert at Rodef Shalom. Edward Leonard conducts Strauss' Metamorphosen, along with the Mendelssohn Double Concerto for Violin, Piano, and String Orchestra featuring Maureen Conlon Gutierrez, violin and Rodrigo Ojeda, piano. Rodrigo, Edward and Executive Director Andrew Swenson, stopped by to chat about the concert.

Anna Singer spoke with composer Bryan Field about his early education with music, his mentors and early compositions, and then his newest works which are Three Passions for our Tortured Planet, (all proceeds from this one go to charities to help fight against climate change) and Bryan Field- Vocal Works (which features a social justice song). 

Jacob Joyce and Brian Worsdale talk about the Pittsburgh Youth Symphony Orchestra and the Three Rivers Young People's Orchestra's upcoming performance at the League of American Orchestras national conference on June 14th.  The conference is hosted by the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra at Heinz Hall from June 14th-16th.  They also discussed Arturo Marquez, and Jacob's busy schedule in the summer that will take him around the world. 

On April 4, 2023, WQED-FM continued to celebrate it's 50th Anniversary with a live broadcast from Point Park University. Jim Cunningham spoke with Kim Martin and Mariah Peoples from Point Park's Performing Arts school, about upcoming events at their concert hall.

On April 4, 2023, WQED-FM continued to celebrate it's 50th Anniversary with a live broadcast from Point Park University.  Jim Cunningham spoke with Amanda Fischer, the interim Executive Director at Pittsburgh Chamber Music, who uses the performance space at Point Park for their concerts. 

On April 4, 2023, WQED-FM continued to celebrate it's 50th Anniversary with a live broadcast from Point Park University.  Jim Cunningham spoke with Andrew Bensch, WWPJ general manager at Point Park's radio station.

Resonance Works presents Verdi's "MacBeth" Thursday May 18th and Saturday May 20th at the Charity Randall Theatre.  Artistic and General Director Maria Sensi Sellner and some cast members stopped by WQED-FM to talk to Anna Singer about the production.  

Allen Baum, longtime WQED-FM listener and FM Angel.

The Duquesne University Saxophone Quartet.  

The cellos of the Edgewood Symphony Orchestra.

Susan Medley and the Pittsburgh Concert Chorale.

Maria Sensi Sellner, Maureen Conlon Gutierrez and Rob Frankenberry of Resonance Works.  

Logan Newman and Lynette Garlan of the Pittsburgh Savoyards.

The Ghost Trio, featuring Therese West, Juan Guillermo Vasquez Aceero, and Haley Rasmussen.  

Reverend Vance Torbert - long time WQED-FM listener and member of the Mendelssohn Choir of Pittsburgh Board.  

Former WQED-FM Engineer Mike Laver.

Micah Wilkinson, principal Trumpet of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra.  

Oboist Becky Mack of the Pittsburgh Youth Symphony Orchestra.  

Edward Leonard of the Chamber Orchestra of Pittsburgh.

Members of the Saturday Quartet, made up of students from Carnegie Mellon University.  

Windfluence, featuring Peggy Greg, flute; Amelia van Howe, oboe; Kira Bokalders, clarinet; Steve Ehrin, bassoon; Deborah Jenness, horn.

Toto Fisher, founding WQED-FM supporter and recipient of the Q Award.  

The River City Brass and James Gourlay.  

WQED Board Chair Dr. Millie Myers.  

Dr. Ryan Keeling and the Mendelssohn Choir of Pittsburgh.  

Opera singer Chantal Braziel.

Nanette Kaplan Solomon of the Tuesday Musical Club.  

Christopher Hahn, General Director of Pittsburgh Opera.  

Thomas Douglas, Artistic Director of the Bach Choir of Pittsburgh.

Melia Tourangeau, President and CEO of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra.  

Sara Botkin, of Botkin Family Wealth Management, local musician and frequent helper during WQED-FM on air fundraising drives.

Pianist Henry Spinelli, Professor Emeritus of Music at Chatham University and former Q Award winner.

Violinist Agata Miklavc, student of Andres Cardenes at Carnegie Mellon University.

Director of Recording Activities at Carnegie Mellon University, Riccardo Schultz.  

Proclamation by Pittsburgh City Councilwoman Erika Strassburger.  

Doug Starr is retiring from St. Paul's Episcopal Church after 30 years as Music Director. On May 19th, the premier of Doug Starr's "A Wilderness Cantata" will take place at the church. The piece will be conducted by Brian Gilling and feature soprano Kay Williams, mezzo soprano Eva Rainforth, tenor Rich Williams and the Chancel Choir of St. Paul's.

Lance LaDuke, Carnegie Mellon University Associate Teaching Professor in Euphonium & Music Business; School of Music Freshman Advisor; and Coordinator of Special and Creative Projects.

Richard Teaster, Director of the Pitt Men's Glee Club.

Chatham Baroque members Andrew Fouts, violin; Patricia Halverson, viola de gamba; and Scott Pauley, theorbo.

Former WQED-FM Mid-day host and producer Paul Johnston.

County Executive Rich Fitzgerald reads the Proclamation for WQED-FM.  

Former WQED-FM Afternoon Host and producer, Ted Sohier. 

Jonathan Bailey Holland, head of the Carnegie Mellon University School of Music.

Pittsburgh Opera Resident Artist Daniel O'Hearn.

Pittsburgh Opera presents "We Shall Not Be Moved" with music by Daniel Bernard Roumain, or DBR.  He stopped by the QED Morning Show with Anna Singer to talk about the opera.

WQED-FM's Anna Singer spoke to some members of the Kassia Ensemble, who present a concert titled "To Kassia, with Love" at Shadyside Presbyterian Church on Saturday May 13th at 3pm.  The Kassia Ensemble presents a concert of music written by five vibrant and living women composers.  The program includes three commissions dedicated to this group of dynamic musicians by celebrated composers Judith Shatin, Osnat Netzer, and Pittsburgh’s own Nancy Galbraith. 

Pittsburgh Opera presents "We Shall Not Be Moved" from May 13-21st. WQED-FM's Anna Singer spoke to Viswa Subbaraman, the opera's Conductor.

Pittsburgh Opera presents "We Shall Not Be Moved" from May 13-21st.  WQED-FM's Anna Singer spoke to the opera's Director, Bill T. Jones.  

Pittsburgh Opera presents "We Shall Not Be Moved" from May 13-21st. WQED-FM's Anna Singer spoke to John Holiday, who sings the role of John Blue.

Pittsburgh Opera presents "We Shall Not Be Moved" from May 13-21st.  WQED-FM's Anna Singer spoke to Kirstin Chávez, who sings the role of Glenda.

Pittsburgh Opera presents "Denis & Katya" through May 14th.  WQED-FM's Anna Singer interviews Glenn Lewis, Pittsburgh Opera's Head of Music.

Pittsburgh Opera presents "Denis & Katya" through May 14th.  WQED-FM's Anna Singer interviews Brandon Bell, who sings the role of Denis.  

Pittsburgh Opera presents "Denis & Katya" through May 14th.  WQED-FM's Anna Singer interviews the opera's Stage Director Haley Stamats.  

Pittsburgh Opera presents "Denis & Katya" through May 14th.  WQED-FM's Anna Singer interviews Jazmine Olwalia, who sings the role of Katya.

Crisis Center North presents their "Cocktails and Cuisine" on Friday May 12 at The Woodlands in Bradford Woods.  This foodie event allows participants to partake in acclaimed dishes and desserts from the region’s top chefs while tasting top wines and brews.  Plus, there will be a concert featuring singer Lisa Bleil.  Lisa and Crisis Center North President and CEO Grace Coleman spoke with Anna Singer about the event.  

An interview with violinist Dr. Solomiya Ivakhiv, principal e flat clarinetist of the PSO Victoria Luperi, and Cheryl Redmond (the event organizer with Sewickley Church). They talk about their upcoming Benefit Concert for Ukraine that is this Saturday, May 6th at 5:30pm at the Sewickley United Methodist Church. Donations will go towards Nova Ukraine which is a non-profit helping bring in humanitarian aid in Ukraine. 

Composer Michael Markowski joins tenor Timothy Stoddard to discuss their new release Tarot which features Markowski's "Mortally Wounded." Pianist Ellen fast accompanies Timothy on the recording just out from Navona Records. Composers Alaina Ferris, Michael Lanci, and Mary Prescott join Markowski in creating new vocal compositions all touching on the vast mysteries of the great unknown wherever it overlaps the human condition---be it in love, death or in the occult.

Three Rivers Young Peoples Orchestra Music Director Brian Worsdale joins composer Michael Markowski to discuss their work together including the pandemic collaboration "City Trees," which has can be seen on Youtube and has been extremely popular around the music world. The details of the spring concert "Music of the Americas" at Carnegie Music Hall on May 7th are discussed with Jim Cunningham in a two concert presentation starting at 1:15pm at Carnegie Music Hall in Pittsburgh with the Orchestra and Wind Symphony - and at 5:15pm with the Symphonette and Tutti Strings in a Free program including Piazzola, Mendelssohn, Markowski, Gershwin, and special guest appearance by Dr. Jason Kush saxophone for "Oblivion" by Astor Piazzola.  The upcoming tour for Trypo, and performance in June at the Symphony Orchestra League meeting taking place in Pittsburgh are also part of the conversation which ends with a general discussion of the health of the youth orchestra scene and the post pandemic classical music world.

Johnstown Symphony Orchestra's Musical Director, James Blachly discusses the season finale of the symphony's 94th season. The Symphony performs Brahms' Requiem with a 116-member choir from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, and University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown choirs, and features baritone Tyler Duncan from the MET Opera. Also featured is a new commissioned piece by Tommy Dougherty featuring the sounds of Johnstown sent in by residents and soloist soprano Sarah Brailey sings Barber's Knoxville.  Maestro James Blachly also discusses his recent recording with Sarah of Richard Strauss and Caroline Shaw, viewable at trinitywallstreet.org/ The Songs of Comfort concert is Saturday, May 6th at 7:30pm at the Pasquerilla Performing Arts Center in Johnstown. Tickets available at johnstownsymphony.org.

Pittsburgh Opera presents "Denis & Katya" at The Bitz Opera Factory (Pittsburgh Opera's headquarters) May 6th through the 14th.  Composer Philip Venables stopped by WQED-FM to talk about the opera. 

Matthew Rygelski spoke with William Powers and Eve Goodman of the Pittsburgh Youth Symphony Orchestra about their season finale concert taking place on Sunday May 7th, 7pm at Heinz Hall.  

WQED-FM's Jim Cunningham spoke with Art DeMeo, Senior Director of Community Greenspace Projects with the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy.  The Conservancy currently facilitates planting and caring of 130 flower gardens in 20 counties throughout western PA.  Ninety-one of those flower gardens are in Allegheny County. 

Violinist Agata Miklavc and pianist Jason Solounias have a chamber recital today at 4pm at the Kresge theater. The concert is a tribute to Agata's longtime mentor and friend, Andres Cardenes. The event is free and there is a live stream too. They discussed their repertoire in the program, the two pieces they played live in the studio, a bit of their backgrounds, and the next concert between the two in Washington, D.C. 

Remake Learning Days is a festival of events hosted by a variety of organizations, such as schools, museums, libraries, after school organizations, early child care centers, parks, universities, media centers, tech startups and more.  These events are designed to be hands-on, relevant and engaging educational experiences for youth of all ages (pre-K through high school) and their families, caregivers and educators.  The majority of events are free and open to kids of all ages.   Remake Learning Days Co-Producer and Communications Director Yu-Ling Cheng talks about this year's  activities, which run from May 4th through 23rd.   

Alan Morrison plays a recital at East Liberty Presbyterian Church on Sunday  April 30th at 3pm.  The concert is part of the Organ Artist Series of Pittsburgh.  Alan and ELPC Music Director Edward Alan Moore stopped by the QED Morning Show to talk about this Sunday's concert; his mom playing with Joanne Rogers as the Morrison-Rogers Piano duet; appearing on an episode of Mister Rogers' Neighborhood and more.  

Warren Davidson and the Academy String Ensemble are playing a "Spring Serenade" this Sunday April 30th, 4pm at Central Presbyterian Church in Tarentum. This will the be the last concert of the season. David Rankin talks about the concert, what they have planned for next season; and the wonderful relationship the church as with the ensemble, Davidson, and WQED-FM. 

Lynette Garlan and Robert Hockenberry of the Pittsburgh Savoyards talk about their upcoming production of "Thespis," which is having its Pittsburgh premiere. It runs April 28th-30th and May 5th-7th, with live stream tickets available for the 6th and 7th. They also talked about the lost music from Thespis and why scholars think Sullivan might have done it on purpose. 

"Sanctuary" is a performance for voice, guitar and lute that features five centuries of music from Spain and Argentina, intersecting the music selections with sonnets by Mexican Nun Sor Juana Ines de la Cruz. This concert is presented by mezzo-soprano Raquel Winnica Young, lute and guitar player Dieter Hennings-Yeomans and actress Daina Griffith. The concert takes place at Third Presbyterian Church in Shadyside on Sunday April 30th at 2:30pm. Lenny and Raquel Winnica Young stopped by the QED Morning Show to talk about the concert.

Skylar Bunk, Music Director of the South Hills Chorale, joins Jim Cunningham and South Hills Executive Director Rick Smith to discuss "And So We Sing" at Christ United Methodist Church - 44 Highland Road in Bethel Park - Friday May 12th at 7pm and Saturday May 13th at 2pm. Skylar has taken over the leadership of the singers from Phil Aley after a decade in place. Skylar is also the Director of Music Ministry at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Scott Township and he teaches at Point Park University. Skylar graduated with a Maters degree from Duquesne University where he worked with Christine Jordanoff and Ken Burky among several distinguished faculty. 

This weekend, Resonance Works presents Bach's B Minor Mass.  Conductor and Artistic Director Maria Sensi Sellner joined WQED-FM's Jim Cunningham on the QED Morning Show to talk about the performances, the soloists and more.   The concerts are Friday April 28th at Fox Chapel Presbyterian Church; Saturday April 29th at Coraopolis United Methodist Church; and Sunday April 30th at Heinz Memorial Chapel.   

Abby Goldstein, long time manager of WYEP in Pittsburgh, is now President and Executive Director of the Public Radio Program Directors Association. She takes a look at the current state of public radio as it faces the bewildering choices of audio available to listeners at home and in the car from podcasts, Apple streaming, Spotify, Pandora and many others. What will AI derived disc jockeys sound like and many more questions are explored in this conversation with Jim Cunningham where she also reveals her enthusiastic listening to the classics. 

Charles Rosen said it was Beethoven’s  most humiliating premiere ever and Johann Nepomuk Hummel laughed when he heard it telling Ludwig van Beethoven “There you go again.” But Beethoven’s Mass in C is one of his best even though it has been overshadowed by the Missa Solemni. Daniel Meyer conducts the Westmoreland Symphony with soloists from the Pittsburgh Opera Resident Artists and Westmoreland Chamber Choir Saturday April 22 at 7:30 in the Palace Theater Greensburg. Maestro Meyer has the details on the event for Jim Cunningham. 

Chatham Baroque presents the Joy of Bach with the Double Concerto and Concerto for Oboe and violin plus the Cantata BWV 170 in honor of Bach Scholar and University of Pittsburgh Professor Don O Franklin at the Emily Norman Davidson Memorial Concert April 22 2023 at 7:30 and April 23 at 2:30 Calvary Episcopal Church. Special guests include Kristen Dubenion Smith Mezzo, Kathryn Montoya baroque oboe, violinists Alice Culin-Ellison, Emily Eng and Chiara Stauffer, Paul Miller, viola, J Tracy Mortimore, bass and Justin Wallace organ and harpsichord. Violinist Andrew Fouts joined violinist and violist Emily Eng to speak with Jim Cunningham about the event.

Director Nick Hrutkay and Actor/Writer Charles David "Stoney" Richards, discusses with Anna Singer about Shakespeare in the Parks upcoming 'Week of Will'. The week of will kicks off this Sunday at 7pm at the Soluna Cafe in the Strip District with a fully produced one hour staged reading of Shakespeare's Twelfth Night, followed by a performance of a new play 'Shakespeare: First Drafts' written by Stoney Richards. Also hear an update on Richards career as he just wrapped up filming for American Rust.

The Music Director of the Greenville Symphony Orchestra talks with Jim Cunningham about the Beethoven Ninth Symphony to be performed at the Passavant Center Thiel College April 15 at 7:30pm. Michael talks about his time as a cellist in the Cleveland Orchestra with Lorin Maazel and his work with Erich Kunzel in Cincinnati. 

Mark Holloway, violist of the Pacifica Quartet, talks with Jim Cunningham about the American Stories concert from Chamber Music Pittsburgh the group will play at the Pittsburgh Playhouse of Point Park University on April 24th at 7:30. The Principal Clarinet of the New York Philharmonic, Anthony McGill, will join the ensemble to play the James Lee III Clarinet Quintet along with Florence Price First Quartet, Valerie Coleman's Shotgun Houses and the Dvorak American Quartet. Mark explains the special qualities of the Pacifica which has won two Grammy Awards. Speaking from his office at the Jacobs School of Music of Indiana University, Mark discusses his love of the viola and the instrument he plays.

Friends of Mellon Park will celebrate Arbor Day on April 29th from 11-2pm at Mellon Park for a big celebration. It will be the third celebration of Pittsburgh’s first Arboretum after the City of Pittsburgh declared it in 2021. Jim Cunningham sat down with Board President, Elizabeth Seamans, and Board Chair, Margy Whitmer to talk about the highlights of the celebration. They also both reminisce about working on Mr. Rogers Neighborhood as Mrs. McFeely, and as Assistant Director.

Pittsburgh Opera presents Verdi's "Il Trovatore" at the Benedum Center March 25th through April 2nd. WQED-FM's Anna Singer spoke with Marianne Cornetti, who sings the role of Azucena.

Pittsburgh Opera presents Verdi's "Il Trovatore" at the Benedum Center March 25th through April 2nd.  WQED-FM's Anna Singer spoke with Pittsburgh Opera Music Director Antony Walker.  

Pittsburgh Opera presents Verdi's "Il Trovatore" at the Benedum Center March 25th through April 2nd.  WQED-FM's Anna Singer spoke with the opera's Stage Director, Daniel Rigazzi.  

Pittsburgh Opera presents Verdi's "Il Trovatore" at the Benedum Center March 25th through April 2nd.  WQED-FM's Anna Singer spoke with Alexandra Loutsion, who sings the role of Leonora.  

Viktor Ullman’s opera "Der Kaiser von Atlantis" was written while he was incarcerated at Theresienstadt during WWII but never performed because the Nazis caught on to his satire of Hitler in the plot. Ullmann died at Auschwitz, but his opera has been increasingly popular with three commercial recordings and multiple performances around the world including March 30th through April 2nd at CMU Opera. Conductor Sara Tarana Jobin and Director Karina Aviva Benjamin joined Jim Cunningham to discuss the opera which takes place in the Fred Rogers studio at WQED.  Here are the details from CMU:   Der Kaiser von Atlantis Viktor Ullmann, composer Peter Kien, libretto Tarana Jobin, conductor Karina Aviva Benjamin, director Showtimes: Thursday, March 30, 2023 | 8:00 PM Friday, March 31, 2023 | 8:00 PM Saturday, April 1, 2023 | 8:00 PM Sunday, April 2, 2023 | 2:00 PM Der Kaiser Von Atlantis was the only surviving opera written in any of the camps during the Holocaust. It was a collaboration of two Jewish artists (writer and composer) who were acutely aware of the horrific genocide against the Jewish people, including themselves. They wrote this as a processing of this unimaginable moment, being faced with their own mortality and gaslit as to their own classification as human beings. We as contemporary audiences bear witness to the almost necessary comedic flairs that accompany utter despair in this hauntingly beautiful grasping of the meaning of life. Cost: $10 Regular Admission $5 Senior Citizen (65+) Admission All students, along with CMU/Pitt faculty and staff, are free w/ valid ID.  

Mindful Museum is an extensive suite of accessible programs and activities for visitors 55 and over that expand the museum as a destination that nurtures the mind, body, and soul. Mindful Museum participants are invited to enjoy 31 weeks of Wednesday morning programming that includes art paths and meditation stops throughout the museum, drawing, art-making, chair yoga, art history classes, social gatherings, guided tours, exclusive digital content offerings, and more.  WQED-FM's Jim Cunningham spoke with CMOA's Lucy Stewart, Associate Curator of Education, about the program. For more information on Mindful Museum click here.

The Butler County Symphony Orchestra presents "The Golden Age of Hollywood" at the Butler Intermediate High School April 8th 2023 with Music Director Matthew Kraemer who has recently been named the Music Director of the Louisiana Philharmonic. The program includes scores from film classics by Erich Wolfgang Korngold, Max Steiner, Franz Waxman and Miklos Rosza, plus Henry Mancini's Moon River. Matthew Kraemer runs down the delights of the concert and fills us in on his plans for New Orleans in this conversation with Jim Cunningham.

Concerto Koln makes their Pittsburgh debut with soprano Jeanine De Bique at Carnegie Music Hall in Oakland on Sunday March 26th presented by Chatham Baroque in their Renaissance and Baroque series. Jim Cunningham spoke with Artistic Director and Principal Cello Alexander Scherf shortly after the orchestra arrived in Costa Mesa, California for their concert near Los Angeles. Hoping for sunshine they arrived amidst torrential rain, damaging winds, and tornados but still managed to visit the beach at sunset. After Orange County, it’s La Jolla, Pittsburgh, and Carnegie Hall in New York on March 28th. Alexander spoke about the recording  they made with Jeanine, "Mirrors," which has been widely praised and is the center of the music they’ll play on the tour. Handel’s arias for historical figures Cleopatra, Rodelinda and Alcina and their treatment in music by Carl Heinrich Graun and others all turn up next to instrumental works from opera by Handel and his contemporaries. Concerto Koln has made nearly 100 recordings and found many composers not often heard, plus standards by Bach and Mozart. For Pittsburgh, they will include discoveries by Riccardo Broschi and Gennaro Manna. The music scene in Cologne, climbing the cathedral, and wearing the fragrance known as the echt Kolnwasser all wound up in this conversation with Jim Cunningham.

WQED-FM's Anna Singer spoke with Jeanine De Bique.  She's in Pittsburgh for two performances - one with the Pittsburgh Symphony and their performance of Mozart's "Requiem," and with Concerto Koln, as part of the Renaissance and Baroque concert series.  

The Beo String Quartet is Sean Neukom, Jason Neukom, Ryan Ash, and Andrew "Gio" Giordano. They will be performing two pop-up concerts next week. One is March 30th at 6:30pm at the Bantha Tea house in Bloomfield, and the other is on March 31st at 7:30pm at the Bellevue Presbyterian Church. They will be playing a performance version of Bach's Art of the Fugue.

The Steinway Society of Western Pa presents pianist David Deveau who taught at CMU for a number of years then joined the faculty at MIT where he taught for over three decades. He talks with Jim Cunningham about his teachers Russell Sherman and Beveride Webster (who was born in Pittsburgh) as well as other great pianists he's worked with. He remembers fondly his years at CMU and colleagues Andres Cardenas, Hanna Li, Harry Franklin and more. Everything you need to know about the late Sonatas written when Beethoven was nearly deaf, intimate yet virtuoso and point to the future. David has recently recorded Schubert Sonatas, Wagner's Siegfried Idyll and several concertos in arrangements for quartet with some cadenzas by composer John Harbison. David also suggests some listening to great pianists on record including Wilhelm Kempff, Richard Goode, Peter Serkin. The concert is Sunday March 26 at 3pm Kresge Theater CMU.  

Tim Kaiser serves as a board member for Pittsburgh’s Roberto Clemente Museum explaining to Jim Cunningham why you should visit and talking about his Father Lloyd Kaiser who served as President and CEO of  WQED Pittsburgh from 1971 to 1993. Tim credits his Dad for helping him stay grounded in the high energy world of Hollywood and recalls his Father’s pride in building a new tower for WQED to hold the antenna for WQED-FM in 1973 after successfully winning the license for Pittsburgh against the plan to build a state wide network of noncommercial stations that would have been controlled elsewhere.  Lloyd brought his son to the studio to meet Fred Rogers who had Tim sit in the control room and peek in the camera viewfinder. After graduating from Oakmont’s Riverview High School then  Westminster College and starring on the football team  Tim went on to work for Kentucky public television and then took a chance on a new show to be created for NBC by Jerry Seinfeld and Larry David. Tim produced nearly 200 episodes winning two Emmys, a Golden Globe Award and a People’s Choice Award. Seinfeld joined the distinguished company of I Love Lucy and The Andy Griffith Show for ending its run at number one in the ratings. The “show about nothing” changed everything about comedy on American television. Tim Kaiser then produced Will and Grace and 2 broke Girls winning more acclaim. Megan Mulally gave a shout out to Tim from the stage when she won her Emmy for Will and Grace. Tim remembers the “no soup for you!”  Soup Nazi and Elaine’s  dating The Maestro, the sad clown opera references in the show and many more Seinfeld details. Tim did it all while commuting from his home in Hampton for over 14 years in one of the longest commutes to work in Western Pennsylvania history. His home in LA has usually been on standby while Tim made it home for his three kids Adam, Joshua and Michael plus wife and high school sweetheart Kristin.  Not that there’s anything wrong with that!

Kyle Haden is the director of "The Devil is a Lie" at Quantum Theatre. Their show runs April 7th-30th.  "The Devil is a Lie" is written by California artist Jennifer Chang and will be produced at the Frick Building downtown. 

The Three Rivers Community Band Festival was begun in order to highlight the community bands in the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania area. The first festival, sponsored by the East Winds Symphonic Band, was presented on April 4, 2004 at the Upper St. Clair Theater. This year's festival takes place Saturday March 25th at Franklin Region High School at 2pm.  Festival Founder and Director Roger Schneider, East Winds Symphonic Band conductor Susan Sands, and Nanette Mancuso talk about this year's festival. 

Award Winning WQED Producer Beth Dolinar returns to the microphone and talks with Jim Cunningham about her new documentary “Alone: Isolation Hurts” that premiered on WQED-TV in February. This 30-minute documentary explores mental health and the toll social isolation can have on anyone. The COVID Pandemic increased the number of people experiencing social isolation, creating an alarming spike in teenage mental health issues.  This month, Beth is taking her profound documentary to Greensburg, Wednesday March 29th at 7pm on the University of Pittsburgh Greensburg campus in their Mary Lou Campana Chapel and Lecture Center. A panel Q&A will follow the screening moderated by Beth Dolinar.  Beth also discusses new projects coming down the pipeline, including one for the Carnegie International, and her most recent topics in the column she writes for the Washington Observer.   

Director Jolanta Lion; Executive Assistant Sowang Kundeling; Treasurer Isaac Fisher; PR Coordinator Miri Leaderman-Bray, and Programming Intern Regis Curtis talk about the CMU International Film Festival taking place March 16th - April 2nd.

The Chamber Orchestra of Pittsburgh presents Stories to Tell with Daina Griffith as the Narrator and director in Stravinsky’s The Soldier’s Tale plus Amy Williams Telephone and Milhaud’s Creation of the World. Edward Leonard and Daina joined Jim Cunningham and Executive Director Andrew Swenson to introduce the concert at levy Hall Rodef Shalom Temple Saturday March 11 at 7:30.

The much loved Italian singer Patrizio Buanne returns to Pittsburgh March 17th at Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall for a concert and dinner to raise funds for the La Scuola d’Italia Galileo Galilei hosting Two Fundraiser Events to support the opening of its Elementary & Middle School & Italian-American Community Center. The First Event from 4:00pm to 7:00pm is a Cocktail Hour and Formal Gala Dinner at the Soldiers and Sailors Hall Ballroom. The Second Event from 7:30pm to 10:00pm is Patrizio Buanne in Concert at the Soldiers and Sailors Hall Auditorium followed by Autographs of CDs and merchandise. Patrizio speaks with Jim Cunningham from Naples where he is recording a new album discussing his early years in the musical city of Vienna and his admiration for Mario Lanza and Frank Sinatra even though he has followed his own path in the world of the romantic crooning tradition. The importance of language and learning Italian are very close to Patrizio since he speaks six languages. He promises he will be doing all the hits with a tight band as backup and hopes fans will stretch their budget to support the amazing work of the school lead by Executive Director Angela Hertz, the granddaughter of Eugene Jeep Depaquale. The former Auditor General Eugene DePasquale will be at the event which also honors Christina Mele - the Consul General from Philadelphia, Jack Mascaro, Salvatore Merante, Dennis Astorino and Giuseppe Joe D’Andrea. Angela Hertz said the school is named for Galileo because he was a scientist, who changed the way we think about the world, and yet he was almost condemned for his discoveries at the time. We want to create a world of independent learners and critical thinkers just like Galileo Galilei. The children learn Italian and English and do third and 4th languages introducing the children to other languages such as Spanish, French, Mandarin, depending on parent requests, and children enrollment.

Pianist Nanette Kaplan Solomon joins violinist Roy Sonne to invite you to a free concert program of the 4 B’s. Beyond Bach Beethoven and Brahms  Nanette has programmed Victoria Bond the former Exxon Arts Endowment Conductor who worked with  Andre Previn and the Pittsburgh Symphony plus served as Director of the Pittsburgh Youth Symphony. Nanette and Roy speak with Jim Cunningham and play William Bolcom’s Graceful Ghost in the studio just for  you at 4802 Fifth Avenue.  As Nanette wrote about the concert:  While we all know and love music by the "three B's" (Bach, Beethoven and Brahms), please join us on Tuesday, March 14 at 1 PM in Levy Hall of Congregation Rodef Shalom, as we present works by four lesser known B's.  The program, entitled "Another Four B's" will feature selections from Max Bruch 's  Eight Pieces for clarinet, viola, and piano in an arrangement for violin, clarinet, and piano,  Victoria Bond's Bridges for violin, clarinet and piano, William Bolcom;s Graceful Ghost Rag for violin and piano, and Amy Beach's magnificent piano quintet. Performers include Roy Sonne, violin, Laura Motchalov, violin, Janice Coppola, clarinet, Rachel McGuire, viola,  Robin Hasenplug, cello, and Nanette Kaplan Solomon, piano. For those not able to attend in person, the program, will, as usual, be livestreamed, and then archived on TMC's YouTube channel.

Concertmistress of the Johnstown Symphony, Maureen Conlon Gutierrez,  plays the Jean Sibelius Concerto March 11th, 7:30 with James Blachley conducting at the Pasquerilla Performing Arts Center. She talks with Jim Cunningham about the music, her story and events in Johnstown with a complete rundown of great Mexican cuisine in Pittsburgh having grown up in Mexico before heading to Penn State and CMU to work with Andres Cardenas. 

Alia Musica's Federico Garcia-De Castro talks about their concert this Sunday (March 5th) at James Laughlin Hall at Chatham University. The program is an homage to the late composer, Fred Rzewski. The program has two pieces, one at 6 and one at 7:30, with a single ticket an entry for both. It will pianist feature Emanuel Arcini and percussionist Allen Otte in Fred's most famous works.  

Warren Davidson discusses his upcoming concert playing viola with the Academy String Quartet , He introduces examples of the pieces on the playing recorded recently in this conversation with Jim Cunningham.   Academy Concerts - Academy String Quartet Deep Roots is happening on Sunday, March 12, 2023 at 04:00PM EDT at Allegheny UU Church with tickets starting at $15.0 Academy Concerts - Academy String Quartet "Deep Roots" In the intimate, friendly space of historic Allegheny Church, great music deeply rooted in the soul and the people. The 8th quartet of Dmitri Shostakovich is one of the most important works of the 20th century. It is a spiritual journey, a soulful exploration of the tragedy of World War II, of our response to evil. Shostakovich puts himself at the center of the problem by building the entire work around the series of notes D, E flat, C, B - which in German is D Es C H: D for Dmitri, SCH for Shostakovich. The 8th quartet pays tribute to the suffering of European Jews in its use of traditional Jewish melodies. Adolphus Hailstork writes many pieces out of the African-American experience. His one-movement work for string quartet, Variations on Swing, Low, Sweet Chariot, treats the spiritual tune in a variety of surprising ways. Lighter, happier emotions will be expressed when bassist Gino Faraci joins the Academy Quartet for arrangements by founding member Warren Davidson of songs and dances from Croatia, Serbian songs from Kosovo, and tango tunes. Dr. Davidson has spent many years performing and teaching music from Slavic nations and in recent years has been a devotee of Argentine tango. Dancers welcome! The Academy Quartet, active since 2006, is violinists Jorie Butler-Geyer and Leah Givelber, violist Warren Davidson, and cellist Robin Hasenpflug.

The 2023 Pittsburgh Double Bass Symposium takes place Sunday March 5th at Carnegie Mellon University.  Tania Grubbs, Peter Guild, Jeff Grubbs, John Moore, and Micah Howard stopped by to talk about the Symposium with Jim Cunningham.  

Pianist Benjamin Grosvenor adds a new disc to his catalog of seven with Decca. He will return to Pittsburgh to play Liszt in May of 2024 having lost a concert due to the pandemic in the process but gaining a last minute chamber music concert at Heinz Hall. He speaks with Jim Cunningham about his Schumann Kreisleriana, Blumenstuck and 3 romances plus Clara Schumann's Variations on a Theme by Robert Schumann and a Brahms Intermezzo. And is he the Grosvenor family of Grosvenor Square in London---the family that dates back to the 15th century and will he be back at the BBC Proms next summer?

Pianist Evren Ozel makes his Pittsburgh debut for The Steinway Society of Western Pa Sunday February 26 at 2:30. Evren spoke about the program of Ligwti, Rameau, Schumann, Bartok and Debussy with Jim Cunningham. He has enjoyed success at the Warsaw Chopin Competition and in the US and several other competitions after his early playing in Minneapolis and his work with Mitsuko Uchida and his pursuit of a Masters degree at New England Conservatory.

Stefanie Cedro Mohr, Director of Marketing and Engagement at Carnegie Museum of Art, updates the reception of the 58th Carnegie International “Is it Morning for You yet” and the related events, encourages you to drop in for daily 1pm tours, visit the Film Festival and Refractions theater events and podcast series Artists in the World. Jim Cunningham wants to know what’s in her closet from her years in New York working at some of the most famous cosmetics companies in the world L’Oreal and Estee Lauder and representing Target plus her years as a singer and actress. 

A Whole New World Musical Magic From the Silver Screen is the plan for the Sunday 3:330pm concert by the Three Rivers Yong peoples Orchestra with music Director Brian Worsdale and the Pittsburgh Youth Chorus conducted by Shawn Funk. Chorus Executive Director Lee Savile-Iksic joined Brian Worsdale and Jim Cunningham to talk about the program with Disney hits Mary Poppins, Frozen, Aladdin and scores by John Williams, Alan Menken and Elton John. It’s free but register in advance on the website if you can. Lee and Brian discuss the passion of their young musicians and how to join the ensembles.

Blaine Siegel, Manager of Public Programs at Carnegie Museum of Art, discusses the 58th Carnegie International Film Festival with Jim Cunningham. Blaine also relays his work as an artist and where he can be found at Pittsburgh International airport, his role at Conflict Kitchen and Wilkinsburg High School before joining the Museum of Art staff. The Film Festival runs March 3 through 12, 2023. Rasha Salti, an independent film and visual arts curator and writer, has organized an historic and expansive collection of films that oscillates between “morning” and “night” and provides expanded context into Is it morning for you yet?, the 58th Carnegie International.  The selections for the festival highlight the cinemas of Central America as well as Algeria, Morocco, Senegal, Lebanon, France, and the United States. Drawn from the geopolitics of the Cold War, these films present a version of history that challenges the impunity of the victors, confronts imperial powers with their legacies of devastation, and forges their own paths for repair.  Films will be screened at Carnegie Museum of Art and Row House Cinema in a festival format. 

Michele de la Reza, Co Founder of Attack Theater, joins Jim Cunningham and Kristen Linfante, Executive Director of Chamber Music Pittsburgh, to discuss "Behind Ourself Concealed" - a dynamic collaboration bringing together internationally acclaimed musicians with contemporary dance creating an enticing tapestry of movement and musical narratives. Friday through Sunday, February 24th through 26th at Attack Theatre Studios in Lawrenceville.  The performance features acclaimed cellist Dave Eggar, award-winning jazz violinist Meg Okura, powerhouse clarinetist Tasha Warren-Yahuda, Tino Cardenes on keyboard for Friday and Saturday, and on Friday and Saturday night there will be a special appearance by musical legend Paquito D’Rivera. The production is inspired by the recently commissioned works by composers D’Rivera, Okura, Nathalie Joachim, Cornelius Boots, Pascal LeBeouf, and Martha Redbone.  The concert is presented in partnership with Chamber Music Pittsburgh’s Pittsburgh Performs series.  Two of the works on the program by Paquito D’Rivera and Pascal LeBoeuf were each nominated for a 2023 Best Instrumental Composition Grammy award, a rare honor for one chamber album.

Pianist Helene Grimaud joins the Pittsburgh Symphony in September of 2023 with Manfred Honeck as soloist in the new season. She has a new cd of music by Valentin Silvestrov, the Ukraine born composer who is now living in Berlin. The disc is titled "Silent Songs," the Music of Silence with baritone Konstantin Krimmel. They have a filmed concert together as well for the DG stage+ series. Helene joined Jim Cunningham by Zoom from Berlin to talk about her recent work. 

Wali Jamal stars in August Wilson's "Seven Guitars," being presented by the University of Pittsburgh's Department of Theater Arts.  It runs February 17th through 26th at the Charity Randall Theater.  WQED-FM's Jim Cunningham spoke with the actor about the play, August Wilson and more.  

This Friday February 17th at 4pm, Nanette Kaplan Solomon performs a recital as part of the Chatham University Friday Musicale series. The concert is titled Piano Fantastique: An Afternoon of Piano Fantasies and features J.S. Bach’s Fantasia in C Minor, the C Major Fantasy , op. 17, by Robert Schumann, romantic Fantasy Pieces by the little-known Croatian composer Dora Pejacevic, Fantasie Negre no. 2 by American composer Florence Price, and William Hirtz ‘s Wizard of Oz Fantasy.

Beth Dolinar, award winning producer with WQED and WTAE who also writes for the Washington Observer each week speaks with Jim Cunningham about her latest WQED documentary Alone: Isolation Hurts. Social isolation has long been known to affect mental health, but new information shows it can increase the risk of poor physical health and early death. With direct connections to depression, suicide, dementia, stroke, coronary disease and poor sleep, isolation is having an ominous and widespread effect. As many as 40 percent of American adults report feeling cut off from meaningful family and community connection. The COVID pandemic only made things worse with an alarming spike in teenage mental health issues. Alone: Isolation Hurts introduces a diverse group of people who speak candidly about how isolation exacerbated their experiences with alcoholism, suicide attempts, and emotional trauma, as well as the stigma associated with admitting to being lonely. The program also features ways in which those at risk for isolation’s worst consequences are reaching out to make positive, new social connections.

Dusty Kirk, Vice-Chair of the RAD Board, spoke with WQED-FM's Anna Singer during the station's 50th Anniversary Celebration on January 25, 2023.

WQED-FM's Anna Singer spoke with Katarina Livljanić, voice and Director of Ensemble Dialogos. They'll perform as part of the Chatham Baroque concert series on Sunday February 19th and Tuesday February 21st at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary.

Violist and founding member of the Isadore Quartet, Devin Moore speaks with Jim Cunningham about his debut Quartet concert Monday February 13 at 7:30 at the Point Park Playhouse of Point Park University presented by Chamber Music Pittsburgh. Devin talks about his award winning work at Juilliard, and his win at the Banff International String Quartet Competition in Canada, his work in Pittsburgh with the Pittsburgh Youth Symphony, Marylene Gingras Roy, Roy Sonne, and at Chartiers High School, The Three Rivers Young Peoples Orchestra and more. He is excited about the first presentation of the Billy Childs String Quartet No 2 in Pittsburgh with Haydn and Beethoven and the chance to visit the Haydn Esterhazy Palace and concert hall near Vienna. 

Chamber Orchestra of Pittsburgh presents "Swept Away" this weekend - Saturday February 4th at Rodef Shalom and Sunday  February 5th at Calvary United Methodist Church. The program features music by Arnold and Haydn, as well as a world premiere by Alyssa Wang.  Alyssa joined conductor and Artistic Director Edward Leonard, and Executive Director Andrew Swenson on the QED Morning Show with Anna Singer to talk about the piece and the program in general.  

Anna Singer spoke with members of Chatham Baroque about their upcoming concerts titled "The Isle of Delos," Saturday February 4th at Calvary Episcopal Church and Sunday February 5th at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary.

Conductor Matthew Kraemer and cellist Nicholas Canellakis talk about this Saturday's Butler County Symphony Orchestra concert, taking place at the Butler Intermediate High School, 7:30pm.  

WQED-FM spoke with Bruce Lazier who has an event at the Carnegie Library this Saturday (21st) at 2pm. It is in the South Wing Reading Room. It is called "Sounds Upstairs: Trombasso."  It is a trio featuring him (Trombone), Phillip Van Ouse (Cimbasso) and Laura Lynn Crytzer (Trombone). 

WQED-FM's Anna Singer spoke with Dr. Herbert Jones, about the 2023 "Let Freedom Sing" concert taking place at the Rodman Street Baptist Church on Saturday January 14th.   It's the 16th annual Concert Celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.   

WQED-FM's Anna Singer spoke with Annette Banks, producer of the new WQED-TV documentary "Freedom House Ambulance: The First Responders." Airing on Thursday January 12th at 8pm on WQED, the documentary tells the story of the paramedics of Freedom House Ambulance which was initially conceived to respond to the needs of Pittsburgh’s African American community who often times, couldn’t rely on police and fire departments during an emergency. With rare archival images, the program features the story of inception from an original founder, compelling reflections of surviving paramedics, stories of the world-renowned doctors who trained them, and memories of lifelong Hill District residents.

Composer and Conductor Victoria Bond worked with the Pittsburgh Symphony as Composer in Residence with Music Director Andre Previn. Victoria speaks with Jim Cunningham about her warm memories of Pittsburgh making music with the Pittsburgh Youth Symphony run by Marie Maazel and her Previn collaborations. She conducted numerous concerts as a trailblazer in the world of women and the arts. She has formed her own company in Chicago worked a lot New York with a home in Greenwich Village and several albums of her music have been released. The most recent from fall 2022 The centerpiece of her newest album is the world premiere recording of Blue and Green Music, commissioned by the Cassatt Quartet through a Chamber Music America commissioning grant. She is principal guest conductor of Chamber Opera Chicago, and has held conducting positions with Pittsburgh Symphony, New York City Opera, Roanoke Symphony, and Bel Canto and Harrisburg Operas. Ms. Bond is Artistic Director of Cutting Edge Concerts New Music Festival in New York, which she founded in 1998, and is a frequent lecturer at the Metropolitan Opera Guild. 

Matthew Rygelski interviewed the VennDuo Clarinet Duo made up of clarinetists Hannah Weller and Alexandra Chea. The duo met at Messiah University in Harrisburg Pennsylvania and have become a popular collaboration posting new clarinet duets and have been invited to perform live at numerous events. Matthew Rygelski interviewed them about their success and their upcoming projects. 

Celebrate Christmas with Shadyside Brass Sunday December 18 4:30pm at Heinz Chapel in a free will offering concert. It’s all holiday hits with Hark the herald Angels Sing, Carol of the Bells, Coventry Carol. I Saw Three Ships, White Christmas, Santa baby, The Christmas Song, O Christmas Tree and Silent Night. Jim Cunningham will have poetry from Maya Angelou and Anne Bronte plus Dr. Seuss How The Grinch Stole Christmas. The offering benefits the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Trumpet Joseph Figliulo and the Foundation’s volunteer Justin Davis stopped by the QED Morning Show with the details.

Two time Tony award winner Michael Cerveris appears as Scrooge in the 31 year tradition of presenting A Music Christmas Carol by Pittsburgh CLO at the Byham Theater through the 23rd. Cerveris has recently appeared in The Gilded Age for HBO, Mindhunter for Netfliz and many other film and tv productions. On stage he worked with Stephen Sondheim in Sweeney Todd and several other Sondheim classics. Michael’s father—also Michael Cerveris is a Pittsburgher who has concertized for the Tuesday Musical Club playing a recital of Debussy. Cerveris the younger plays in a highly regarded band Loose Cattle after getting to know members of the Who including Pete Townsend while he starred in the rock opera Tommy but does not pay the piano as much as he’d like. He told Jim Cunningham the second season of the Gilded Age created written and executive produced  by Julian Fellowes of  Downton Abbey fame will make Pittsburghers happy with the story line of the railroad tycoon who shows up in Pittsburgh to meet with union workers this even though New York and Rhode Island was where most of the filming took place. Cerveris says he’s seen all the filmed productions of Dickens Christmas Carol, his favorite is Alistair Sims and he knows his immediate past Scrooge colleague at CLO in recent seasons, Richard Thomas and is not surprised that it was wonderful. In his Pittsburgh debut as Scrooge Michael Cerveris says the production is first rate and an essential holiday treat with special pleasure that the production will be seen by thousands of area students along with the evening performances. 

Conductor Brian Burns and mezzo-soprano Kara Cornell spoke with Anna Singer about the Messiah Sing-Along taking place at Calvary United Methodist Church December 17th and 18th.  

Resonance Works presents "Amahl and the Night Visitors" December 16th through the 18th at the New Hazlett Theater. Also on the program is Margaret Bonds' "Ballad of the Brown King" and a new work by Nancy Galbraith. Maria Sensi Sellner, Victory Brinker and Jonathan Stuckey stopped by to chat with Anna Singer about the concert.

Chatham Baroque's Andrew Fouts stopped by the QED Morning Show with Anna Singer to talk about their upcoming "Art of the Trio" concerts Friday December 16th at St. Nicholas Church, Saturday December 17th at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary and Sunday December 18th at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary.

Dr. Edward Alan Moore plays the Three Chorales by Cesar Franck - Saturday, December 10th, 4pm at East Liberty Presbyterian Church to celebrate the 200th Franck birthday. In this conversation with Jim Cunningham, he talks about Franck the man and his contribution to the music world and we listen to a recording of the first chorale played by the organist at Notre Dame - Olivier Latry. Edward also fills us in on "Christmas in East Liberty" on Friday, December 16th, a free concert with the Brass Roots, organ and choir.

The members of Cello Fury with guest artist flute Zoe Sorrel perform live in the studio at WQED in advance of their concerts in Pittsburgh and Cleveland. They speak with Jim Cunningham about the concert and what they are up to as active teachers in the area.  Here is the detail from their website:  Join us this December for the annual “Cello Fury and Friends Holiday Shows!”  We're bringing together new guest performers for two Pittsburgh shows, plus we're adding a concert in Cleveland!  Each show will bring together amazing musicians for a unique and festive experience! PITTSBURGH SHOWS Friday, December 16: Unplugged!  Pittsburgh show in Shadyside featuring the acoustic Cello Fury trio with special guests Zoe Sorrell (flute) and Jacquelynn Ware (vocals), for an intimate evening of original, traditional and holiday music.  Ticket info: Adult General Admission $20; Youth/College Students $12.  All ages show. 7:30 pm show/7 pm doors. Saturday, December 17: Amplified!  Pittsburgh show in Shadyside featuring the full band with David Throckmorton (drums) plus special guests Rishi Bahl (vocals/guitar) and Scott Boni (saxophone). The Saturday show will rock out with the full Cello Fury band, with vocals, guitar and saxophone added to the mix.  Ticket info: Adult General Admission $20; Youth/College Students $12.  All ages show.  7:30 pm show/7 pm doors.   

Eric Dzugan presents Deodat de Severac, a 150th Anniversary Concert at the JCC in Squirrel Hill Sunday December 11 at 2:30pm  with soprano Katie manukyan. There is an elaborate commemorative booklet available at the concert written by the pianist who has dedicated the event to his teacher Gabriel D’Abruzzo.

The South Hills Chorale presents their holiday concert "Tis the Season To Be Singing" December 16th at 7 and 17th at 2pm at the Christ United Methodist Church, 44 Highland Road, Bethel Park PA. Rick Smith, the Executive Director, has the details on the program and the spirit of the group. He tells Jim Cunningham about the 62 years of history and why the singers participate. Phil Aley is the conductor. After a half century with Hank Monch, Phil upholds the traditions. A retired certified financial planner Rick suggests stay the course, what goes down must come up. Tickets are $20. 

Daniel Nesta Curtis talks about the CMU Philharmonic and Chorus December concert taking place at Carnegie Music Hall on Thursday December 8th, as well as the Pittsburgh Philharmonic concert taking place on Sunday December 18th at the Greater Pittsburgh Masonic Center.

WQED colleague and award winning television producer, Gina Catanzarite, spoke with Jim Cunningham about WQED's upcoming 30 minute documentary "Autism: Aging Out," premiering Thursday, December 8th at 8pm.

An Evening with Joy Ike happens twice this weekend December 3 2022 at Rodef Shalom Temple 7:30pm and December 4 3:30pm at Sixth Presbyterian Church. The Gershwin Lullaby, Grieg Holberg Suite and arrangements made just for the songs of Joy Ike. Conductor Edward Leonard joins Joy Ike and Executive Director Andrew Swenson to dig in to the joys of the event. Joy, born in Pittsburgh but more recently living in Philadelphia tells Jim Cunningham her philosophy and inspiration with the journey so far.

T J Fairchild is the Founder with his wife of Commonplace Coffee which started with a love of coffee house culture in Raleigh North Carolina then traveled to Indiana University of Pa and has expanded to eight locations in western Pennsylvania. Commonplace has created the 50th Anniversary blend for contributors to WQED-FM. TJ tells Jim Cunningham it tastes delicious and relates the flavors involved. The coffee business, Walt Whitman and what makes the business perk can be found in this Voice of the Arts conversation.

TRYPO Music Director Brian Worsdale visited the WQED-FM studio to tell Jim Cunningham all about the December 5 Carnegie Music Hall concert “Music of the Americas” of the Three Rivers Young Peoples Orchestra with thoughts about founders Bernard Goldberg and Phyliss Susan, the strength of the coaching staff. getting through he pandemic, Bryan’s work at Duquesne University teaching conductors the TRYPO visit to Carnegie Hall in New York last summer and more.

Jim Cunningham chats with Anna Singer about her new 2023 Calendar featuring her paintings.  WQED-FM is offering it during our December drive for a contribution of just $60.  

Assistant Conductor at the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, Moon Doh, takes on a new role as a guest conductor at Butler Symphony Orchestra this Saturday, December 3rd for their Holiday Traditions Concert. This concert features opera singer Kevin Glavin reprising his beloved Santa role from the PSO years ago, and Butler local singer Sarah Bishop. Moon discusses the upcoming concert and his first Christmas in Pittsburgh. 

Dr. Susan Medley Music Director of the Pittsburgh Concert Chorale has the detail on her program Sounds of the Season Friday December 2 at a new venue Trinity Cathedral in downtown Pittsburgh at 7:30, Saturday 7:30 at Fox Chapel Presbyterian Church and Sunday at 4pm in the Ingomar United methodist Church. She also has a sing along Messiah and a concert at W and J where she is Director of Choral Activities.

WQED-FM's Anna Singer spoke with Samuele Bozzolla, the son of opera singer Claudia Pinza. They talked about his mother and grandfather.

After 25 years as Principal Trumpet of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, George Vosburgh teaches at Carnegie Mellon University and organizes a concert with the Brass ensemble he founded in 1994 at the St. James Church in Sewickley. It’s just holiday hits on Sunday November 27th at 6:30 with no admission charge. In this conversation from the QED Morning Show, George remembers his 1997 performance with Heinz Wallberg of the Hummel trumpet concerto and has the story of the Holiday Favorites CD and concert at St. James, plus the latest music making with the Wind Ensemble at CMU.

Dana Bishop-Root, Director of Education and Public Programs at Carnegie Museum of Art, talks about all of the holiday events taking place at the Museum, including the Carnegie Trees, live performances, the Neapolitan Presepio, and of course holiday shopping.