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.

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 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. 

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.

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.

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/.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.  

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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!

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.

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!

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.

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. 

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.  

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.  

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.   

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. 

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.

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.  

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.  

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.  

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.  

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.    

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.  

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.

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.  

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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."

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?"

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

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.

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."

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.

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.

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

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. 

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. 

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. More information on CMOA's "Inside Out"

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 13th-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 online and on the PBS App.

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 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 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.   

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 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. 

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 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.

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. 

Anna Singer spoke with composer Brian 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 Brian Field- Vocal Works (which features a social justice song). 

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.

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.

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.  

Oboist Becky Mack of the Pittsburgh Youth Symphony Orchestra.  

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.

Nanette Kaplan Solomon of the Tuesday Musical Club.  

Dr. Ryan Keeling and the Mendelssohn Choir of Pittsburgh.  

The cellos of the Edgewood Symphony Orchestra.

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

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