Voice of the Arts

Jim Cunningham speaks with Charlie Peck, now in his second year on the faculty at the University of Pittsburgh Music Department. Two of his latest creations will be played by the The Bergamot Quartet, a rising star on the American contemporary music scene, joined by virtuoso percussionist Ji Hye Jung for a concert of new acoustic and electronic music. The event marks the world premiere of a kinetic, new multimedia project by Peck, where the musicians perform impossible music by augmenting their live performance with video. The program will also include dynamic works by Tania León, Joseph Schwantner, and native Pittsburgher Reza Vali. Reza will be there to take a bow after one of his Calligraphy pieces. The concert takes place Sunday March 1st, 7pm at the New Hazlett Theater. Charles talks about his work at Lorin Maazel's Castleton Festival in Northern Virginia where he met Maestro Maazel and how his view of technology intersecting with music came together in his early experience in Eastern Pennsylvania. 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.

Third Presbyterian Church's Spring 2026 Music at Third series continues with "Ché Bandonéon!" Music Director Lenny Young joined QED's Anna Singer live to talk about the program.The bandonéon is the instrument of the tango, a concertina instrument which resembles the accordion. "Ché Bandonéon!" will be a solo recital featuring Argentinian bandonéon player Rodolfo Zanetti. On the program are traditional Argentinian songs, as well as classical pieces from Bach and Schubert. Lenny talks about bringing Rodolfo to Pittsburgh through his wife, Raquel, who is also from Argentina, and Third Presbyterian's collaboration with Pittsburgh Tango Connection guest dancers.Don't miss "Ché Bandonéon!" at Third Presbyterian Church in Shadyside this Friday, February 20th at 7:30pm. Admission is by free will donation. More information is available on Third Presbyterian'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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Running at Contemporary Craft right now is Peregrination, the art of Chinese Canadian artist Xiaojing Yan. Contemporary Craft’s Director of Visual Engagement Yu-San Cheng spoke with QED’s Melissa Black about the exhibition.Born in Jiangsu, China, Xiaojing moved to Toronto to further her education and career, and she received her master’s degree in sculpture from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Yu-San talks about Xiaojing’s journey and how she transforms migration, memory, and identity into material art.Peregrination is on view now through May 2nd. Contemporary Craft gallery admission is free. Find more information on Contemporary Craft’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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Can business be creative? WQED producer Nick Zaller sat down with owner and Creative Director of The Boredom Set Coffee Company, Q, to chat about how much artistic expression is involved in running a coffee business.Q talks about the message behind Boredom Set, “create to spite boredom,” and how owning his own business has allowed for creative freedom and artistic expression. Q also tells Nick about his coffee journey, learning to love the creative process, and his view on the Pittsburgh barista scene.The Boredom Set has two cafe locations: in Market Square downtown, and on Walnut St in Shadyside inside Heat Check. The Boredom Set can be found on Instagram at @theboredomset. 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 pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Pittsburgh Symphony plays Bruckner's Eighth Symphony this weekend! Music Director Manfred Honeck joined Jim Cunningham live on the QED Morning Show to talk about the program.Maestro Honeck discusses the questions surrounding death that Bruckner was fixated on. The Eighth Symphony, nicknamed The Apocalyptic, especially looks beyond life, reflecting the paths and conflict of the human journey in each of its movements. The symphony's performance will be recorded by the Reference label, and Maestro Honeck will also be honored with a Medal of Honor from the Bruckner Society of America.Jim and Maestro Honeck also play an excerpt of the Eighth, and chat about new additions to the symphony, the Olympics, growing up in Austria, and the Honeck family.The PSO plays Bruckner's Symphony No. 8 this weekend, February 20th-22nd at Heinz Hall! For more information and to get tickets, visit the PSO'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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Westmoreland Symphony Orchestra serves up a Valentine's Musical treat this Saturday, 7:30pm at the Palace Theater. Music Director Daniel Meyer conducts Copland's "Rodeo" and Randall Thompson's Symphony No. 2, while Janice Carissa will play the Gershwin Rhapsody in Blue. Westmoreland Symphony Executive Director Mike Rozell and pianist Janice Carissa stopped by the QED Morning Show to talk about his weekend's concert. 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 Three Rivers Young Peoples Orchestra presents their Wind Symphony and Percussion Ensemble at the South Fayette High School at 1:30pm on February 14th, and at 7pm with "A Pops Evening with Jesse Nager." Jesse and Brian Worsdale, Music Director, join Jim Cunningham to discuss the program and Jesse's career in Mamma Mia, Good Vibrations, Mary Poppins, Motown and Stephen Sondheim's Being Alive which was directed by Billy Porter. Jesse remembers working with Mariah Carey, Shania Twain and Patty Labelle; his early years at the University of Michigan; being raised in the Jewish tradition; and his work on YouTube in the Broadway Boys, a show that Jesse created. Jesse and Brian mention their work together at the French Woods Summer events where Brian teaches and have much to say about the young musician experience. 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.

Chatham Baroque has an upcoming concert which features “Lisette quitté la plaine,” the oldest known song text in early Haitian Creole. Baritone Jean Bernard Cerin, who serves as the Director of the Voice Program at Cornell University, joined QED's Anna Singer over the phone to talk about the program.Jean-Bernard speaks about his research on Haitian classical music and how he came across the Lisette poem. The text was traditionally set to the popular baroque French melody “Que ne suis-je la fougère,” but recordings of an edition with this tune, to Jean-Bernard's knowledge do not exist. He talks about the history of the Creole text and its global journey, and the inception and work of the Lisette Project on studying its evolution.Jean-Bernard will sing for the concert, joined by soprano Michele Kennedy, Nicholas Mathew on fortepiano/piano, and Chatham Baroque's Scott Pauley on baroque guitar. The program is contextualized by pieces that follow "Lisette quitté la plaine"'s remarkable journey across Haiti, France, New Orleans, and back to its place of origin in Haiti.The concert will take place at Shadyside Presbyterian Church on Sunday, February 22nd at 2:30pm. More information and tickets can be found 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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Pittsburgh Youth Symphony have a concert this Sunday, February 15th! Music Director Jacob Joyce joined Jim Cunningham live on the QED Morning Show to talk about the program.The program includes Mozart’s Symphony No. 31 “Paris Symphony,” Beethoven’s Leonore Overture No. 3, and concludes with Richard Strauss’s epic tone poem Don Juan. The concert also features PYSO violinist Karin Hoppo, the winner of PYSO's 2025-26 season Concerto Competition, performing the first movement of Sibelius’s Violin Concerto in D minor, Op. 47.In addition to the concert, Jacob also talks about the importance of youth orchestras, his Amadeus concert program for the next PSO season, his own musical journey, and PYSO's upcoming Greece tour. He gives a preview of the PSO's upcoming Discovery & Drinks concert at the MuseumLab, which will feature a quartet of PSO musicians playing works by William Grant Still, Florence Price, and Maurice Ravel.Don't miss PYSO's wonderful program at Heinz Hall this Sunday, February 15th at 7:30pm. The concert is free, and you can register for tickets at PYSO'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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Frick Pittsburgh's upcoming exhibition is Lewis Hine Pictures America! QED's Melissa Black spoke with Lauryn Smith, Assistant Curator, and Kelsie Paul, Director of Learning and Visitor Experience, about the exhibition.Lauryn gives an overview of who Lewis Hine was and his work photographing industrial America, immigrants at Ellis Island, and his participation in the Pittsburgh Survey, which helped bring about the first child labor laws in the United States. She also explains her role in curating, bringing on exhibit designer Quaishawn Whitlock, and the role of photojournalism in social reform both in history and today.Kelsie talks about the many events programmed alongside the exhibition, including guided tours of the exhibition and of the nationality rooms at the Cathedral of Learning, and several film screenings. The Frick's tabletop game session returns with Vaesen on February 22nd, which explores the folklore and intrigues of immigrant workers in early 20th century Pittsburgh. Lauryn and Quaishawn will also host a cocktail conversation hour on March 5th about their collaboration for the exhibition, from conception to creation, and finally installation.Lewis Hine Pictures America runs at the Frick Art Museum from February 21st through May 17th. You can find more information about the exhibition, accompanying programs and events, and get tickets on the Frick'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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The next installment in the Bach Choir's Cirque du Cinéma series is a program called Never Silenced, which pairs the music of J.S. Bach with the revolutionary silent films of Charlie Chaplin. Artistic Director Thomas Douglas joined Anna Singer live to talk about the concert.Thomas explains the method behind this pairing, bridging the gap between two artistic eras and genres. The films Caught in a Cabaret and A Night in the Show will be screened. The choir will accompany the films with Bach's vocal music, including "Jesu, meine Freude," and "Omnes generationes" from the Magnificat. Nicole Tascarella will feature on the soprano aria from the Cantata Meine Seufzer, meine Tränen.There are two opportunities to see the show: Saturday, February 14th at 7:30pm, and a matinee on Sunday, February 15th at 4:00pm. The concerts will take place at Eastminster Presbyterian Church. Tickets are available at https://www.bachchoirpittsburgh.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 pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Artistic Director of Academy Concerts Warren Davidson's newest project is HaydnBurgh: an ambitious concert series featuring all of Haydn's string quartets! Warren spoke with Jim Cunningham about the project.Warren talks about how special Haydn is as a composer, and the variety of emotions his pieces evoke. His string quartets were not intended for concert halls, but rather "rooms" in private homes, and it wasn't until later in Haydn's life that they were performed in public concerts. Warren points out the difference in approach and performance between the early and late quartets.The first two HaydnBurgh concerts will take place on Saturday, February 21st at 7:30pm at Sewickley Presbyterian Church, and on Sunday, February 22nd at 2:00pm at Allegheny Unitarian Church on the Northside. Warren will play violin, and will be joined by violinist Ashley Freeburn, violist Rachel McGuire, and recently-retired Pittsburgh Symphony cellist Michael Lipman.The concerts are free to attend, but donations are encouraged. More information can be found 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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra has announced its 2026-2027 season! Vice President of Artistic Planning Mary Persin joined Jim Cunningham live on the morning of the announcement for an exclusive preview.This exciting season includes artist, composer, and conductor debuts, world premieres, and new PSO commissions. The symphony will also celebrate the 200th anniversary of Beethoven's death in March 2027, and an all-Mozart weekend in April 2027, including two film showings of Amadeus with live orchestra.The 26/27 season also highlights Pittsburgh and PSO musicians: Principal Tuba Craig Knox will perform the World Premiere of a PSO-commissioned tuba concerto written by Nick Diberardino, and Principal Clarinet Michael Rusinek will perform Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto. The Mendelssohn Choir of Pittsburgh joins the Symphony on the PSO Premiere of Beethoven’s Mass in C major in December 2026, as well as Carmina Burana in February 2027.Stay up to date with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra and find tickets for upcoming concerts at https://pittsburghsymphony.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 pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Pittsburgh pianist and silent film composer Tom Roberts returns to WQED’s Voice of the Arts podcast!Among many musical projects, Roberts is known for composing original live scores to some of Charlie Chaplin’s earliest films, which he will perform at his upcoming concert called “Chaplin by Candlelight," presenting his work from films including The Rink, The Pawn Shop, Kid Auto Races at Venice, and One A.M. Roberts talks with Giovanni Mori about the performance, as well as the process of creating his scores to capture Chaplin’s vision.The performance will take place at Calvary United Methodist Church on Sunday, February 15th, from 5:00-7:00pm. Tickets can be purchased at the door, or through Roberts’ official website at tomrobertspiano.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 pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Chamber Orchestra of Pittsburgh welcomes their friends Voces Solis for a special collaboration! Artistic Director Edward Leonard and Voces Solis Artistic Director Ryan Keeling joined Jim Cunningham live on the QED Morning Show to talk about the concert.The program highlights Mozart's Solemn Vespers, Paul Moravec's "Songs of Love and War," as well as pieces from Barber, Beethoven, and English composer Roxanna Panufnik. Eddie and Ryan talk about each of the pieces and composers, chamber music, and Voces Solis as an ensemble.Also heard is a piece from the Chamber Orchestra's November 2025 concert.The concert will take place Saturday, February 7th at 7:30pm at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church. More information and tickets can be found on the Chamber Orchestra of 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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Early music rock band, Ruckus, makes their Pittsburgh debut with bass-baritone, Davóne Tines! Founder and Artistic Director Clay Zeller-Townson, spoke with Jim Cunningham about the program, which marks the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence."What is Your Hand in This?" brings together George Frederick Handel with Stephen Foster's "Beautiful Dreamer," "Chester" by William Billings, spirituals and Frank Sinatra's "The House I Live In." Davóne Tines sings, as does the Lemington Gospel Chorale, conducted by Reverend Deryk Tines, who is the cousin of Davóne Tines. Pittsburgh will be the grand finale of a successful tour to Carnegie Hall in New York; Portland, Oregon; Washington, DC; and San Francisco. The Washington Classical Review said the shape of the program was "an artwork in itself." Don't miss this special program on Tuesday, February 10th at 7:30pm at the August Wilson African American Cultural Center. This concert is presented by Chamber Music Pittsburgh with the August Wilson Center and Calliope Folk Music Society. More information and tickets can be found 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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The City of Pittsburgh celebrates Black History Month by honoring businessman John B. Vashon and the legacy of the Vashon Family. Jim Cunningham speaks with Paul N.D. Thornell, great-great-great-grandson of John B. Vashon, about his family and the reception.Paul provides background on his family history, detailing the work that John B. Vashon did for the Pittsburgh community, including abolitionist activism and founding a school for Black children. John B. Vashon’s son, George B. Vashon, was the first Black graduate of Oberlin college, the first Black lawyer admitted to the New York Bar, and an educator and poet.Paul also details his own career in Washington, DC, working in leadership roles at the Senate and the White House. He also is Board Chair of the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies, a public policy think tank which produces research and policies that positively impact communities of color.There will be a public reception honoring the Vashon family legacy on Friday, February 6th, at 5:30pm in the Grand Lobby of the City-County Building. The exhibit is free and open to the public all month long. More information can be found on the city’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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Aria412 presents I Hear America Singing, a film by Daren Hagen! Two of the stars, Robert Frankenberry and Aria412 co-founder Desiree Soteres, spoke with Jim Cunningham about the screening.Robert and Desiree star alongside baritone Christopher Scott in this third installment of opera films by Daren Hagen. Robert calls it a blend of "independent film and opera music theater performance," rather than a filmed show for broadcast. He and Desiree talk about their respective characters, bringing the film to life, and working with Daren. The opera was created by Aria412, and The New Mercury Players produced the film.Jim, Desiree, and Robert also listen to four songs from the film, reflecting on the performance.Don't miss the premiere of I Hear America Singing on Tuesday, February 10th at 7:00pm at the Oaks Theater in Oakmont. There will be a Q&A with Daren and the cast after the screening. More information and tickets can be found at https://www.aria412pgh.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 pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The next artist in the Andrew Carnegie Free Library & Music Hall's Studio Jazz Series is vocalist Chantal Joseph! Chantal and Marlee Gallagher, Executive Director of the Library & Music Hall, spoke with WQED's Melissa Black about the show.Marlee provides background on the studio series and teases their upcoming Mardi Gras celebration with Phat Man Dee. Chantal talks about the program, which will include some jazz standards with a twist, fun instrumentation, and soul elements. Chantal will be joined on stage by pianist Daniel May and George Heid III on percussion. She also walks Melissa through her musical journey, teaching, and the work that her non-profit, The Giving Grace Foundation, does.Don't miss a night of jazz with Chantal Joseph at the Andrew Carnegie Free Library & Music Hall in Carnegie on Thursday, February 5th at 7:00pm. Tickets are available at https://carnegiecarnegie.org/event/carnegie-carnegie-studio-jazz-series-chantal-joseph/. 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 pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The second show in New Hazlett Theater's Community Supported Art series is Agnus Teaches Acting. Co-creators Treasure Treasure and Lucas Fedele chat with Emily Brunner about the show.Treasure and Lucas talk about writing Agnus with Zanny Laird, drawing from each of their own experiences in the theater world. The play follows Agnus Stephenson, an overbearing and unapologetic acting teacher. The trio wrote the play as a comedic take on acting school and bold character study. Treasure, who stars as Agnus, calls it an "acting workshop within a play within a musical fever dream."They also discuss bringing this play to the New Hazlett through the CSA series and the advantages of performing in an intimate space. Lucas, who directs the play, praises the collaborative nature of the character and the cast and crew who helped bring Agnus to life.Agnus Teaches Acting runs at the New Hazlett Theater February 5th-6th. Thursday's performance is at 7:30pm, and Friday's performances are at 10:00am and 7:30pm. More information and tickets can be found on the New Hazlett Theater 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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.