Explore every episode of the podcast Voice of the Arts

The Pittsburgh Savoyards open their 2026-2027 season with Gilbert and Sullivan's Yeomen of the Guard! Production Manager Lynette Garland and Stage Director Robert Hockenberry speak with Jim Cunningham about the show.

Yeomen of the Guard is one of the few Gilbert and Sullivan operetta with a sad ending, set in the Tower of London during the 16th century. Lynette talks about the production, its crew, and the orchestra, in which she'll play the violin. Rob summarizes the plot and explains the working relationship between W.S. Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan.

You can see Yeomen of the Guard October 9th-11th and 16th-18th at the Andrew Carnegie Free Library & Music Hall. There will also be a livestream available for the performances on October 17th & 18th. Performance details and tickets are available on the Pittsburgh Savoyards website.

Thanks for tuning in to WQED's Voice of the Arts, Pittsburgh's trusted source for arts and culture in our region. Whether you're passionate about classical music, film, theater, opera, or local music, we’re here to bring you closer to the heart of Pittsburgh's local arts scene.

Don’t miss our musician interviews, the latest local music news, and performing arts insights from across the Southwestern Pennsylvania region.

Subscribe and follow to stay connected with the vibrant voices shaping Pittsburgh’s creative community. Visit https://www.wqed.org/ to see what else WQED is doing in our community. Until next time, keep supporting the arts and keep listening to Voice of the Arts.

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WQED-FM's Jim Cunningham joined Mendelssohn Choir Music Director Daniel Singer for a virtual pre-concert conversation ahead of their upcoming season opener, "In Time of War" on October 11, 2026. They discuss the music on the program - Arvo Part's "Da pacem Domine; Florence Price's "Abraham Lincoln Walks at Midnight," and Haydn's "Mass in Time of War." Thanks for tuning in to WQED's Voice of the Arts, Pittsburgh's trusted source for arts and culture in our region. Whether you're passionate about classical music, film, theater, opera, or local music, we’re here to bring you closer to the heart of Pittsburgh's local arts scene. Don’t miss our musician interviews, the latest local music news, and performing arts insights from across the Southwestern Pennsylvania region. Subscribe and follow to stay connected with the vibrant voices shaping Pittsburgh’s creative community. Visit https://www.wqed.org/ to see what else WQED is doing in our community. Until next time, keep supporting the arts and keep listening to Voice of the Arts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Tuesday Musical Club presents a free celebratory concert for America’s 250th anniversary entitled America 250: E Pluribus Unum (Out of Many, One). Organizer/pianist Nanette Kaplan Solomon and conductor/baritone Franklin Mosley spoke with Anna Singer live on the QED Afternoon Show about the program.

TMC is partnering with the Afro American Music Institute, the Edgewood Symphony, Aria 412, and community choirs for this event. The program features a pre-concert lobby performance by the AAMI Jazz Youth Ensemble at 1:30pm. Nanette explains how this concert got its start with a collaboration with Violins of Hope. Franklin will be conducting the America 250 Unity choir and performing George Mysels's Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address with Nanette.

Nanette also previews TMC's next concert on October 13th, which Franklin will also participate in.

Celebrate with Tuesday Musical Club and their partners at the Kelly Strayhorn Theater on Sunday, October 4th at 2:00pm. Admission is free, but guests are required to register on the Kelly Strayhorn Theater's website. Check out Tuesday Musical Club's other upcoming concerts on their website.

Thanks for tuning in to WQED's Voice of the Arts, Pittsburgh's trusted source for arts and culture in our region. Whether you're passionate about classical music, film, theater, opera, or local music, we’re here to bring you closer to the heart of Pittsburgh's local arts scene.

Don’t miss our musician interviews, the latest local music news, and performing arts insights from across the Southwestern Pennsylvania region.

Subscribe and follow to stay connected with the vibrant voices shaping Pittsburgh’s creative community. Visit https://www.wqed.org/ to see what else WQED is doing in our community. Until next time, keep supporting the arts and keep listening to Voice of the Arts.

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Chatham Baroque opens their 35th season with Confluence: A Pittsburgh America 250 Concert. Anna Singer spoke with guest artist Chris Norman (flutes & pipes), soprano Pascale Beaudin, and Scott Pauley (guitars & theorbo) live on the QED Afternoon Show about the program.

Confluence is a celebration of America's 250th anniversary, with music from the era of the founding fathers. Chris will play four different instruments and explains wooden flute-making. Scott talks about how European traditions, including English, Irish, Scottish, and French folk tunes converged at the birth of our nation. Pascale also discusses the pieces she'll sing, including an aria from one of the first North American operas.

Chatham Baroque will present Confluence at three different venues October 2nd - 4th. Performance details and tickets are available on Chatham Baroque's website.

Thanks for tuning in to WQED's Voice of the Arts, Pittsburgh's trusted source for arts and culture in our region. Whether you're passionate about classical music, film, theater, opera, or local music, we’re here to bring you closer to the heart of Pittsburgh's local arts scene.

Don’t miss our musician interviews, the latest local music news, and performing arts insights from across the Southwestern Pennsylvania region.

Subscribe and follow to stay connected with the vibrant voices shaping Pittsburgh’s creative community. Visit https://www.wqed.org/ to see what else WQED is doing in our community. Until next time, keep supporting the arts and keep listening to Voice of the Arts.

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WQED is excited to partner with the residents and curators of Trundle Manor, Mr Arm and Velda Von Minx, for our Halloween celebration, Dead Air! Mr Arm and Velda join Jim Cunningham to talk about the spooky festivities and their unusual home.

Dead Air is a month-long celebration of all things weird and eerie. Every Thursday in October, WQED will air local horror films and documentaries, as well as classic films like George Romero's Night of the Living Dead. You'll also hear creepy tunes on WQED-FM. Mr Arm and Velda talk about the oddities and curiosities viewable on their tours of Trundle Manor, including antique medical equipment and jarred specimens. They also share why they and others love Halloween.

Check out Dead Air happenings on WQED13 and WQED+, and tune into Classical QED 89.3 FM for a month of Halloween fun. Learn more about Trundle Manor and book a tour on their website!

Thanks for tuning in to WQED's Voice of the Arts, Pittsburgh's trusted source for arts and culture in our region. Whether you're passionate about classical music, film, theater, opera, or local music, we’re here to bring you closer to the heart of Pittsburgh's local arts scene.

Don’t miss our musician interviews, the latest local music news, and performing arts insights from across the Southwestern Pennsylvania region.

Subscribe and follow to stay connected with the vibrant voices shaping Pittsburgh’s creative community. Visit https://www.wqed.org/ to see what else WQED is doing in our community. Until next time, keep supporting the arts and keep listening to Voice of the Arts.

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Carnegie Mellon Opera presents Benjamin Britten's chamber opera, The Turn of the Screw! Anna Singer speaks with director Matthew Haney, conductor Tyson Deaton, and the two Governesses, Alanna Burden and Sara Porjosh, about the show.

The opera features ghosts and strange hauntings, perfect as a lead-up to Halloween. Matt talks about his approach to this opera, focusing on making it "weird and fun." Tyson praises Britten's orchestrations and themes and discusses how to enhance the music for each individual performance. Matt and Tyson are working with a double cast for this production, and Alanna and Sara each describe their approach to playing the Governess.

Alanna and Sara also performed the Tower aria here in the WQED-FM studio with collaborative pianist Amelia Arguelles, featured in this episode.

You can see The Turn of Screw at WQED's Studio A, running from October 6th - October 9th. Performance details and tickets are available on Carnegie Mellon University's website.

Thanks for tuning in to WQED's Voice of the Arts, Pittsburgh's trusted source for arts and culture in our region. Whether you're passionate about classical music, film, theater, opera, or local music, we’re here to bring you closer to the heart of Pittsburgh's local arts scene.

Don’t miss our musician interviews, the latest local music news, and performing arts insights from across the Southwestern Pennsylvania region.

Subscribe and follow to stay connected with the vibrant voices shaping Pittsburgh’s creative community. Visit https://www.wqed.org/ to see what else WQED is doing in our community. Until next time, keep supporting the arts and keep listening to Voice of the Arts.

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Anne Fullenkamp, Senior Director of Creative Experiences at the Children's Museum of Pittsburgh, speaks with Anna Singer about their upcoming exhibit, It's a Beautiful Day to Be You.

The Children's Museum created It's a Beautiful Day to Be You in collaboration with Fred Rogers Productions, inspired by Mister Rogers, Daniel Tiger, and Donkey Hodie. Anne talks about their exciting plans for opening weekend on October 3rd & 4th, including character appearances and a real trolley ride. She says this exhibit is meant to inspire kids to learn, create, and collaborate through kindness and curiosity.

It's a Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood is included in museum admission and runs through January 2027. Visit the Children's Museum's website for their full hours list and to purchase tickets.

Thanks for tuning in to WQED's Voice of the Arts, Pittsburgh's trusted source for arts and culture in our region. Whether you're passionate about classical music, film, theater, opera, or local music, we’re here to bring you closer to the heart of Pittsburgh's local arts scene.

Don’t miss our musician interviews, the latest local music news, and performing arts insights from across the Southwestern Pennsylvania region.

Subscribe and follow to stay connected with the vibrant voices shaping Pittsburgh’s creative community. Visit https://www.wqed.org/ to see what else WQED is doing in our community. Until next time, keep supporting the arts and keep listening to Voice of the Arts.

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The Takács Quartet will open the 2026-2027 Chamber Music Pittsburgh season on Monday, September 28th! Jim Cunningham speaks with violist Richard O'Neill and cellist Mihai Marica about the program.

The concert features Beethoven's String Quartet No. 6, Op. 18, Carlos Simon's Warmth from Other Suns, and concludes with Brahms's String Quartet No. 1, Op. 51. Richard and Mihai share their favorite moments in the program and talk about the history of the Takács Quartet, which recently celebrated its 50th year.

You can hear the Takács Quartet at Carnegie Music Hall in Oakland on Monday, September 28th at 7:30pm. Tickets are available on Chamber Music Pittsburgh's website. Learn more about the Takács Quartet on their website.

Thanks for tuning in to WQED's Voice of the Arts, Pittsburgh's trusted source for arts and culture in our region. Whether you're passionate about classical music, film, theater, opera, or local music, we’re here to bring you closer to the heart of Pittsburgh's local arts scene.

Don’t miss our musician interviews, the latest local music news, and performing arts insights from across the Southwestern Pennsylvania region.

Subscribe and follow to stay connected with the vibrant voices shaping Pittsburgh’s creative community. Visit https://www.wqed.org/ to see what else WQED is doing in our community. Until next time, keep supporting the arts and keep listening to Voice of the Arts.

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Resonance Works opens their 14th season this Sunday, September 27 with Gilda Lyons’ An Anchor in Time. Conductor/producer Maria Sensi Sellner and Associate Producer Rob Frankenberry spoke with Anna Singer live on the QED Afternoon Show about the show.

Originally commissioned for Resonance Works’ 10th anniversary season, An Anchor in Time looks at where we’ve been and where we’re going. The first half of the program features the Festival Chorus and soloists for choral time-capsule, from Monteverdi to Pittsburgh musical legend Robert Page. The Resonance Chamber Orchestra rounds out the program with Aaron Copland's Appalachian Spring Suite in its original form for 13 musicians.

Maria, Rob, and Anna also listen to an excerpt of An Anchor in Time from Resonance Works' original performance of the piece.

You can hear this fantastic program this Sunday, September 27th at 3:00pm at the Andrew Carnegie Free Library & Musical Hall. More information and tickets are available on Resonance Works' website.

Thanks for tuning in to WQED's Voice of the Arts, Pittsburgh's trusted source for arts and culture in our region. Whether you're passionate about classical music, film, theater, opera, or local music, we’re here to bring you closer to the heart of Pittsburgh's local arts scene.

Don’t miss our musician interviews, the latest local music news, and performing arts insights from across the Southwestern Pennsylvania region.

Subscribe and follow to stay connected with the vibrant voices shaping Pittsburgh’s creative community. Visit https://www.wqed.org/ to see what else WQED is doing in our community. Until next time, keep supporting the arts and keep listening to Voice of the Arts.

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Prime Stage Theatre will host their 4th Annual Homewood Cemetery Walk this Saturday, September 26th! Prime Stage Publicity Manager Lawrence McCullough speaks with Anna Singer about the tour.

Tours will start at 12:00pm and occur every half hour, for a total of 7 walks. Along the way, guests will meet actors portraying historical Pittsburgh legends, including Charles “Teenie” Harris, David L. Clark, Catherine Heinz Mueller, and more. Lawrence talks about how these cemetery walks got started and previews the actors involved this year. Lawrence also wrote all of the monologues each actor will perform and tells Anna his approach to historical playwriting.

Prime Stage Theatre will bring history to life this Saturday, September 26th at Homewood Cemetery. More information about the tour is available on Prime Stage Theatre's website.

Thanks for tuning in to WQED's Voice of the Arts, Pittsburgh's trusted source for arts and culture in our region. Whether you're passionate about classical music, film, theater, opera, or local music, we’re here to bring you closer to the heart of Pittsburgh's local arts scene.

Don’t miss our musician interviews, the latest local music news, and performing arts insights from across the Southwestern Pennsylvania region.

Subscribe and follow to stay connected with the vibrant voices shaping Pittsburgh’s creative community. Visit https://www.wqed.org/ to see what else WQED is doing in our community. Until next time, keep supporting the arts and keep listening to Voice of the Arts.

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Uncommon Productions' The Poisoner makes a stop on its fall tour at Alumni Theater Company this weekend! Producer Carina Chavda & actors Aaron Morton and Haskell King speak with Jim Cunningham about the play.

Inspired by the Flint water crisis of 2014, The Poisoner is an unraveling of the deception, abuse of power, and negligence of 2000’s Midwestern water politics. Carina explains the plays inception, drawn from playwright M.M. Haney's experience living in Michigan at the time. Aaron and Haskell talk about their characters, a journalist and water plant manager, respectively, who navigate personal and political struggles to expose governmental failure.

The Poisoner runs at Alumni Theater Company September 24th--26th. Performance details and tickets are available on Alumni Theater Company's website.

Thanks for tuning in to WQED's Voice of the Arts, Pittsburgh's trusted source for arts and culture in our region. Whether you're passionate about classical music, film, theater, opera, or local music, we’re here to bring you closer to the heart of Pittsburgh's local arts scene.

Don’t miss our musician interviews, the latest local music news, and performing arts insights from across the Southwestern Pennsylvania region.

Subscribe and follow to stay connected with the vibrant voices shaping Pittsburgh’s creative community. Visit https://www.wqed.org/ to see what else WQED is doing in our community. Until next time, keep supporting the arts and keep listening to Voice of the Arts.

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Author Maxwell King has a new book out, Fire in the Night Sky, about the steel mill paintings of Aaron Gorson. He speaks with Jim Cunningham about the book and Gorson's contribution to Pittsburgh's steel history.

King, who has written biographies of Fred Rogers and John Cane, was not originally interested in Aaron Gorson. But as he started researching him, he realized the importance of Gorson's work in Pittsburgh's steel mill history. Gorson was commissioned to paint two murals at Rodef Shalom temple in Oakland and stayed in the city for its vibrant arts community. Here he discovered a fascination with Pittsburgh's steel industry and started capturing these scenes from what is now called the Bluff at Duquesne University.

The Heinz History Center will host a book launch on September 22nd, and King will be lecturing and signing copies of the book at Concept Gallery on October 1st. Learn more Fire in the Night Sky and purchase the book from Simon & Schuster.

Thanks for tuning in to WQED's Voice of the Arts, Pittsburgh's trusted source for arts and culture in our region. Whether you're passionate about classical music, film, theater, opera, or local music, we’re here to bring you closer to the heart of Pittsburgh's local arts scene.

Don’t miss our musician interviews, the latest local music news, and performing arts insights from across the Southwestern Pennsylvania region.

Subscribe and follow to stay connected with the vibrant voices shaping Pittsburgh’s creative community. Visit https://www.wqed.org/ to see what else WQED is doing in our community. Until next time, keep supporting the arts and keep listening to Voice of the Arts.

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Playbox Productions, for their second-ever production, present Sam Shepard's True West. Executive Producer/actor Marc Palombo and actor Braxton McCollum speak with Anna Singer about the young company, collaborative theater making, and playing brothers in the show.

Marc talks about starting Playbox as a collaborative space to create truthful, emotionally honest performances. Braxton and Marc's characters, Lee and Austin, reunite after five years while Austin works on a screenplay in their mother's house. It's a story about sibling rivalry and individual identity. Marc and Braxton also share their favorite scenes from the play.

True West runs at the Three Stories Theater from September 24th-October 4th. More information, performance details, and tickets are available on Playbox Productions' website.

Thanks for tuning in to WQED's Voice of the Arts, Pittsburgh's trusted source for arts and culture in our region. Whether you're passionate about classical music, film, theater, opera, or local music, we’re here to bring you closer to the heart of Pittsburgh's local arts scene.

Don’t miss our musician interviews, the latest local music news, and performing arts insights from across the Southwestern Pennsylvania region.

Subscribe and follow to stay connected with the vibrant voices shaping Pittsburgh’s creative community. Visit https://www.wqed.org/ to see what else WQED is doing in our community. Until next time, keep supporting the arts and keep listening to Voice of the Arts.

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This Sunday, September 20th marks the beginning of Academy Concerts' Opus: Impact season. Vocalist Sydney Kaczorowski, PSO cellist Adam Liu, and pianist Fabio Gentilli speak with Anna Singer about the program.

Mozart's Sonata for Piano and Violin in G major, K. 301 opens the concert, followed by Brahms's Sonata for Piano and Cello in F major, Op. 99 and Beethoven's Piano Trio in C minor Op. 1, No. 3. Adam talks about the intimacy of chamber music and performing with Fabio through the lens of friendship. Adam and Fabio will be joined by PSO violinist Irene Cheng. Sydney also gives a preview the other concerts in Opus: Impact's season.

Opus: Impact opens its season this Sunday, September 20th at 3:00pm at Allegheny Unitarian Universalist Church. Tickets are pay-what-you-can, with a suggested donation of $20. More information is available on the Academy Concerts website.

Thanks for tuning in to WQED's Voice of the Arts, Pittsburgh's trusted source for arts and culture in our region. Whether you're passionate about classical music, film, theater, opera, or local music, we’re here to bring you closer to the heart of Pittsburgh's local arts scene.

Don’t miss our musician interviews, the latest local music news, and performing arts insights from across the Southwestern Pennsylvania region.

Subscribe and follow to stay connected with the vibrant voices shaping Pittsburgh’s creative community. Visit https://www.wqed.org/ to see what else WQED is doing in our community. Until next time, keep supporting the arts and keep listening to Voice of the Arts.

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City Theatre opens its 35th anniversary season this weekend with In Clay. Director Kimberly Senior and City Theatre Artistic Director Clare Drobot speak with Anna Singer about the production.

In Clay is a "pandemic play," a solo musical written by Rebecca Simmonds and Jack Miles that unearths the overlooked artistry of ceramic artist Marie-Berthe Cazin. Clare describes seeing In Clay in Washington, D.C., where Kimberly also directed the show, and bringing it to Pittsburgh. Kimberly tells the story about how she came into the project, and how In Clay depicts relationships, the ordinary, and what it means to be an artist.

Alex Finke, a New York City-based performer, stars as Marie-Berthe. Music director Matt Herbert leads Pittsburgh-based musicians Mila Shadel, Justin P. Bendel, and Stephen Weiss through the show's Parisian Jazz score. Clare also talks about the partnerships surrounding this show, with both MCG Jazz and Union Project, to incorporate the work of local Pittsburgh ceramicists.

In Clay runs at City Theatre from September 19th–October 11th. Performance details and tickets are available on City Theatre's website.

Thanks for tuning in to WQED's Voice of the Arts, Pittsburgh's trusted source for arts and culture in our region. Whether you're passionate about classical music, film, theater, opera, or local music, we’re here to bring you closer to the heart of Pittsburgh's local arts scene.

Don’t miss our musician interviews, the latest local music news, and performing arts insights from across the Southwestern Pennsylvania region.

Subscribe and follow to stay connected with the vibrant voices shaping Pittsburgh’s creative community. Visit https://www.wqed.org/ to see what else WQED is doing in our community. Until next time, keep supporting the arts and keep listening to Voice of the Arts.

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Chamber Music Pittsburgh returns for their 2026-2027 season, Revolutions: A Radical Returning! Executive Director Martha Bonta speaks with Jim Cunningham about the season's theme and stellar lineup.

This season takes inspiration from Ludwig van Beethoven, himself a revolutionary composer. Two centuries after Beethoven's death, this theme is an exploration of the radical, imaginative, and unique voices in chamber music across four centuries of sound. Featured composers include Beethoven, Valerie Coleman, Debussy, Ravel, and more.

The season opens with the Takács Quartet, followed by "Valerie Coleman & Friends." The fan-favorite complete Bach Brandenburg Concertos return to Carnegie Music Hall in November to kick off the holiday season. And the Danish String Quartet, Jonathan Biss, and the Israeli Chamber Project ring in the new year.

Season subscriptions and individual tickets are now available! Find more information, subscribe, and purchase tickets on Chamber Music Pittsburgh's website.

Thanks for tuning in to WQED's Voice of the Arts, Pittsburgh's trusted source for arts and culture in our region. Whether you're passionate about classical music, film, theater, opera, or local music, we’re here to bring you closer to the heart of Pittsburgh's local arts scene.

Don’t miss our musician interviews, the latest local music news, and performing arts insights from across the Southwestern Pennsylvania region.

Subscribe and follow to stay connected with the vibrant voices shaping Pittsburgh’s creative community. Visit https://www.wqed.org/ to see what else WQED is doing in our community. Until next time, keep supporting the arts and keep listening to Voice of the Arts.

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Duquesne University's Music on the Bluff series returns for its 2026-2027 season, which features the music of Johannes Brahms. Dean of Music and Artistic Director of the series, David Allen Wehr, joined Anna Singer live on the QED Morning Show to talk about the season.

Brahms on the Bluff includes four concerts over the academic year, opening this Sunday, September 13th. The first concert features the Hungarian Dances and Waltzes, and in the second half a vocal journey through Brahms's music. Preceding the concert is a conversation with Dr. Benjamin Binder, who will play with Dean Wehr, pianist Cynthia Raim, soprano Martha Guth, and baritone Randall Scarlata.

Every Music on the Bluff concert takes place at the Mary Papper School of Music's PNC Recital Hall at 3:00pm, with a pre-concert talk at 2:30pm. You can find more information about the season and purchase tickets to each concert on Duquesne University's website. A livestream is also available on the IEMMA Broadcast Network.

Thanks for tuning in to WQED's Voice of the Arts, Pittsburgh's trusted source for arts and culture in our region. Whether you're passionate about classical music, film, theater, opera, or local music, we’re here to bring you closer to the heart of Pittsburgh's local arts scene.

Don’t miss our musician interviews, the latest local music news, and performing arts insights from across the Southwestern Pennsylvania region.

Subscribe and follow to stay connected with the vibrant voices shaping Pittsburgh’s creative community. Visit https://www.wqed.org/ to see what else WQED is doing in our community. Until next time, keep supporting the arts and keep listening to Voice of the Arts.

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Johnstown Concert Ballet has been serving the Johnstown area with almost 60 years of exceptional ballet training and inspiring performances. Founded by the late Carla Prucnal and now under the direction of Eden Mishler Ihrig, Johnstown Concert Ballet has become a cornerstone of the local arts community - committed to nurturing dancers of all ages in a supportive, professional, and enriching environment where creativity, confidence, and discipline flourish. WQED-FM's Bryan Sejvar spoke with Eden about the company; moving into a brand new space this year; their two big productions each year of The Nutcracker in December and a classical ballet in the spring. Eden also talks about her journey through dance and how she was a student at the Johnstown Concert Ballet when she was a kid and is thrilled to come back to Johnstown to be it's Director. More information can be found at https://johnstownconcertballet.org/home. Thanks for tuning in to WQED's Voice of the Arts, Pittsburgh's trusted source for arts and culture in our region. Whether you're passionate about classical music, film, theater, opera, or local music, we’re here to bring you closer to the heart of Pittsburgh's local arts scene. Don’t miss our musician interviews, the latest local music news, and performing arts insights from across the Southwestern Pennsylvania region. Subscribe and follow to stay connected with the vibrant voices shaping Pittsburgh’s creative community. Visit https://www.wqed.org/ to see what else WQED is doing in our community. Until next time, keep supporting the arts and keep listening to Voice of the Arts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Andrew Carnegie Free Library and Music Hall have teamed up with Cello Fury for the next concert in Carnegie Carnegie's inaugural family series! Music Hall Director Heidi Matthews and Cello Fury members Nicole Meyers and Simon Cummings speak with Jim Cunningham about the concert.

Cello Fury's program, “Melodies, Moods and Movies,” takes students on a journey from the silent film era to today’s movie blockbusters. Nicole talks about the interactive elements they have planned, including teaching kids about foley and quizzing their soundtrack knowledge. Simon hints at the concert's finale, an adventure story accompanied by a score and narration. Heidi, Nicole, and Simon also preview other upcoming events for the Carnegie Carnegie and Cello Fury.

Bring your family to see Cello Fury on Saturday, September 12th at 3:00pm. Tickets are pay what makes you happy, with suggested donations of $5 for kids and $10 for adults. More information is available on the Carnegie Carnegie's website.

Thanks for tuning in to WQED's Voice of the Arts, Pittsburgh's trusted source for arts and culture in our region. Whether you're passionate about classical music, film, theater, opera, or local music, we’re here to bring you closer to the heart of Pittsburgh's local arts scene.

Don’t miss our musician interviews, the latest local music news, and performing arts insights from across the Southwestern Pennsylvania region.

Subscribe and follow to stay connected with the vibrant voices shaping Pittsburgh’s creative community. Visit https://www.wqed.org/ to see what else WQED is doing in our community. Until next time, keep supporting the arts and keep listening to Voice of the Arts.

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The Pasquerilla Performing Arts Center sits on the campus of the University of Pittsburgh Johnstown and is celebrating it's 35th Anniversary. Their 2026-2027 season of events has something for everyone - kicking off with a concert by Kenny G on September 20th; a TEDx talk on October 3rd; the US Field Army Band on October 26th; along with local arts groups and performances. WQED-FM's Bryan Sejvar spoke to Executive Director Janie Leck-Grela about recent upgrades done to the theater; other events taking place at the center; being a resource for the Johnstown community; and the importance of the arts. Additional information on the Pasquerilla Performing Arts Center can be found here: https://www.upjarts.org/ Thanks for tuning in to WQED's Voice of the Arts, Pittsburgh's trusted source for arts and culture in our region. Whether you're passionate about classical music, film, theater, opera, or local music, we’re here to bring you closer to the heart of Pittsburgh's local arts scene. Don’t miss our musician interviews, the latest local music news, and performing arts insights from across the Southwestern Pennsylvania region. Subscribe and follow to stay connected with the vibrant voices shaping Pittsburgh’s creative community. Visit https://www.wqed.org/ to see what else WQED is doing in our community. Until next time, keep supporting the arts and keep listening to Voice of the Arts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Tuesday Musical Club begins its 2026-2027 season with a concert by pianist Vanessa Schmithorst. Vanessa and Tuesday Musical Club's concert organizer, Catherine Crotty, speak with Anna Singer about the program.

Vanessa Schmithorst began studying piano at age 4, which, together with science, became a lifelong passion. For her recital, she'll play music by Bach-Busoni, Schubert, Liszt, and Chopin. Vanessa shares what she loves about each piece and her thoughts while programming the concert. Catherine planned this season's recitals, which includes pianist Tina Faigen, baritone Franklin Mosley, and pianist Nanette Kaplan Solomon.

You can hear Vanessa Schmithorst on September 8th at 1:00pm at Beit Kulanu (formerly Rodef Shalom)'s Levy Hall. The concert will also be livestreamed on YouTube. More information is available on Tuesday Musical Club's website.

Thanks for tuning in to WQED's Voice of the Arts, Pittsburgh's trusted source for arts and culture in our region. Whether you're passionate about classical music, film, theater, opera, or local music, we’re here to bring you closer to the heart of Pittsburgh's local arts scene.

Don’t miss our musician interviews, the latest local music news, and performing arts insights from across the Southwestern Pennsylvania region.

Subscribe and follow to stay connected with the vibrant voices shaping Pittsburgh’s creative community. Visit https://www.wqed.org/ to see what else WQED is doing in our community. Until next time, keep supporting the arts and keep listening to Voice of the Arts.

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Albert Manders, composer, flutist, concert organizer, and supporter of WQED, recently visited Pittsburgh from his home in Amsterdam. He stopped by the studio to chat with Jim Cunningham about the Pittsburgh Symphony's stop in his city on their 2026 European tour.

Albert, who grew up in Pittsburgh, moved to Amsterdam 20 years ago to foster his career as a musician. He will attend the PSO's performance in Amsterdam on September 7th. Albert talks about the brilliance of the Concertgebouw, which hosts concerts at least once per day and is home to many Dutch orchestras. He also gives and overview of the state of the arts in Europe, over-tourism concerns, and his upcoming concerts in Amsterdam.

Tune in to Classical QED 89.3 for regular tour reports from Jim and follow along with the symphony of the PSO's website and social media.

Thanks for tuning in to WQED's Voice of the Arts, Pittsburgh's trusted source for arts and culture in our region. Whether you're passionate about classical music, film, theater, opera, or local music, we’re here to bring you closer to the heart of Pittsburgh's local arts scene.

Don’t miss our musician interviews, the latest local music news, and performing arts insights from across the Southwestern Pennsylvania region.

Subscribe and follow to stay connected with the vibrant voices shaping Pittsburgh’s creative community. Visit https://www.wqed.org/ to see what else WQED is doing in our community. Until next time, keep supporting the arts and keep listening to Voice of the Arts.

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The Johnstown Concert Series returns with an exciting lineup of 6 concerts for their 2026-2027 season. The concerts include Wanderlost (September 13); Trillium Trio (October 11); IUP Chorus (November 8); Laura Ferguson and Friend (March 14); 412 Saxophone Quartet (April 11) and Academy String Quartet (May 23). All the concerts take place at the First Presbyterian Church in Johnstown at 3pm. WQED-FM's Bryan Sejvar spoke with Joe Dipyatic and Michael Bodolosky about the concerts this season; how they go about choosing which performers appear on the series; and their love of the arts in general. More information on the series can be found here: https://johnstownconcertseries.org/ Thanks for tuning in to WQED's Voice of the Arts, Pittsburgh's trusted source for arts and culture in our region. Whether you're passionate about classical music, film, theater, opera, or local music, we’re here to bring you closer to the heart of Pittsburgh's local arts scene. Don’t miss our musician interviews, the latest local music news, and performing arts insights from across the Southwestern Pennsylvania region. Subscribe and follow to stay connected with the vibrant voices shaping Pittsburgh’s creative community. Visit https://www.wqed.org/ to see what else WQED is doing in our community. Until next time, keep supporting the arts and keep listening to Voice of the Arts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Washington Symphony Orchestra and Washington Festival Chorale are joining forces for a 9/11 remembrance concert on September 12th. WSO Music Director Yugo Ikach and WFC Artistic Director Mitchell Stenker spoke with Jim Cunningham about the event.

This year marks 25 years since the September 11 attacks. The concert highlights Requiem for the Living by Dan Forrest, a modern version of the traditional Requiem. Barber's Adagio for Strings opens the program, joined by additional choral works reflecting themes of remembrance, hope, peace, and the dream of a better world. Yugo and Mitchell hope the evening can provide healing and hope for concertgoers.

The concert takes place at Immaculate Conception Church in Washington on Saturday, September 12th at 7:00pm. Admission is free, but guests are strongly encouraged to RSVP on the Washington Symphony's website.

Thanks for tuning in to WQED's Voice of the Arts, Pittsburgh's trusted source for arts and culture in our region. Whether you're passionate about classical music, film, theater, opera, or local music, we’re here to bring you closer to the heart of Pittsburgh's local arts scene.

Don’t miss our musician interviews, the latest local music news, and performing arts insights from across the Southwestern Pennsylvania region.

Subscribe and follow to stay connected with the vibrant voices shaping Pittsburgh’s creative community. Visit https://www.wqed.org/ to see what else WQED is doing in our community. Until next time, keep supporting the arts and keep listening to Voice of the Arts.

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Pittsburgh Shakespeare in the Parks returns next weekend, September 4th, with The Merry Wives of Windsor! Founder Jennifer Tober, director Cat Aceto, and Jo Getting (Falstaff) spoke with Anna Singer live on the QED Afternoon Show about the show.

It's Merry Wives with a twist---set in the 1980s, Cat's adaptation channels the spirit of self-expression, desire, and getting what you want. The play includes MTV references, timely fashion, and many nods to Pittsburgh. Cat and Jennifer explain the power of the merry wives and debate the comedy of Falstaff's pursuit. Jo talks about playing Falstaff as a woman and returning to the character after a previous portrayal with PSiP.

You can see The Merry Wives of Windsor in five different Pittsburgh parks on weekends through October 11th. Check out the full list of performances on the Pittsburgh Shakespeare in the Parks website.

Thanks for tuning in to WQED's Voice of the Arts, Pittsburgh's trusted source for arts and culture in our region. Whether you're passionate about classical music, film, theater, opera, or local music, we’re here to bring you closer to the heart of Pittsburgh's local arts scene.

Don’t miss our musician interviews, the latest local music news, and performing arts insights from across the Southwestern Pennsylvania region.

Subscribe and follow to stay connected with the vibrant voices shaping Pittsburgh’s creative community. Visit https://www.wqed.org/ to see what else WQED is doing in our community. Until next time, keep supporting the arts and keep listening to Voice of the Arts.

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Angela Godin is the Executive Director of the Community Arts Center of Cambria County. Located in Johnstown, the center provides an inspiring and creative gathering place where the arts improve the quality of life for everyone. WQED-FM's Bryan Sejvar spoke with Angela about the many events taking place at the Center during the Fall, including Log Art Theater productions; the 55th Log House Arts Festival (September 5th and 6th); Artoberfest (October 10th); and the Holly Bazaar (November and December). Angela also talks about the many art exhibits at the Center and why the Arts are important for one's soul. Thanks for tuning in to WQED's Voice of the Arts, Pittsburgh's trusted source for arts and culture in our region. Whether you're passionate about classical music, film, theater, opera, or local music, we’re here to bring you closer to the heart of Pittsburgh's local arts scene. Don’t miss our musician interviews, the latest local music news, and performing arts insights from across the Southwestern Pennsylvania region. Subscribe and follow to stay connected with the vibrant voices shaping Pittsburgh’s creative community. Visit https://www.wqed.org/ to see what else WQED is doing in our community. Until next time, keep supporting the arts and keep listening to Voice of the Arts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Rishi Sethi, resident filmmaker at the Lindsay Theater and Cultural Center in Sewickley, joined Anna Singer live on the QED Afternoon Show to talk about upcoming Emerging Filmmakers Showcases and the Lindsay's 2026 Documentary Series.

On September 3rd,  Fedeltà. Soldier. Prisoner. Bloomfield-raised director Steve Mancini focuses on Italian soldiers captured during World War II who ended up at a POW facility outside of Chambersburg, leaving a lasting impact on the region. Then, on September 17th, three projects from JMQ productions (owned by local filmmaker Jameson Quinn) will premiere at the Lindsay---two shorts and a television pilot.

The Lindsay will also kick off its 2026 Documentary Series on Friday, September 11th. Featured films cover renowned artists, nature, relationships, and relevant issues.

Get all the details and explore other upcoming events on the Lindsay Theater's website.

Thanks for tuning in to WQED's Voice of the Arts, Pittsburgh's trusted source for arts and culture in our region. Whether you're passionate about classical music, film, theater, opera, or local music, we’re here to bring you closer to the heart of Pittsburgh's local arts scene.

Don’t miss our musician interviews, the latest local music news, and performing arts insights from across the Southwestern Pennsylvania region.

Subscribe and follow to stay connected with the vibrant voices shaping Pittsburgh’s creative community. Visit https://www.wqed.org/ to see what else WQED is doing in our community. Until next time, keep supporting the arts and keep listening to Voice of the Arts.

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The Pittsburgh New Works Festival kicks off this weekend at Duquesne University's Genesius Theater! Colleen Hammond, who will direct a show during the festival's second weekend, speaks with Melissa Black about her production, Ruth is Dead.

The New Works Festival is an annual event that fosters the creation of original one-act plays produced by local theater companies. Colleen is working with the Heritage Players for Ruth is Dead, which was written by Donnie Buckingham, a Swissvale native and first-time playwright. Ruth is Dead follows an interview between a grieving husband and a documentarian, and Colleen says she was drawn to the script because of her own experience as a crime reporter.

Ruth is Dead runs at the Pittsburgh New Works Festival September 3rd-6th at Duquesne University's Genesius Theater. More information about the festival, other featured plays, and tickets are available on the Pittsburgh New Works Festival website.

Thanks for tuning in to WQED's Voice of the Arts, Pittsburgh's trusted source for arts and culture in our region. Whether you're passionate about classical music, film, theater, opera, or local music, we’re here to bring you closer to the heart of Pittsburgh's local arts scene.

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In her third album, María Dueñas conveys a heartfelt tribute to Jascha Heifetz, one of the greatest violinists of all time. She speaks with Anna Singer about Homage to Heifetz, releasing August 28th.

María remembers listening to Heifetz and other great violinists while growing up taking inspiration from him as a player. She explains working with Gustavo Dudamel for this album, which features Lalo's Symphonie espagnole, Korngold's Violin Concerto, Debussy, and Manuel Ponce. María will also return to the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra next season for a performance of Prokofiev's First Violin Concerto, and she tells Anna about her relationship with Manfred Honeck and the PSO.

Homage to Heifetz will be out on the Deutsche Grammophon label on August 28th. Read more about the album and purchase your own copy on Deutsche Grammophon's website.

Thanks for tuning in to WQED's Voice of the Arts, Pittsburgh's trusted source for arts and culture in our region. Whether you're passionate about classical music, film, theater, opera, or local music, we’re here to bring you closer to the heart of Pittsburgh's local arts scene.

Don’t miss our musician interviews, the latest local music news, and performing arts insights from across the Southwestern Pennsylvania region.

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Cameron Gunsbury-Massey has been announced as the new Executive Director of the Mendelssohn Choir of Pittsburgh! He and the choir's conductor, Daniel Singer, speak with Jim Cunningham about the appointment and MCP's upcoming season.

Cameron began his musical journey as a child in Croatia and studied flute performance at the University of Texas. He most recently served as the Executive Director of the Pittsburgh Youth Philharmonic Orchestra. Daniel gives a preview of the MCP season, which kicks off with In Time of War, featuring Haydn's mass and pieces by Florence Price and Arvo Pärt.

Jim, Cameron, and Daniel also listen to excerpts from the choir's performances of Eric Whitacre's The Sacred Veil and Steven Paulus's "The Road Home."

Read more about Cameron's appointment and explore the upcoming season on the Mendelssohn Choir's website.

Thanks for tuning in to WQED's Voice of the Arts, Pittsburgh's trusted source for arts and culture in our region. Whether you're passionate about classical music, film, theater, opera, or local music, we’re here to bring you closer to the heart of Pittsburgh's local arts scene.

Don’t miss our musician interviews, the latest local music news, and performing arts insights from across the Southwestern Pennsylvania region.

Subscribe and follow to stay connected with the vibrant voices shaping Pittsburgh’s creative community. Visit https://www.wqed.org/ to see what else WQED is doing in our community. Until next time, keep supporting the arts and keep listening to Voice of the Arts.

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The Johnstown Symphony Orchestra is gearing up for it's 98th Season, titled "Symphonic Visions" with concerts in October, November, December, February, March and April. Executive Director Erin Codey spoke with WQED-FM's Jim Cunningham about the season - giving a rundown of each concert. She also talks about Music Director James Blachly; the Johnstown Symphony Chorus and their Director Jeffrey Webb; Inclined to Sing; the Subscriber concert in May in Johnstown's Grand Halle; and some other special concerts members of the orchestra do throughout the year. Erin is enthusiastic about the state of classical music and gives some ideas of places to visit and eat when you come up to hear the Johnstown Symphony perform at the Pasquerilla Performing Arts Center. She says she's see "Slap Shot" plenty of times and says some of the extras in the movie are still in town. Get tickets and information on their season by visiting www.johnstownsymphony.org. Thanks for tuning in to WQED's Voice of the Arts, Pittsburgh's trusted source for arts and culture in our region. Whether you're passionate about classical music, film, theater, opera, or local music, we’re here to bring you closer to the heart of Pittsburgh's local arts scene. Don’t miss our musician interviews, the latest local music news, and performing arts insights from across the Southwestern Pennsylvania region. Subscribe and follow to stay connected with the vibrant voices shaping Pittsburgh’s creative community. Visit https://www.wqed.org/ to see what else WQED is doing in our community. Until next time, keep supporting the arts and keep listening to Voice of the Arts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

New music ensemble NAT 28 will perform Steve Reich's Music for 18 Musicians at CMU's Kresge Theater on August 22nd! Jim Cunningham speaks with Music Director/pianist Brian Gilling and conductor Daniel Nesta Curtis about the concert and their recent recording of Nancy Galbraith's Piano Concerto No. 4.

Brian and Daniel will both play piano in the Reich piece, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. They talk about the difficulty of the music and stress the role of a sound technician in the performance. Brian is featured as the soloist on the Galbraith CD; he and Daniel discuss working with Nancy and the recording process.

Check out NAT 28 at Kresge Theater for the 50th anniversary of Music for 18 Musicians on August 22nd at 7:30pm. Admission is pay-what-you-wish, and event details are available on NAT 28's website. More information and streaming links to Piano Concerto No. 4 are available on Nancy Galbraith's website.

Thanks for tuning in to WQED's Voice of the Arts, Pittsburgh's trusted source for arts and culture in our region. Whether you're passionate about classical music, film, theater, opera, or local music, we’re here to bring you closer to the heart of Pittsburgh's local arts scene.

Don’t miss our musician interviews, the latest local music news, and performing arts insights from across the Southwestern Pennsylvania region.

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Trombonist Jim Pugh and recording engineer Jim Anderson have reunited for a new album featuring the first-ever recording of Roy Harris's long-lost Trombone Symphony. WQED-FM's Jim Cunningham speaks with both of them about the piece, originally written for Tommy Dorsey in 1938.

Jim Pugh talks about discovering the piece, tracking down Harris's archivist, and searching through the Library of Congress. The album also features Nightsuite, a contemporary work by Scott Nimner, which brought together Jim Pugh's jazz connections from across his career, including former student and fellow Steely Dan players. Jim Anderson walks through his recording process, which took place at Power Station in New York City.

Jim and Jim both grew up in Butler, Pennsylvania, and remember playing together in various ensembles, including the Butler County Symphony. Jim Anderson also recalls his experiences on the set of Mister Rogers' Neighborhood while at Duquesne, citing Marcel Marceau's episode as a favorite.

Read more about New American Symphonies, which releases on Friday, August 14th, here.

Thanks for tuning in to WQED's Voice of the Arts, Pittsburgh's trusted source for arts and culture in our region. Whether you're passionate about classical music, film, theater, opera, or local music, we’re here to bring you closer to the heart of Pittsburgh's local arts scene.

Don’t miss our musician interviews, the latest local music news, and performing arts insights from across the Southwestern Pennsylvania region.

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Classical QED's Anna Singer will take part in a concert Friday, August 14th at The Church of the Assumption in Bellevue honoring Father Tim Deely. She spoke with Father Tim and organizer Samuele Bozzolla live on the QED Afternoon Show about the concert.

The concert marks the end of Father Tim's seven-year tenure at the church. He'll soon leave for Italy to study canon law for three years. Sam organized this concert as a farewell for Father Tim, bringing together various singers to perform sacred music. Anna will perform, as well as Timothy Ore and Chelsea Cockburn of the Mendelssohn Choir, and members of the Assumption Choir.

Join Anna Singer for Father Tim's farewell concert at 7:00pm on Friday, August 14th at The Church of the Assumption in Bellevue. More information is available on the Regina Coeli Parish website.

Thanks for tuning in to WQED's Voice of the Arts, Pittsburgh's trusted source for arts and culture in our region. Whether you're passionate about classical music, film, theater, opera, or local music, we’re here to bring you closer to the heart of Pittsburgh's local arts scene.

Don’t miss our musician interviews, the latest local music news, and performing arts insights from across the Southwestern Pennsylvania region.

Subscribe and follow to stay connected with the vibrant voices shaping Pittsburgh’s creative community. Visit https://www.wqed.org/ to see what else WQED is doing in our community. Until next time, keep supporting the arts and keep listening to Voice of the Arts.

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The New Hazlett Theater celebrates its 20th anniversary with a screening of the new film, Making Space: The Story of the New Hazlett Theater. The film's producer, WQED Digital Content Manager Emily Brunner, spoke with Jim Cunningham live on the QED Morning Show about the documentary and the event.

Emily explains how the film got its start, originating from Voice of the Arts interviews she had done during her tenure as WQED-FM's producer. She spent a lot of time last year filming interviews with the New Hazlett and Pittsburgh Public Theater, visiting the University of Pittsburgh archives, and getting drone shots from the New Hazlett. Emily also talks about accessing the film on WQED+, which she curates.

Please join WQED and the New Hazlett Theater to watch Making Space on Thursday, July 30th at 7:30pm. The screening is free to attend—guests are encouraged to RSVP on the New Hazlett’s website. You can also stream the documentary on WQED+ starting on Friday, July 31st.

Thanks for tuning in to WQED's Voice of the Arts, Pittsburgh's trusted source for arts and culture in our region. Whether you're passionate about classical music, film, theater, opera, or local music, we’re here to bring you closer to the heart of Pittsburgh's local arts scene.

Don’t miss our musician interviews, the latest local music news, and performing arts insights from across the Southwestern Pennsylvania region.

Subscribe and follow to stay connected with the vibrant voices shaping Pittsburgh’s creative community. Visit https://www.wqed.org/ to see what else WQED is doing in our community. Until next time, keep supporting the arts and keep listening to Voice of the Arts.

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Russian pianist and composer Arsentiy Kharitonov recently released a new Concerto for Piano and Orchestra. WQED=FM's Anna Singer speaks with Arsentiy about the piece.

Arsentiy talks about developing as a pianist and what led him to start composing. He says being a performer was not enough for him---he always wanted to create his own music and to revive the Romantic tradition of the composer-performer. Arsentiy also walks Anna through each movement of the concerto, which he calls a sophisticated, dark journey.

Visit Arsentiy Kharitonov's website to learn more about him and his Concerto for Piano and Orchestra.

Thanks for tuning in to WQED's Voice of the Arts, Pittsburgh's trusted source for arts and culture in our region. Whether you're passionate about classical music, film, theater, opera, or local music, we’re here to bring you closer to the heart of Pittsburgh's local arts scene.

Don’t miss our musician interviews, the latest local music news, and performing arts insights from across the Southwestern Pennsylvania region.

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The New Hazlett Theater celebrates its 20th anniversary with a screening of the new film, Making Space: The Story of the New Hazlett Theater. Executive Director René Conrad and Artistic Director Melissa Cardello-Linton speak with Jim Cunningham about the New Hazlett and the film.

The film, produced by WQED's Emily Brunner, features interviews covering the history of the building and the New Hazlett's relationship with its resident companies. René and Melissa talk about Carnegie, the old organ, and what's next for the New Hazlett. The screening will be preceded by a VIP cocktail hour starting at 6:00pm, featuring live music and speakers, and will be followed by a Q&A session moderated by Jim Cunningham.

Please join WQED and the New Hazlett Theater to watch Making Space on Thursday, July 30th at 7:30pm. The screening is free to attend---guests are encouraged to RSVP on the New Hazlett's website. You can also stream the documentary on WQED+ starting on Friday, July 31st.

Thanks for tuning in to WQED's Voice of the Arts, Pittsburgh's trusted source for arts and culture in our region. Whether you're passionate about classical music, film, theater, opera, or local music, we’re here to bring you closer to the heart of Pittsburgh's local arts scene.

Don’t miss our musician interviews, the latest local music news, and performing arts insights from across the Southwestern Pennsylvania region.

Subscribe and follow to stay connected with the vibrant voices shaping Pittsburgh’s creative community. Visit https://www.wqed.org/ to see what else WQED is doing in our community. Until next time, keep supporting the arts and keep listening to Voice of the Arts.

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Bill McLaughlin, Peabody Award-winning conductor, composer, and longtime host of Exploring Music, passed away yesterday, July 23rd. To remember and honor him, WQED-FM would like to share a 2013 interview with Bill, in which he joins Jim Cunningham in celebrating 10 years of Exploring Music. 

Bill talked about preparing for the program and his intention to create a space where listeners could discover classical music. He also remembered his time as a trombonist in the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra from 1969-1975 and told stories about working with William Steinberg and touring with the orchestra in Japan.

Bill went on to conduct and host Michigan Public Radio's Saint Paul Sunday program and began hosting WFMT's Exploring Music in 2003. He and Jim discussed the current state of classical music---Bill believed there are more people listening to classical music today than at any time in history.

Thanks for tuning in to WQED's Voice of the Arts, Pittsburgh's trusted source for arts and culture in our region. Whether you're passionate about classical music, film, theater, opera, or local music, we’re here to bring you closer to the heart of Pittsburgh's local arts scene.

Don’t miss our musician interviews, the latest local music news, and performing arts insights from across the Southwestern Pennsylvania region.

Subscribe and follow to stay connected with the vibrant voices shaping Pittsburgh’s creative community. Visit https://www.wqed.org/ to see what else WQED is doing in our community. Until next time, keep supporting the arts and keep listening to Voice of the Arts.

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The Singing Sisters Rosalie and Rosemonde Deck were a sibling duo from the Sisters of Divine Providence. Jim Cunningham speaks with Sister Rosamonde and Sister Mary Traupman about the sisters' performing career and more.

Sister Rosamonde talks about growing up in a musical family, recording CDs at WQED, and singing for American troops in Germany. Sister Mary explains the reasons for a recent global decrease in vocations and the challenges for women in the modern Catholic church. The sisters also discuss religious trends in Catholicism and the importance of music in education.

More information about the Sisters of Divine Providence is available on their website.

Thanks for tuning in to WQED's Voice of the Arts, Pittsburgh's trusted source for arts and culture in our region. Whether you're passionate about classical music, film, theater, opera, or local music, we’re here to bring you closer to the heart of Pittsburgh's local arts scene.

Don’t miss our musician interviews, the latest local music news, and performing arts insights from across the Southwestern Pennsylvania region.

Subscribe and follow to stay connected with the vibrant voices shaping Pittsburgh’s creative community. Visit https://www.wqed.org/ to see what else WQED is doing in our community. Until next time, keep supporting the arts and keep listening to Voice of the Arts.

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The 2026 Flood City Music Festival returns to Johnstown this weekend! The festival begins with a free concert on Thursday night, with the main festival happening on Friday July 24th and Saturday July 25th. WQED-FM's Bryan Sejvar spoke with Festival Director of Marketing Shelley Johansson about this year's festival including the headliners Greensky Bluegrass featuring Holly Bowling and the Disco Biscuits. She also talks about some of the other acts she's looking forward to; the importance of the festival to include local acts; information on camping for the weekend (which includes tubing on the river!); the ease of getting around People's Natural Gas Park; and how the festival benefits Heritage Johnstown. Shelley says people from Johnstown head to Pittsburgh all the time, so take the easy drive for the festival. For tickets and information, visit www.floodcitymusic.com. Thanks for tuning in to WQED's Voice of the Arts, Pittsburgh's trusted source for arts and culture in our region. Whether you're passionate about classical music, film, theater, opera, or local music, we’re here to bring you closer to the heart of Pittsburgh's local arts scene. Don’t miss our musician interviews, the latest local music news, and performing arts insights from across the Southwestern Pennsylvania region. Subscribe and follow to stay connected with the vibrant voices shaping Pittsburgh’s creative community. Visit https://www.wqed.org/ to see what else WQED is doing in our community. Until next time, keep supporting the arts and keep listening to Voice of the Arts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The grand finale of this year's Bach, Beethoven and Brunch series takes place this Sunday, July 26th, featuring Academy Concerts' "HaydnBurgh" project! Artistic Director Warren Davidson spoke with Anna Singer live on the QED Afternoon Show about the program.

"HaydnBurgh" is an initiative to perform all of 57 Haydn string quartets in the Pittsburgh area. This concert will feature three quartets, Opus 9, #5 in B flat major, Opus 50, #2 in C major, and Opus 71, #2 in D major. Warren talks about how much fun he has programming and performing these concerts. Warren also explains how string quartets evolved out of private homes and into public performances.

Join Academy Concerts in Mellon Park for "HaydnBurgh" this Sunday, July 26th at 10:30am. More information is available on the City of Pittsburgh website.

Thanks for tuning in to WQED's Voice of the Arts, Pittsburgh's trusted source for arts and culture in our region. Whether you're passionate about classical music, film, theater, opera, or local music, we’re here to bring you closer to the heart of Pittsburgh's local arts scene.

Don’t miss our musician interviews, the latest local music news, and performing arts insights from across the Southwestern Pennsylvania region.

Subscribe and follow to stay connected with the vibrant voices shaping Pittsburgh’s creative community. Visit https://www.wqed.org/ to see what else WQED is doing in our community. Until next time, keep supporting the arts and keep listening to Voice of the Arts.

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With the merger between Pittsburgh Public Theater and the Civic Light Opera underway, Interim Board Chair Tom McGough speaks with Jim Cunningham about the process and future of both organizations.

Tom talks about how the merger came about, and how he came to lead the efforts to combine the two organizations. He stresses the challenges that the theater world faces today, citing the COVID-19 pandemic, aging audiences, and the advent of streaming services. He hopes to close the deal by July 31st, and estimates three shows and a sneak peek into the 2027 season by the end of this year.

The merger intends to continue the legacies of both organizations, combining the Public's work in classical theater and the CLO's commitment to developing and producing musical theater. Tom hopes the merger will foster a "theater ecology" in downtown Pittsburgh that will continue to grow and uplift the community.

Updates about the merger are available online from The Next Act.

Thanks for tuning in to WQED's Voice of the Arts, Pittsburgh's trusted source for arts and culture in our region. Whether you're passionate about classical music, film, theater, opera, or local music, we’re here to bring you closer to the heart of Pittsburgh's local arts scene.

Don’t miss our musician interviews, the latest local music news, and performing arts insights from across the Southwestern Pennsylvania region.

Subscribe and follow to stay connected with the vibrant voices shaping Pittsburgh’s creative community. Visit https://www.wqed.org/ to see what else WQED is doing in our community. Until next time, keep supporting the arts and keep listening to Voice of the Arts.

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Alumni Theater Company present the Tony Award-winning musical Once on This Island, running at the Charity Randall Theatre from July 31st--August 2nd. Jim Cunningham speaks with ATC's Artistic Director Monteze Freeland, Marketing Manager Shae Wofford, and actress Sharae Bynum about the show.

Monteze talks about the show's story and ATC's mission to uplift Black voices in theater. Sharae, who plays one of the storytellers, explains her role in the musical and how she feels at home with the company. Shae will play the role of Agwe; he praises the cast and crew. All three also speak about their experiences with diversity in theater and why they love theater.

Don't miss Once on This Island with Alumni Theater Company at the Charity Randall Theatre from July 31st-August 2nd. More information and tickets are available on ATC's website.

Thanks for tuning in to WQED's Voice of the Arts, Pittsburgh's trusted source for arts and culture in our region. Whether you're passionate about classical music, film, theater, opera, or local music, we’re here to bring you closer to the heart of Pittsburgh's local arts scene.

Don’t miss our musician interviews, the latest local music news, and performing arts insights from across the Southwestern Pennsylvania region.

Subscribe and follow to stay connected with the vibrant voices shaping Pittsburgh’s creative community. Visit https://www.wqed.org/ to see what else WQED is doing in our community. Until next time, keep supporting the arts and keep listening to Voice of the Arts.

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This Sunday, July 19th, members of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Jacob Joyce perform for Bach, Beethoven and Brunch. Fresh off conducting a concert of movie music the night before, Maestro Joyce joined Jim Cunningham to talk about what they will play on the concert. They also touched on other topics like the PSO's recent 4th of July concerts, the upcoming tour of Europe, the Festival in Danbury Connecticut Jacob will participate in, and a recap of the Pittsburgh Youth Symphony Orchestra tour of Greece. Catch members of the Pittsburgh Symphony at the City of Pittsburgh's FREE Bach, Beethoven and Brunch concert - Sunday July 19th, 10:30am at Mellon Park (Rose Garden Lawn at the intersection of 5th and Shady Avenues.) Thanks for tuning in to WQED's Voice of the Arts, Pittsburgh's trusted source for arts and culture in our region. Whether you're passionate about classical music, film, theater, opera, or local music, we’re here to bring you closer to the heart of Pittsburgh's local arts scene. Don’t miss our musician interviews, the latest local music news, and performing arts insights from across the Southwestern Pennsylvania region. Subscribe and follow to stay connected with the vibrant voices shaping Pittsburgh’s creative community. Visit https://www.wqed.org/ to see what else WQED is doing in our community. Until next time, keep supporting the arts and keep listening to Voice of the Arts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Emmy Award-winning composer Bruce Broughton speaks with Anna Singer about his album, And on the Sixth Day / String Theory from the Naxos label. He also touches on his celebrated career as a film and television composer, having worked on Tombstone, Miracle on 34th Street, Hawaii Five-O, and more.

Bruce talks about his approach to composing, how he handles instrumentation, and writing themes. He tells the story of his piece And on the Sixth Day, which highlights oboist Olivier Stankiewicz. Bruce also remembers starting his film career at CBS surrounded by the likes of Henry Mancini and Jerry Goldsmith, and provides insight into the life of a studio musician.

For more information and to purchase Bruce's CD, And on the Sixth Day / String Theory, visit the Naxos label website.

Thanks for tuning in to WQED's Voice of the Arts, Pittsburgh's trusted source for arts and culture in our region. Whether you're passionate about classical music, film, theater, opera, or local music, we’re here to bring you closer to the heart of Pittsburgh's local arts scene.

Don’t miss our musician interviews, the latest local music news, and performing arts insights from across the Southwestern Pennsylvania region.

Subscribe and follow to stay connected with the vibrant voices shaping Pittsburgh’s creative community. Visit https://www.wqed.org/ to see what else WQED is doing in our community. Until next time, keep supporting the arts and keep listening to Voice of the Arts.

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The New Ground Orchestra Festival returns for its second annual concert at Penn State's main campus on Friday, July 31st! Founder and conductor Rebekah O'Brien speaks with Jim Cunningham about the festival.

Rebekah created the New Ground Orchestra Festival as a supportive community for women in classical music. The festival with open with Fanny Mendelssohn's Overture in C and closes with Dvořák's New World Symphony. In addition to the concert, the festivals rehearsals are open to the public and take place July 28th through the open dress rehearsal on the morning of the 31st.

Jim and Rebekah also listen to an excerpt of the second movement of Felix Mendelssohn's Italian symphony from last summer's festival.

The festival concert is free to attend and takes place on Friday, July 31st at 7:30pm at Penn State's School of Music Recital Hall. More information is available on the New Ground Orchestra Festival Facebook page.

Thanks for tuning in to WQED's Voice of the Arts, Pittsburgh's trusted source for arts and culture in our region. Whether you're passionate about classical music, film, theater, opera, or local music, we’re here to bring you closer to the heart of Pittsburgh's local arts scene.

Don’t miss our musician interviews, the latest local music news, and performing arts insights from across the Southwestern Pennsylvania region.

Subscribe and follow to stay connected with the vibrant voices shaping Pittsburgh’s creative community. Visit https://www.wqed.org/ to see what else WQED is doing in our community. Until next time, keep supporting the arts and keep listening to Voice of the Arts.

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Johnstown's Band of Brothers Shakespeare Company continues their run of A Midsummer Night's Dream this weekend in Powell Stackhouse Park. Doug Meagher, who plays Bottom, speaks with Jim Cunningham about the show.

The company celebrates their 35th anniversary this year. Doug has been with performing with them for many years and talks about why he loves Shakespeare and theater. Doug says this production has been a lot of fun to prepare and shares his favorite things about his character, Bottom. He also praises his fellow cast members and the company's founders for their work sharing Shakespeare with the Johnstown community.

Don't miss A Midsummer Night's Dream tonight, July 15th, through Sunday, July 19th, every evening at 7:00pm, at Powell Stackhouse Park. Guests are encouraged to park at Westmont Elementary School and take the shuttle down to the performance location. More information is available on the Band of Brothers Shakespeare Company's website.

Thanks for tuning in to WQED's Voice of the Arts, Pittsburgh's trusted source for arts and culture in our region. Whether you're passionate about classical music, film, theater, opera, or local music, we’re here to bring you closer to the heart of Pittsburgh's local arts scene.

Don’t miss our musician interviews, the latest local music news, and performing arts insights from across the Southwestern Pennsylvania region.

Subscribe and follow to stay connected with the vibrant voices shaping Pittsburgh’s creative community. Visit https://www.wqed.org/ to see what else WQED is doing in our community. Until next time, keep supporting the arts and keep listening to Voice of the Arts.

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Filmmaker Thomas Essig's documentary Something Divine comes to WQED+ this Friday, July 17th! Thomas speaks with Melissa Black about the story of the film.

Thomas calls Something Divine a healing journey about learning how to love yourself and others. He drew on his own experiences--growing up religious, struggling with expression, and discovering spiritualism through yoga philosophy--to form the concept of this documentary. Thomas talks about getting the idea from a joke about Ray Cappo, lead singer of the hardcore punk band Youth of Today, who went to India to become the monk Raghunath.

You can learn more about Something Divine on the film's website. Access WQED+ on your Smart TV, streaming services, or through your browser.

Thanks for tuning in to WQED's Voice of the Arts, Pittsburgh's trusted source for arts and culture in our region. Whether you're passionate about classical music, film, theater, opera, or local music, we’re here to bring you closer to the heart of Pittsburgh's local arts scene.

Don’t miss our musician interviews, the latest local music news, and performing arts insights from across the Southwestern Pennsylvania region.

Subscribe and follow to stay connected with the vibrant voices shaping Pittsburgh’s creative community. Visit https://www.wqed.org/ to see what else WQED is doing in our community. Until next time, keep supporting the arts and keep listening to Voice of the Arts.

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The University of Pittsburgh Bands will host their first Summer Concert Band performance! Brad Townsend, Director of Bands, and Michael Buckstein, Assistant Director of Bands, speak with Melissa Black about the concert.

This unique ensemble features Pitt students, alumni, faculty and staff, local high school musicians, and community members. Michael talks about taking inspiration from IUP's Associate Director of Bands Jason Worzbyt to create a concert that brings together the entire Pitt community. The program is themed around America's 250th, featuring a wide variety of American music from classical to pop.

The concert will take place at Bellefield Hall on Pitt's campus on Saturday, July 25th at 7:00pm. Admission is free, and a livestream is also available via YouTube. More information is available on the University of Pittsburgh website.

Thanks for tuning in to WQED's Voice of the Arts, Pittsburgh's trusted source for arts and culture in our region. Whether you're passionate about classical music, film, theater, opera, or local music, we’re here to bring you closer to the heart of Pittsburgh's local arts scene.

Don’t miss our musician interviews, the latest local music news, and performing arts insights from across the Southwestern Pennsylvania region.

Subscribe and follow to stay connected with the vibrant voices shaping Pittsburgh’s creative community. Visit https://www.wqed.org/ to see what else WQED is doing in our community. Until next time, keep supporting the arts and keep listening to Voice of the Arts.

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The Three Rivers Young Peoples Orchestra will take the stage at Mellon Park this weekend for Bach, Beethoven and Brunch! Conductor Pierce Cook speaks with Melissa Black about the concert.

TRYPO will feature some of their string players this weekend with a program titled "Be Water, My Friend." Pierce talks about how he came up with the water theme, which includes selections from Water Music, the African American spiritual "Deep River," and popular songs "Rolling in the Deep" and "Shallow." He also emphasizes the importance of fostering young musicians and praises TRYPO's commitment to music education.

Head out to Mellon Park to hear TRYPO play at Bach, Beethoven and Brunch this Sunday, July 12th at 10:30am. You can find more information and check out the rest of this summer’s lineup on the City of Pittsburgh website.

Thanks for tuning in to WQED's Voice of the Arts, Pittsburgh's trusted source for arts and culture in our region. Whether you're passionate about classical music, film, theater, opera, or local music, we’re here to bring you closer to the heart of Pittsburgh's local arts scene.

Don’t miss our musician interviews, the latest local music news, and performing arts insights from across the Southwestern Pennsylvania region.

Subscribe and follow to stay connected with the vibrant voices shaping Pittsburgh’s creative community. Visit https://www.wqed.org/ to see what else WQED is doing in our community. Until next time, keep supporting the arts and keep listening to Voice of the Arts.

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