Voice of the Arts

On Saturday October 18th, Pittsburgh Civic Orchestra presents an evening of multicultural music featuring the World Premieres from local composers, and well known global composers who have taken elements from traditional musical styles to create new classics. For this performance the orchestra welcomes International Mexican guitarist David Huchin of Brussels, Belgium and PCO music director Alejandro Pinzón playing the bandoneon. Both stopped by WQED-FM to chat with Anna Singer about the concert. Tickets and additional information can be found at https://www.pghcivicorch.org. Thanks for tuning in to WQED's Voice of the Arts, Pittsburgh's trusted source for arts and culture in our region. Whether you're passionate about classical music, film, theater, opera, or local music, we’re here to bring you closer to the heart of Pittsburgh's local arts scene. Don’t miss our musician interviews, the latest local music news, and performing arts insights from across the Southwestern Pennsylvania region.  Subscribe and follow to stay connected with the vibrant voices shaping Pittsburgh’s creative community. Visit https://www.wqed.org/ to see what else WQED is doing in our community. Until next time, keep supporting the arts and keep listening to Voice of the Arts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Thomas Douglas, Artistic Director of Bach Choir of Pittsburgh, joined Anna Singer of Afternoon Classics, to talk about Bach Choir's 2025-2026 season titled "Cirque du Cinéma." The season kicks off November 15th and 16th at the RowHouse Hollywood Theater, where they will perform Richard Einhorn’s majestic Voices of Light in accompaniment to Carl Theodor Dreyer’s 1928 silent film “The Passion of Joan of Arc.” Thomas also talks about CMU Opera's recent production of Sondheim's "Putting it Together" which took place earlier in October. 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.

WQED-FM's Anna Singer was joined by Scott Pauley of Chatham Baroque live on the air. Scott talked about the Chatham Baroque/Renaissance and Baroque season opening concert this Sunday October 19th at Shadyside Presbyterian Church titled "Beethoven’s Opus 1: Three Groundbreaking Trios." Step into 1795 Vienna and experience the debut of Beethoven’s groundbreaking Opus 1 piano trios—his first published works. With these trios, Alan Choo (violin), Jaap ter Linden (cello), and David Breitman (fortepiano) celebrate the bold arrival of a brilliant young composer on the rise. Scott also talks about Chatham Baroque's Tales & Tunes of the BOO-roque concert Saturday October 25th 7:30pm at the New Hazlett Theater. 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.

20 Years with Maestro Walter Morales and 38 years together as the Edgewood Symphony begins the season with a festive concert at Carnegie Music Hall Sunday October 19th at 3pm. Conductor Morales joins composers Robert Schulz and Danny English to talk abut their new music to be heard for the first time at the event. Maestra Maria Sensi Sellner conducts Gabriela Ortiz's "Kauyumari" and the Ravel Concerto for the Left Hand which features Walter Morales at the keyboard, plus the Colorscope Suite for Piano Left Hand by Robert Schultz and Danny English’s "Colluctatio" - a Miniature Piano Concerto. The Concerto tells the story in a tight five minute piece of Danny English's health struggles in looking for a kidney transplant while teaching and leading the music program at Aspinwall Presbyterian Church. Robert speaks about his teacher at WVU, Thomas Canning, whose music has been performed around the globe and recorded, plus Schultz’s thousands of transcriptions for piano with international publishing. At the end of the concert the audience will be invited to stay after for a reception where the concertmaster will be congratulated for telling the story of Scheherazade in Rimsky Korsakoff’s classic. Two decades conducting and appearing as soloist for Walter, two world premieres from Robert and Danny, Resonance Works founder Maria Sensi Sellner and the players of 38 seasons. Plenty to be glad about and it’s only the first concert of the season! Tickets are $20. Visit edgewoodsymphony.org. For information about helping with Danny English's kidney transplant, visit livingdonorreg.upmc.com, or Cherie Peters at peterssc5@upmc.edu. 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.

Pittsburgh International Classic Theatre is showing Sedef Ecer's play "First Lady." WQED-FM's Melissa Black interviewed the playwright Sedef Ecer, the translator for the play Amelia Parenteau, and PICT's Artistic Director Elizabeth Elias Huffman, who is also acting the lead role in the play. A satirical romp, First Lady Ishtar is oblivious to the ensuing uprising around her, as she becomes the unwitting catalyst for an explosive reaction. Directed by Adil Mansoor, First Lady's timely production speaks to the delusive nature of power, corruption, and cronyism in a scathing, hilarious critique of this seminal moment in global politics. Go to picttheatre.org to purchase your tickets now. 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.

Chamber Orchestra of Pittsburgh begins their 2025-2026 Season with a concert on Saturday October 11th, 7:30pm at Rodef Shalom titled "Future and Fate." Joining Jim Cunningham on the QED Morning Show were Artistic Director Edward Leonard, Violist Jennifer Gerhard Mangone and bass Jeff Mangone to talk about the concert. Jennifer and Jeff will perform the Sinfonia Concertante for Viola and Bass by Dittersdorf. The concert will also feature Mozart's Symphony No. 40 and Matt Brown's "I have Seen the Future." 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.

Pittsburgh Festival Opera presents "Legends in the Limelight" - Sunday October 12th, 3pm at the Kelly Strayhorn Theater. The concert will feature Meghan Picerno, who will be accompanied by pianist James Lesniak. Meghan was joined by Pittsburgh Festival Opera Artistic Director to chat with WQED-FM's Anna Singer about the concert, Meghan's musical background and more. For tickets and information about the event, visit https://pittsburghfestivalopera.org/upcoming/2025-season/legend-meghan-picerno/ 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.

A Pittsburgh first for Daniel Pinkham - his Concerto for Wind Quintet and Organ, plus Windfluence playing favorites at East Liberty Presbyterian Church on Sunday October 12th at 3pm in a free concert for the Cathedral Concerts series. Organist and Music Director at the Church, Dr. Edward Alan Moore and clarinet Kira Bokalders run down the plan with Jim Cunningham live on the QED Morning Show - plus suggestions on a great spot to get a bite to eat in East Liberty, the architectural wonders of the Ralph Adams Cram designed church, where to park, and how they are trying to make the world a better place by playing Claude Arrieu (born Louise-Marie Simon) while the Steelers defeat the Cleveland Browns. For more https://cathedralofhope.org/worship/cathedral-concerts/ 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's first concert of the new season features Beethoven's Opus 1 piano trios! Pianist and professor at Oberlin College, David Breitman, talks on the phone with Jim Cunningham about the piano trios on the fortepiano. Alan Choo, violin, and Jaap ter Linden, cello, will join David for the concert on October 19th.   David talks about the three trios, which were written in 1795 when Beethoven was 25. David highlights the rare chance to hear the complete piece on period instruments. He also talks about Beethoven self-funding the publication through an early version of crowdfunding.   David talks about the difference between a fortepiano and a modern piano. He himself performs on a copy of an Anton Walter piano, a style Beethoven greatly admired. Lastly, David talks about his work at Oberlin College. He is passionate about introducing his students to period instruments and the value of music education for all.   You can hear David Breitman perform at Chatham Baroque's 'Beethoven Opus 1' concert on Sunday, October 19th at 2:30 pm at Shadyside Presbyterian Church. Visit https://www.chathambaroque.org/concert/beethovens-opus-1-three-groundbreaking-trios/ to learn more.  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.

Attack Theatre is celebrating it's 30th Season this year, and they have an exciting lineup to kick it all off! Executive Director, Andres Franco, talks about his first 6 months on the job, and the all the exciting events coming up at Attack Theatre. Their first performance of the season, "Some Assembly Required: At Home" was first commissioned by the Carnegie Museum of Art in 1996, is a signature Attack Theatre experience. The show involves live music, dance, visual art, audience participation, and improvisation.   Andres talks about the music by Cello Fury member, Simon Cummings. Each art piece in this show is part of Persad Center’s Art for Change collection and will be available for purchase. Audience participation is not required, though Andres highly recommends. He also talks about the rest of Attack Theatre's season! "Holiday and Hops", "Once in a While", and many others! It all culminates in the thirty ball in May of 2026. It's the biggest party, and celebrates all 30 years of the theater. You can see "Some Assembly Required" on October 4th-5th. You can also see the performance on October 10th at the Andy Warhol Museum, and 16th at Contemporary Craft.Visit https://www.attacktheatre.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.

Want to hear local chamber music this fall? Academy Concerts has you covered! Artistic Director and violist, Warren Davidson, talks about the upcoming season for the Academy Concerts and the Academy String Quartet. Spread across four church's across the Pittsburgh area, Warren's goal is to bring great classical chamber music to the Pittsburgh area. Warren talks about a series of concerts with the Academy String Quartet, which he is a part of.   "Academy String Quartet: “Friends of Ukraine”" concerts salutes nations that have been steadfast in their support for Ukraine in its struggle. The program features pieces of music from countries that have continued to support Ukraine. The concerts are free, but donations are welcome. Donations will be given to the VOVK Foundation to support Ukrainian children. Warren also talks about the concerts featuring other artists. These artists include sitarist Michael Griska, Cello Fury, Paul Thompson, and many more. You can hear the Academy Concerts all this fall and spring at the four churches are Old St. Luke, Central Presbyterian, Allegheny Unitarian, and First United Methodist Church.Their next concert is October 5th at 2 pm at the Central Presbyterian Church in Tarentum.  Visit https://www.academyconcerts.org/ to learn more.  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.

A new season of Academy Concerts is about to be underway! Violist in Academy String Quartet, and Artistic Director of the Academy Concerts, Warren Davidson, talks about their first upcoming concert on Sunday, September 28th. Warren discusses the concert, called 'The Sounds of Elegance' which features harpist Marissa Knaub Avon. She, Tom Godfrey (flute), and Warren (viola) will perform some colorful and romantic music, mostly from French composers. They will play some Ravel, Debussy, DeFalla, Faure, and others. They return to Old St. Luke's for this concert, after a brief hiatus due to the pandemic. Warren also briefly gives an overview of the Academy String Quartet's upcoming concerts this fall. Their fall concert salutes nations that have been steadfast in their support for Ukraine during the war. They perform music from composers in those countries, and will donate some of the money collected to the VOVK Foundation. The VOVK Foundation supports Ukrainian children who have lost their legal guardian during the war. You can hear "The Sounds of Elegance" this Sunday, September 28th at 2 pm at Old St. Luke's Church in Carnegie, PA.  Make sure to visit Academy Concert's brand new website at https://www.academyconcerts.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.

The Pittsburgh Savoyards are continuing their 88th season with a 'forgotten' Gilbert and Sullivan's show Utopia, Limited. Stage Director Robert Hockenberry, and Production Manager Lynette Garlan, talk about the upcoming show. Utopia, Limited is Gilbert and Sullivan's 13th operetta, their second to last one. It is about a small island that decides to copy Victorian England to ensure the greatness of their civilization. Comedy, political satire, and hijinks ensue! Though it wasn't considered a success at the time, its become a modern gem. Rob talks about his role putting stage directions to a large cast. He also had to trim this monster of a show from 4 hours to roughly 2 1/2 hours. Rob also highlights why the show wasn't quite a success when it first ran in 1893.   The rest of the season includes "It's a Wonderful Life" in December, and the 14th Gilbert and Sullivan operetta in the spring. You can see Utopia, Limited or The Flowers of Progress at the Andrew Carnegie Free Library from October 10th-12th and 17th-19th. Livestreams are available on the 11th and 18th.Visit https://pittsburghsavoyards.org/utopia-limited-fall-2025/ to learn more and find tickets! Thanks for tuning in to WQED's Voice of the Arts, Pittsburgh's trusted source for arts and culture in our region. Whether you're passionate about classical music, film, theater, opera, or local music, we’re here to bring you closer to the heart of Pittsburgh's local arts scene.Don’t miss our musician interviews, the latest local music news, and performing arts insights from across the Southwestern Pennsylvania region. Subscribe and follow to stay connected with the vibrant voices shaping Pittsburgh’s creative community. Visit https://www.wqed.org/ to see what else WQED is doing in our community. Until next time, keep supporting the arts and keep listening to Voice of the Arts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this live interview, Anna Singer talks with members of Pittsburgh Shakespeare in the Park's Macbeth, which runs outdoors over six weekends until October 12th. Music Director Matt Calvetti talks about the unique live sound design that is prevalent throughout the show. He uses unconventional instruments, demonstrated live, to create tension and atmosphere in this chilling play. Actor Aaron Crutchfield plays Macbeth, and reflects on the emotional depth of the role. He finds his famous monologues are made even more poignant by the outdoors.   Founder and Artistic Director, Jennifer Tober, shares her interpretation of Lady Macbeth, who she plays in the show. All three talk about the costume design which includes eeire masks, the small cast, and the overall tone of the show. According to Anna, it's a show not to miss! You can see Pittsburgh Shakespeare in the Park's production of Macbeth for two more weekends!Visit https://www.pittsburghshakespeare.org/ to learn more! 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.

Celebrating it's 29th season, Prime Stage Theatre presents an exciting lineup of upcoming productions and community events! Producing Artistic Director Wayne Brinda, and PR Director, Lawrence McCullough, talk about these events.   On September 27th, it's the annual Homewood Cemetery Walk! Larry highlights the seven historical figures that will be portrayed by professional actors. The figures include Michael Benedum, Irene Peacock, Henry Bigelow, Robert Pitcairn, among others. Seven Pittsburgh based actors each portray one figure, and bring their stories to life right at their graves. Wayne also discusses, 'An Evening of Poe Pourri" on October 18th. A Prime Stage Theatre fundraising event, Wayne says to expect haunting tales of Edgar Alan Poe. It is a preview of their season of world premieres, including the first show in November. "Mr. Edgar A. Poe Presents: Tales of Mystery, Horror & Imagination" weaves together four classics from Poe, and is originally written by horror writer, Lawrence Connolly. The rest of the season includes an original play about the Freedom House Ambulance service, and in May, it's the adaptation of Laurie Halse Anderson's novel, Speak. You can see Prime Stage Theatre's annual Cemetery Walk on Saturday, September 27th from 12 pm to 4 pm.  Visit primestage.com to learn more! 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 Resonance Works, Maria Sensi Sellner, discusses live with Anna Singer about the Reson8 Vocal Octet's upcoming season launch. The season launches with "Hero Songs", a concert featuring a five-song cycle by Peter Hilliard and Matt Boresi. The cycle explores the themes of heroism through different time periods and perspectives. The concert also features a piece by Reena Esmail, with local sitar player Michael Griska accompanying.   Maria talks about the concert's songs, and performers in the group, and the "Be a Hero" Initiative. The new volunteer advocacy program features 11 local organizations and aims to connect audiences with meaningful volunteer opportunities. The hero theme is strong with Reson8! Maria also talks about how meaningful the program is to her, and how music can empower personal reflection and community action. You can hear Reson8 perform on Saturday, September 22nd at 3 pm at Calvary Episcopal Church. Their second concert is Sunday, September 23rd at 4 pm at Fox Chapel Presbyterian Church.Visit https://www.resonanceworks.org/reson8-launch to learn more and find tickets. Thanks for tuning in to WQED's Voice of the Arts, Pittsburgh's trusted source for arts and culture in our region. Whether you're passionate about classical music, film, theater, opera, or local music, we’re here to bring you closer to the heart of Pittsburgh's local arts scene.Don’t miss our musician interviews, the latest local music news, and performing arts insights from across the Southwestern Pennsylvania region. Subscribe and follow to stay connected with the vibrant voices shaping Pittsburgh’s creative community. Visit https://www.wqed.org/ to see what else WQED is doing in our community. Until next time, keep supporting the arts and keep listening to Voice of the Arts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

When did Pittsburgh Symphony Music Director Lorin Maazel dine alone? What did he think of the cheese heads in Wisconsin?   The Principal Horn of the Pittsburgh Symphony, William Caballero, and Principal Oboe Cynthia Koledo de Almeida talk about it all. Cynthia and Bill talk when they joined the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra under Maestro Maazel. They also talk live on the QED Morning show about the season opening gala for the Pittsburgh. They also reveal the details of their September 21st benefit concert for the community of McKees Rocks.   The Sunday afternoon mini-concert is a charity event for three local groups committed to the community of McKees Rocks. These groups are The Realm Community Engagement Group, the McKees Rocks Women’s Alliance, and theMcKees Rocks Community Development Corporation. Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra’s Jennifer Orchard, William Caballero, Charlie Powers, Craig Knox and Cynthia DeAlmeida will be joined by pianist Mark Carver from Carnegie Mellon University School of Music.   Visit the Horizon gallery artwork displays, raffle baskets, cash bar and bites from a McKees Rocks local catering group. The savory bites and sweet treats are by “A Ray of Flavor.”  Visit TinyURL.com/Music921. 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.

It's a Ravel 125th birthday party with one hand behind his back. Walter Morales plays the Chatham University "Friday Afternoon Musicale: Romantic Piano Music for the Left Hand Alone." It's a free concert Friday September 19, 2025 at 4pm in the James Laughlin Music Center. Robert Frankenberry will play the orchestral reduction on a second piano for the concerto. Walter includes composers who wrote for the left hand from Ravel's world including Blumenfeld, Alkan, Saint-Saens, Mosakowski and Godowsky.  The Maestro also details the Edgewood Symphony's October 19th event at Carnegie Music Hall where Walter will play the Ravel concerto with Maria Sensi Sellner conducting, plus there will be two world premieres from Robert Schulz and Danny English and Rimsky-Korsakoff's Scheherazade. Walter Morales will take a bow on the occasion of his twentieth year as music director. 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.

Musical Director Ron Brooks, Music Vice President Pete Kennaday, and the voice of the chorus Ken Israel, talk about the Cranberry Men's Chorus' upcoming October concert. "The Golden Oldies: Memories of the 50s and 60s" will be a 90-minute show featuring 27 songs. Ron highlights his desire to connect the audience emotionally to the songs. The styles include doo-wop, love ballads, pop, and rock.   The concert mimics a Casey-Kasem style radio show, with Ken the voice of the chorus. Ken talks about his work in radio advertising, and his brief stint as an on-air host. In between each song, Ken will set up the next one with some quick facts. Ron hopes to keep the audience engaged and entertained the whole time.   Pete talks about his work as Music VP, and how he and Ron program most of the concerts throughout the year. They started rehearsing months in advance, and were planning the December concert in May! All three share their favorite memories of the chorus. You can see the Cranberry Men's Chorus in "The Golden Oldies" on Saturday, October 11th at 7 pm at North Catholic High School. The Chorus also has multiple holiday shows in December coming up, with one recorded by WQED.  Visit https://www.cranberrymenschorus.com/ to learn more. 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.

There is a new play festival in Pittsburgh this year!Directors Jeremy Seghers and Olivia Hartle, and actor Johnny Patalano, talk about their work in the new Bridges and Stages Festival. The Becoming Arts Collective in partnership with Broken Arts Entertainment, bring these new 10-minute plays to life at the Carnegie Stage. The festival focuses on emerging playwrights from across the country, including Pittsburgh. Olivia talks about the two shows she is directing. Both are very different plays, with one examining a family dynamic, and the other, a theoretical conversation between Sigmund Fried and Georgia O'Keefe. Johnny talks about the three shows his is a part of, two of which share a line with each other! Jeremy directs three plays from three different playwrights.   Over the span of 2 nights, 24 plays are featured, with 44 actors, 13 directors, and 16 playwrights participating. Olivia likens the Bridges and Stages Festival to scrolling on TikTok in real life. Jeremy draws similarities to film festivals. Regardless, this grassroots festival embraces short rehearsal time, sparse sets, and embraces all the new plays. You can see the Bridges and Stages Festival on September 19th and 20th at Carnegie Stage.Visit https://www.thebecomingartscollective.com/bridges-and-stages-festival-2025#/productions-view to learn more. 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.