@ the Symphony

The Prokofiev Piano Concerto No. 2 is her favorite but she knows them all. Yulianna Avdeeva brings the 2nd to Heinz Hall with the Pittsburgh Symphony April 10th and 12th conducted by Rafael Payare. Yulianna Avdeeva spoke with Jim Cunningham about the special features of the Second Concerto. It is filled with tricky writing but born in Moscow, Yulianna Avdeeva has special love for the complex composer who returned to Russia with Stalin in charge after success in Paris and Chicago where he heard the premiere of the opera Love For Three Oranges. Yulianna Avdeeva discusses her recording of "The Life of the Machines" by Wladislav Szpilman who was brought to life in Roman Polansky's film "The Pianist" depicting the wartime world of Szpilman playing Chopin at the Warsaw Radio while the bombs fell. Was it realistic? Avdeeva knows members of Szpilman's family. She has been in France to give a recital in Aix-en-Provence and she is off to Rafaael Payare's Montreal Orchestra where she will work with guest conductor Simone Young. She has high praise for the Pittsburgh Symphony and remembers her live broadcast playing Prokofiev with Petr Popelka with special pleasure. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Rafael Payare has been a rising star for more than a decade having worked with Gustavo Dudamel, Claudio Abbado, Daniel Barenboim and Lorin Maazel on his way to the Music Director spot in Montreal and San Diego. In his dressing room with the portrait of former Pittsburgh Symphony Music Director Lorin Maazel looking over his shoulder, he tells Jim Cunningham he loved playing the French Horn in the Simon Bolivar Youth Orchestra, but his life is even richer with two daughters and wife Alisa Weilerstein who sometimes join him for concertos. He has hired thirty new members of the San Diego Symphony at the Jacobs Center after a huge investment has now greatly improved acoustics with a Wall Street Journal headline 'Splendid New Sound' from opening night 2024. His father was a cartographer in Venezuela where Maestro Payare benefited greatly from the Il Sistema training which brought his 'Brother" Dudamel to the front of the orchestra world. Jimmy Lopez' "Peru Negro" has a premiere here in Pittsburgh and he'll lead it in San Diego where Lopez is Composer-in-Residence along with Montreal. Stravinsky's "Rite of Spring" never fails to provide a charge for the conductor who has been described as 'electrifying'.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Principal Guest Conductor of the Metropolitan Opera, Daniele Rustioni, speaks with Jim Cunningham in the Guest Conductor's Dressing Room at Heinz Hall about his program for March 27,28 and 29, with Yefim Bronfman playing the Schumann Concerto, Beethoven's Eroica Symphony and Samuel Barber's School for Scandal Overture. Maestro Rustioni discusses his upcoming concerts, his work in Pittsburgh (including his visit to Carnegie Hall in December 2025 to hear the Orchestra play), and his operatic engagements in Europe. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Piano superstar Yefim Bronfman is a Mets fan. Yefim also loves making his coffee mostly at home in New York when he isn't jetting around China, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Pittsburgh, Boston or wherever great music happens.     He spoke with Jim Cunningham in his dressing room at Heinz Hall after rehearsing the Schumann Concerto. He plays March 27-29 with Daniele Rustioni and the Pittsburgh Symphony. It's their first time working together.     Yefim also talks about his love for the opera but gets to the Met only now and then with his full calendar. He admires Clara Schumann but has not yet played her music. He has met members of the extended Schumann family and Franz Schubert's family was represented in a chance meeting in Los Angeles. Yefim plays the fierce Alfred Schnittke Concerto and music by Mathias Pintscher too but he is a master of the classics of Vienna and Central Europe. Is classical music growing or getting smaller? It is changing, he says while noting that Music Director Andris Nelsons of the Boston Symphony will be all right. It is a big loss to have his contract end after next season.     Pittsburgh is a favorite stop. He's be back next season with Liszt and there is talk of adding one more concert next fall.  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, conducted by Music Director Manfred Honeck, plays Mahler's Symphony No. 2, "Resurrection". WQED-FM's Jim Cunningham spoke with mezzo-soprano Kate Lindsey. She talks about singing with Ying Fang before; her thoughts on the music; and this being her very first time in Pittsburgh, even though she grew up in Virginia. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Music Director Manfred Honeck, plays Mahler's Symphony No. 2, "Resurrection". WQED-FM's Jim Cunningham spoke with soprano Ying Fang. She talks about her work with Manfred Honeck; doing the piece recently with Yannick Nezet-Seguin; performing Mozart's Idomeneo with Manfred at the Met; and her espresso machine she takes on the road with her. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Piano legend, global classical music superstar, and Musical America Artist of the year 2026 Emanuel Ax plays Brahms' First Concerto with Manfred Honeck and the Pittsburgh Symphony this weekend at Heinz Hall! WQED's Jim Cunningham ventured down to Heinz Hall for a chat with Mr. Ax during Friday's rehearsals.   Ax talks about his honors and the memory he has of pianist Arthur Rubinstein at the Rubinstein Competition in Tel Aviv in 1974, as well as the premiere of the John Williams's Piano Concerto written for him and heard with the composer onstage last year in Los Angeles. He remembers many Pittsburgh personalities with great warmth, including Byron Janis, Andre Previn, Lorin Maazel, and Mariss Jansons.   Ax reflects on the Brahms, calling it a piece full of "Hungarian passion," and highlights some of his favorite recordings. He also provides his outlook on the current state of classical music in the public world. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On Friday February 13, 2026, WQED-FM broadcast the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra concert live from Heinz Hall. The concert featured Arturs Maskats "Tango;" Mozart's Violin Concerto No. 5 with soloist Randall Goosby; Barber's Adagio for Strings, and Bernstein's Symphonic Dances from "West Side Story." After the concert, WQED-FM's Anna Singer spoke with Jim Cunningham about the scene in the lobby with the table of WQED giveaways; her thoughts on the concert; and a rundown of the many concerts taking place this weekend in Southwestern PA. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On Friday February 13, 2026, WQED-FM broadcast the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra concert live from Heinz Hall. The concert featured Arturs Maskats "Tango;" Mozart's Violin Concerto No. 5 with soloist Randall Goosby; Barber's Adagio for Strings, and Bernstein's Symphonic Dances from "West Side Story." During intermission, WQED-FM's Jim Cunningham was joined by Music Director Manfred Honeck, who talked about the Mozart and the playing of Randall Goosby; this being the first time he ever conducted the Symphonic Dances by Bernstein; and if Valentine's Day is celebrated in Austria. Jim was also joined by Randall Goosby, who talked about his encore - Coleridge Taylor Perkinson's "Louisiana Blue Strut, A Cakewalk"; playing the Mozart; and how he hopes to come back to Pittsburgh when the weather is warmer so he can play golf at Oakmont! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On Friday February 13, 2026, WQED-FM broadcast the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra concert live from Heinz Hall. The concert featured Arturs Maskats "Tango;" Mozart's Violin Concerto No. 5 with soloist Randall Goosby; Barber's Adagio for Strings, and Bernstein's Symphonic Dances from "West Side Story." Prior to the start of the concert WQED-FM's Jim Cunningham was joined by cellist Charlie Powers, who talked about their post-concert performance of Elgar and Bernstein, and traveling to Florida in a few weeks with a few other members of the Orchestra for a short chamber tour. Jim was also joined by Alejandro Pinzon, who is the director of the Pittsburgh Civic Orchestra. He talked about playing the bandoneon on the first piece in the program - "Tango." 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 Jim Cunningham spoke with PSO guest violinist Josef Spacek making his Heinz Hall debut with the Dvorak Violin Concerto. Spacek spoke about his long relationship with guest conductor Petr Popelka; his work in his native country and arrival in the US at Curtis in Philadelphia before going to Julliard where he studied with Itzhak Perlman. Spacek has worked to develop a new line of violin strings, which he will be playing on his Guarneri del Gesu violin. He spoke about his recent recording of the Martinu concertos and how he found love, marrying an American girl whom he met in France. Spacek says he's delighted to learn about Pittsburgh and hopes to bring his family for a visit soon. 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 Jim Cunningham spoke with returning guest conductor Petr Popelka leading the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra in Brahms' Academic Festival Overture, the Dvorak Violin Concerto and Bartok's Concerto for Orchestra. Maestro Popelka speaks in his dressing room about Pittsburgh's connection to the Bartok Concerto for Orchestra; his work with soloist Josef Spacek; their love of fellow countryman Antonin Dvorak; his successful debut with the Berlin Philharmonic; and his love of radio. 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 was at Heinz Hall for a live broadcast of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra on Friday January 16, 2026. The concert featured guest conductor Dima Slobodeniouk conducting "Flounce" by Lotta Wennakoski and the Sibelius Symphony No. 2, along with Lucas and Arthur Jussen playing the Poulenc Concerto for Two Pianos. WQED-FM's Jim Cunningham was joined by Vice President of Artistic Planning for the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, Mary Persin. She spoke about tonight's concert; the orchestra's outreach program in libraries happening all spring; and upcoming concerts she's looking forward to hosting at Heinz Hall. 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 was at Heinz Hall for a live broadcast of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra on Friday January 16, 2026. The concert featured guest conductor Dima Slobodeniouk conducting "Flounce" by Lotta Wennakoski and the Sibelius Symphony No. 2, along with Lucas and Arthur Jussen playing the Poulenc Concerto for Two Pianos. WQED-FM's Jim Cunningham was joined by guest conductor Dima Slobodeniouk during intermission to talk about the concert; his friendship with Lotta Wennakoski and her piece "Flounce;" working with the Pittsburgh Symphony; conducting Beethoven 9th's in Vienna; and his upcoming engagements. Also joining Jim during intermission were the piano soloists Lucas and Arthur Jussen. They spoke about the Poulenc piece as well their encore; what they will do with their day off before Sunday's concert; and their love of sports. 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 was at Heinz Hall for a live broadcast of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra on Friday January 16, 2026. The concert featured guest conductor Dima Slobodeniouk conducting "Flouce" by Lotta Wennakoski and the Sibelius Symphony No. 2, along with Lucas and Arthur Jussen playing the Poulenc Concerto for Two Pianos. Before the concert, host Jim Cunningham spoke with Principal Contrabassoon James Rodgers who talked about the program; highlights for him for tonight; and a description of our broadcast location backstage. Jim also spoke with violist Sean Juhl who spoke about his new appointment with the Cleveland Orchestra. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra played Copland's "Fanfare for the Common Man;" Beethoven's Violin Concerto with PSO Concertmaster David McCarroll as soloist, and the Shostakovich Symphony No. 5 at Heinz Hall the weekend of December 5th, 2025. WQED-FM was there to broadcast the concert on Sunday December 7th live. After the concert, WQED-FM's Jim Cunningham spoke with violist Sean Juhl about their busy schedule the last week or so. Then, Jim was joined by Principal Horn William Caballero and Principal Oboe Cynthia Koledo DeAlmeida, who spoke about the trip to New York City, playing the Shostakovich Symphony No. 5, their new CD, and their love of WQED-FM. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra played Copland's "Fanfare for the Common Man;" Beethoven's Violin Concerto with PSO Concertmaster David McCarroll as soloist, and the Shostakovich Symphony No. 5 at Heinz Hall the weekend of December 5th, 2025. WQED-FM was there to broadcast the concert on Sunday December 7th live. During intermission, WQED-FM's Jim Cunningham spoke with PSO Music Director Manfred Honeck, who spoke about the rave reviews of the orchestra's concert at Carnegie Hall in New York City earlier in the week and his plans for the holidays. Jim also spoke with soloist and PSO Concertmaster David McCarroll about the Beethoven violin concerto, and the Bach encore he played. Jim was then joined by Pittsburgh Symphony Vice-President of Artistic Planning Mary Persin with a recap of the New York City trip, and what people can look forward to with the Pittsburgh Symphony during the rest of the December. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra played Copland's "Fanfare for the Common Man;" Beethoven's Violin Concerto with PSO Concertmaster David McCarroll as soloist, and the Shostakovich Symphony No. 5 at Heinz Hall the weekend of December 5th, 2025. WQED-FM was there to broadcast the concert on Sunday December 7th live. Before the concert, WQED-FM's Jim Cunningham spoke with PSO violist Tatjana Mead Chamis and PSO Violinist Lorien Benet Hart about the recent trip to New York City, and what to expect from this afternoon's concert. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Violin prodigy Himari makes her debut with the Pittsburgh Symphony on November 28th with Bruch's Violin Concerto No. 1. She joined Jim Cunningham to talk about the Bruch, her first EP with Decca Records, and playing with the Berlin Philharmonic and the Philadelphia Orchestra.Himari began playing the violin at the age of three and by the age of six, was already performing with professional orchestras. In 2022, she became the youngest student admitted to the prestigious Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia, where she now studies under the renowned violinist Ida Kavafian. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

 Houston Symphony Music Director Juraj Valcuha returns to conduct the Richard Strauss "Ein Heldenleben," A hero's Life, which reveals the autobiography of the composer complete with his thoughts on music critics but does it end with a triumph? Not exactly.  It is a giant piece and 45 minutes of delightful music. Maestro Valcuha tells Jim Cunningham in his dressing room after rehearsal on Thursday evening that he has already given the world premiere of the "Liberty Bell" by Julia Wolfe, co-commissioned with Pittsburgh and Houston. The composer will take a bow on stage this weekend. She uses lots of bells in the augmented percussion section. Juraj Valcuha has renewed his Houston contract through 2027 and he is still getting to know the city. Rodeo is on the plan for next year and after leaving Pittsburgh, he'll conduct "A Hero's Life" at Jones Hall at Thanksgiving. He is just back from conducting the Debussy opera "Pelléas and Melisande" in Switzerland for one month working with the Orchestre de la Suisse Romande - famous for hundreds of recordings with Ernest Ansermet. He's a nature lover and he hopes he can enjoy the great outdoors a bit with many dates on his calendar. Pittsburgh is a favorite stop with his grandfather having lived here. He's visited Grandads' final resting place in Pittsburgh and looks forward to more concerts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Just as he left the stage Thursday afternoon at Heinz Hall, Pablo Fernandez talked with Jim Cunningham about his Saint-Saens Cello Concerto No. 1 with Juraj Valcuha and the Pittsburgh Symphony. They've worked together with great success in Paris, he loves working with the Pittsburgh, and remembers well his debut with John Williams in December of 2023. He's been playing the Saint-Saens since he was very young and of course he plays "The Swan" from the Carnival of the Animals as an encore often. He's enjoying this trip and his wife is along for the journey this time. A new recording is on the way and life is good. He had to head off to rehearse for the Saturday Pittsburgh 360 concert where he plays two chamber music masterpieces with members of the orchestra and the audience on stage. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Pianist Helene Grimaud talks with Jim Cunningham about her wide-ranging tour with the Gershwin Piano Concerto marking its 100th anniversary. She recorded it live with David Zinman two decades ago and is delighted to return to it in Pittsburgh, Houston, Washington DC and opening the new era in Cincinnati with Christian Macelaru. She's recently driven across the country from her California home to return to a place in Westchester, New York. A new recording is on the way. She has loved her many concerts with Pittsburgh including tour programs where she brought along her own tuner and Steinway.  In Europe the distances are not too far, so hiring the truck and piano mover is more practical than in the States. In Pittsburgh, she is delighted to play the 24 year old concert grand while the new instrument is smoothing out its freshness. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Domingo Hindoyan makes his Heinz Hall debut with the Pittsburgh Symphony on November 7th and 9th leading "Alegria" by Roberto Sierra, the Gershwin Piano Concerto in F with Helene Grimaud as soloist and the Cesar Franck D minor Symphony. Maestro Hindoyan talks about his family growing up in Venezuela and playing the violin in the youth orchestra which is part of the highly successful training program El Systema. He discusses his new post at LA Opera, his music making in England and much more in this conversation with Jim Cunningham in the conductor's dressing room recorded on Thursday November 6 , 2025. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

She loves being the champion of the new in classical music. Leila Josefowicz, violinist with an Avery Fisher Career Prize and a Macarthur Genius Award, hasn’t found being anointed brainy to be a detriment to her social life or connecting with listeners. She joins Dalia Stasevska for the new Saturday Sessions concert on Saturday October 18, 2025 at Heinz Hall and Friday and Sunday for the Stravinsky Violin Concerto. The Stravinsky requires full concentration with it’s tricky rhythms and furious storms of notes complete with a chord considered briefly unplayable. Drinking Earl Grey tea and wearing a Steelers sweater in the conductor’s dressing room, she spoke with Jim Cunningham about her friendship with  composer John Adams, recent recordings, and what is needed to bring off music of our time. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra Associate Conductor Jacob Joyce joined Jim Cunningham on the QED Morning Show to discuss the Orchestra's first Saturday Session of the season. These concerts bring you iconic classical repertoire in a more guided, approachable way. Jacob hosts from the stage, sharing insights and stories as the music comes to life. Jacob explained what people can expect at this Saturday's session which includes Caroline Shaw's "The Observatory" and Stravinsky's Violin Concerto. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Leaving on a jet plane finds Dalia Stasevska wearing a Metallica t shirt but arriving at Heinz Hall for her Pittsburgh Symphony debut without her luggage. She was projecting teen spirit during this conversation with Jim Cunningham in the guest conductor’s dressing room - after all, her husband plays in a metal band. Metallica worked with the Berlin Philharmonic and both the Symphony Orchestra and metal bands make a mighty roar. She described her efforts for the city of Kiev and Ukraine, the country of her birth, before moving to Finland where she learned music in a distinguished tradition. Now she leads the Lahti Orchestra in Finland and the BBC Symphony Orchestra in London. She’s opened and closed the Last Night of the Proms and has a career on the trajectory of a rocket. Dalia explained that her parents are artists, hippies and named her for the flower the Dahlia. She loves the music of Caroline Shaw which she will dig into this weekend in "The Observatory" along with Sibelius Sixth and his greatest hit Finlandia. Finlandia always touches her heart as does the playing of Leila Josefowicz who has Stravinsky’s Violin Concerto in the concerts October 17th and 19th with the special Saturday Sessions event on the 18th where Jacob Joyce joins Maestra to break it down for the audience. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Francesco Piemontesi returns to Heinz Hall to perform Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 4 with Robin Ticciati conducting the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. He spoke with WQED-FM's Jim Cunningham about the piece, working with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, what he has upcoming in his performance schedule and much more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Music Critic Jeremy Reynolds stopped by our broadcast location to talk to Jim Cunningham about his immediate post-concert thoughts on the season opening concert by the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

During intermission of WQED-FM's live broadcast of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra on September 26, 2025, WQED-FM's Jim Cunningham spoke with Music Director Manfred Honeck, soloist Alexi Kenney about his performance of the Sibelius Violin Concerto, and composer Christopher Theofanidis, whose "Rainbow Body" opened the concert. 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 Jim Cunningham spoke with Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra Assistant Conductor Jacob Joyce about the pre-concert talk he held with composer Christopher Theofanidis. Jacob also talked about the November 2025 concert by the Pittsburgh Youth Symphony Orchestra, in which he is the Artistic Director. Jim also spoke with violinist Karin Hoppo, a member of the Pittsburgh Youth Symphony Orchestra. She played in the lobby prior to the PSO concert and talked about her experience being in PYSO. Finally, Jim spoke with PSO VP of Artistic Planning Mary Persin who gave an overview of the upcoming season. 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 Jim Cunningham spoke with Jeremy Reynolds, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Classical Music Critic, after the Friday June 13, 2025 Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra concert. Jeremy gave his quick review of the concert - he loved the 2nd movement of the Shostakovich and thought Beatrice Rana brought impressive energy to the Mendelssohn Piano Concerto No. 1. He also gives a sneak peak of some upcoming stories he has in the works. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

During intermission of our live broadcast of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra on Friday June 13, 2025, WQED-FM's Jim Cunningham spoke with Music Director Manfred Honeck about the Shostakovich Symphony No. 10; the world premiere of Lera Auerbach's "Frozen Dreams;" and his summer plans. He then spoke with guest pianist Beatrice Rana about the Mendelssohn Piano Concert she just finished playing. She told Jim the encore was a piano arrangement from Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker; playing at the BBC Proms this summer; and she even signed a copy of our latest LP. Jim also spoke with Lera Auerbach - the composer of "Frozen Dreams." She talked about the idea of the piece; her connection to Austria; this being her first time in Pittsburgh even though her music has been performed here before; and the horrific story of her grandfather being taken by the KGB. On a happier note, she talked about the piece she is working on next. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Prior to Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra concert on Friday June 13, 2025, WQED-FM's Jim Cunningham spoke with PSO Violist Stephanie Tretick, who is retiring after 45 years with the orchestra. She talks about her musical journey; memories of the PSO over the years; and how she'll miss visiting hardware stores in different countries on the orchestra tours. Jim also spoke with PSO Principal Tuba Craig Knox, who is celebrating his 20th year with the orchestra. He talks about his moments in the Shostakovich Symphony No. 10; the recording process this weekend; and his plans to visit Scotland over the summer. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Chopin Piano Competition winning pianist Bruce Liu makes his debut at Heinz Hall Friday June 6 and Sunday June 8th with a 360 concert on the 7th playing the Beethoven Piano Concerto No. 3. He sat down in the Grand Lobby at Heinz Hall after the dress rehearsal with Jim Cunningham to talk about the delights of the Beethoven Third. Beethoven was already experiencing hearing trouble playing the Third from memory at the premiere and giving cues that suggested he could not hear the orchestra clearly and the next year 1803 wrote his Heiligenstadt Testament. Bruce describes the challenge and atmosphere of the 2021 Chopin Piano Concerto which he won with his unconventional style. Bruce is appearing at the BBC Proms this summer playing the Tchaikovsky Second Concerto and he hopes for a few moments of quiet to think about his latest music repertoire additions. Bruce speaks about recording a recital in one of the Chopin homes in Paris at the Place Vendome available from DG+ and his CD "Waves" with an all French program. He loves Pittsburgh and working with Manfred Honeck. He got the call to replace Alice Sara Ott just a few days ago when he was playing Prokofiev in Vancouver and just a few days before that he was playing Chopin with Yuraj Valcuha in Houston. Yuraj had told him how much he enjoys Pittsburgh. Bruce tells his story from age 8 in Paris to Montreal and says at age 28 he doesn’t mind when airline personnel confuse him with the martial arts film star Bruce Lee. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Pittsburgh Symphony Guest Conductor Giancarlo Guerrero speaks in the conductor’s dressing room about the program of May 30th through June 1st, which features "Sprout" by Sean Shepherd, the Khachaturian Violin Concerto with Nemanja Radulovic, and the Brahms Fourth Symphony. He tells Jim Cunningham he is delighted to return and thrilled to see Jeremy Black as Concertmaster of the Grant Park Orchestra which he will lead as Music Director for the first time this summer. Maestro Guerrero talks about his enthusiasm for living composers and winning eight Grammy awards championing their music. His work with women composers has been especially successful as Jennifer Higdon mentioned in a recent interview while in town for Pittsburgh Opera. Giancarlo loves country music and has worked with some of the biggest Nashville stars in Music City but he is on to Sarasota with a new hall and Florida sunshine. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Nemanja Radulovic makes his Pittsburgh debut playing the Khachaturian Violin Concerto with Guest Conductor Giancarlo Guerrero May 30th and 31st plus a matinee on June 1st at Heinz Hall. The Serbian born violin virtuoso talks with Jim Cunningham in the grand lobby about his music study in Serbia, Serbian history, his love of Bach and his two Bach CDs, plus his Khachaturian and Rimsky Korsakoff CD. He discusses his two ensembles which he founded - "Double Sens"  and "The Devil’s Trills," his easy rapport with the Pittsburgh Symphony and Giancarlo Guerrero, and provides Serbian and French pronunciation tips. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Vikingur Olafsson speaks with Jim Cunningham in the Heinz Hall Fourth Floor rehearsal Room about his work with Manfred Honeck and the Pittsburgh Symphony playing Brahms First Concerto. He spoke about his path to playing Bach’s Goldberg Variations around the globe more than 88 times, being called the Icelandic Glenn Gould, loving the Musicians of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra since hearing them in Berlin where he performed with Maestro Honeck last year, his extensive radio and tv work, "From Afar" - his cd recorded on both an upright piano and a grand, the Icelandic cuisine curiosity of fermented shark and the liquor known as Black Death. He’s visited the Warhol and Fallingwater and he said he learned to love the US at Juilliard and could not have been more delighted to visit Pittsburgh. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

After our live broadcast, Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra Principal Cello, Anne Martindale Williams, spoke with WQED-FM's Jim Cunningham about the concert; the PSO Disrupt Concert that took place the night before; and how her daughter has changed from playing the cello to practicing medicine. Jim was also visited by Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra President and CEO Melia Tourangeau, who gave a review of the concert; upcoming events she is looking forward to; meeting a musician who was on the PSO's State Department tour from the 1960's; and how she values the relationship between the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra and WQED-FM. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

During intermission of our live broadcast, WQED-FM's Jim Cunningham first spoke with the weekend's guest conductor - Daniele Rustioni, who made his 2nd appearance with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. He talked about the program, getting appointed as Principal Guest Conductor at the Metropolitan Opera and more. He was followed by guest pianist Kirill Gerstein, also making his 2nd appearance with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. He talked about the new take on the Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto No. 1 he played; his encore of the Rachmaninoff Melodie, Op. 3; and his upcoming recordings. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra Associate Conductor Jacob Joyce spoke with WQED-FM's Jim Cunningham before our live broadcast to talk about this evening's concert. He also spoke about the latest news on the Pittsburgh Youth Symphony Orchestra, of which he is the Music Director. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What did Jeremy Reynolds, classical music critic of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, think of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra's concert with conductor Elim Chan and pianist Jan Lisiecki? Listen to his immediate reactions as he spoke with WQED-FM's Jim Cunningham at the end of the concert during our live broadcast of March 7, 2025. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

During intermission of our live broadcast of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, WQED-FM's Jim Cunningham spoke with guest conductor Elim Chan, guest pianist Jan Lisiecki, and PSO Vice-President of Artistic Planning Mary Persin about the just release 2025-2026 Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra season. 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 Jim Cunningham spoke to Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra Horn Michelle Hembree and Principal Contrabassoon James Rodgers prior to the concert of March 7, 2025 which was broadcast live. Both spoke about the concert, working with conductor Elim Chan, significant parts for their instrument in the pieces and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Pianist Emanuel Ax talks with Jim Cunningham about Mozart's 25th Piano Concerto, which he will play February 21st and 23rd at Heinz Hall. He also discusses his return next year to play Brahms' First Concerto with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, his tour with clarinet Anthony McGill from the New York Philharmonic, and his tribute to Sir Andrew Davis in Toronto. Emanuel also highlights his favorite Mozart pianists, and his project of recording all the Beethoven Symphonies with Leonidas Kavakos. He shares stories about his friendships with Peter Serkin and Yo-Yo Ma too. Hear all about it from Emanuel's lips in this episode! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Maestro Manfred Honeck talks about the program for the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra's concert this weekend, on February 21st and 23rd. The program features Hannah Ishizaki's new composition "Spin", Korngold's Symphony in F Sharp, and Mozart's 25th Piano Concerto. He also speaks about how delighted he was to receive an honorary Doctorate at Duquesne University this past week. Manfred looks forward to seeing the newest WQED documentary "A Conversation with Manfred Honeck" on Thursday, February 27th at 8 pm. He had a wonderful conversation with WQED Board Chair Emerita Millie Myers, and hopes everyone enjoys the show. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Composer and violinist Hannah Ishizaki talks about her commissioned music "Spin", which will receive its world premiere at the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra on February 21st and 23rd. Hannah talks about how the Pittsburgh Symphony influenced her as she knew several players growing up in Pittsburgh. She also describes how she wove in electronic dance music, or EDM, into her piece. She even divulges the conversation she had with Manfred Honeck about dance music, like that from the ball season in Vienna. Hannah also speaks about her musical influences, her study in Pittsburgh, her work at Julliard, her travels in Europe, and her mother and father's help in pursuing it all. At 24 years old, the young composer is looking forward to basking in this success, and the many more to come. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Violinist Maria Duenas shares her thoughts on the Saint-Saens Third Violin Concerto with Jim Cunningham. She plays it February 14th, 15th and 16th with Manfred Honeck and the Pittsburgh Symphony. She is delighted to return to Pittsburgh on the very day her new 2-cd set on DG with all the Paganini Caprices is released on cd, download, vinyl, and special edition with Polaroid photos for fans. Is she doing anything romantic for Valentines Day? The handsome gentleman accompanying her on this trip to Pittsburgh was one Valentine—her Father, who said he is very much enjoying the visit. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Composer Carlos Simon talks with Jim Cunningham about his "Four Black Dances," which Manfred Honeck and the Pittsburgh Symphony will record for the Reference label on Valentines weekend 2025 along with the Dvorak New World Symphony. He also speaks about his Passion of Mary Cardwell Dawson music written for Sandra Seaton’s play as performed in Pittsburgh with Pittsburgh Opera and Washington DC. What he’s working on next and his admiration for Manfred Honeck and the Pittsburgh Symphony, his post at the Kennedy Center as Composer in Residence all weave into the discussion in the Grand Lobby at Heinz Hall after his rehearsal. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Maestro Elder talks with Jim Cunningham in the lobby of the Fairmont Hotel downtown Pittsburgh about his Pittsburgh Symphony concerts of January 31st and February 2nd, 2025 with principal Oboe Cynthia Koledo de Almeida playing Vaughan Williams Oboe Concerto, Pohjohla’s Daughter by Sibelius, and the Shostakovich Symphony No. 15. What does it all mean? The William Tell Overture quote, Wagner, and self reference along the way. Even with comments from Shostakovich's son Maxim that we’re in a musical toy box of childhood and suggestions that Shostakovich is mourning the deaths of Stalin’s victims we still don’t have all the answers. Sir Mark discusses his new post in Valencia Spain, his work with the BBC Proms, his statement about the Gulf War that was “blown completely out of proportion “ and resulted in his removal from the concert. He chooses some career highlights of working with living composers such as Thomas Ades and Harrison Birtwhistle, mentions his joy working with Jose Carreras and Placido Domingo, recording a highly praised Wagner Ring Cycle and many other amazing nights from his four decades with the Halle Orchestra, touring with English National Opera and making hundreds of records which encompassed a complete Vaughan Williams Symphony cycle. He is amazed at the composer’s talent, loves the Pastoral Sixth which is much more than “cows looking over the gate,” and has loved his concerts with the Pittsburgh Symphony. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Maria Duenas talks with Jim Cunningham about her new 2-cd set with the complete Paganini Caprices and related caprices, one a world premiere by Gabriela Ortiz. Also the Jordi Cervello Milstein Caprice. It's to be released on Valentines Day, when she returns to Heinz Hall to play the Saint-Saens Third Concerto with Manfred Honeck and the Pittsburgh Symphony. She discusses her award winning recording of the Beethoven Concerto with Manfred Honeck for DG and accepting the award on national TV in Berlin for the ZDF network. You can get the new disc in a two-disc vinyl set or in a Fanbox. What's in the box? Maria has the scoop. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.