Voice of the Arts

The Chautauqua Institution are gearing up for their 2026 season! Chief Program Officer Deborah Sunya Moore speaks with Jim Cunningham about upcoming events, including WQED's two visits to the campus. WQED's first trip to Chautauqua is on July 2nd for an evening with Sutton Foster and Kelli O'Hara. They will give a talk in the morning, followed by an opening night performance with the Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra. Deborah talks the many activities and amenities available, including theater and opera performances, classes, lakeside trails, and more. She also teases the rest of the season, including lectures from Ken Burns and Neil deGrasse Tyson, and WQED's second trip for Carl Orff's Carmina Burana on July 25th. Find more information about An Evening with Sutton Foster & Kelli O'Hara and Carmina Burana and explore all that Chautauqua has to offer on the Chautauqua Institution'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.

Pittsburgh Festival Opera presents The Three Tenors this weekend at Carnegie Music Hall in Oakland. General Manager/Artistic Director Marianne Cornetti, conductor Christopher Franklin, and the three tenors, John Osborn, Victor Cardamone, Greg Kunde, spoke with Anna Singer live on the QED Afternoon Show about the concert. The program combines music by Placido Domingo, Luciano Pavarotti and José Carreras for the first ever Three Tenors concert in Pittsburgh. John, Victor, and Greg talk about participating in this performance and share their favorite pieces. Christopher discusses the challenge of rehearsing this eclectic program, which includes 26 pieces. Marianne explains how the concert came together and invites concertgoers to the reception following the performance. Join Pittsburgh Festival Opera for this magical performance this Sunday, June 28th at 3:00pm at Carnegie Music Hall in Oakland. More information and tickets are available on Pittsburgh Festival Opera'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 River City Brass Band will play at Mellon Park this Sunday, June 28th as part of Bach, Beethoven and Brunch! Artistic & General Director James Gourlay and Principal Euphonium Algirdas Matonis joined Jim Cunningham live on the QED Morning Show to chat and play. The band will play a variety of marches, classic rock, and other quintessential American tunes. Algirdas talks about coming to Pittsburgh from Lithuania and finding a home with River City Brass. James praises the musical evolution of the band, and runs through their other upcoming performances this summer. James and Algirdas also played two pieces, arranged for tuba and euphonium, live in the WQED-FM recording studio. They began with Bach's "Air on the G String" and continued WQED-FM's 9:05am Mozart tradition with the Horn Duets. Join River City Brass for a "Brass-tacular" concert this Sunday, June 28th at 10:30am in Mellon Park. You can find more information and check out the rest of this summer's Bach, Beethoven and Brunch lineup on the City of Pittsburgh website. Thanks for tuning in to WQED's Voice of the Arts, Pittsburgh's trusted source for arts and culture in our region. Whether you're passionate about classical music, film, theater, opera, or local music, we’re here to bring you closer to the heart of Pittsburgh's local arts scene.Don’t miss our musician interviews, the latest local music news, and performing arts insights from across the Southwestern Pennsylvania region. Subscribe and follow to stay connected with the vibrant voices shaping Pittsburgh’s creative community. Visit https://www.wqed.org/ to see what else WQED is doing in our community. Until next time, keep supporting the arts and keep listening to Voice of the Arts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Students from Carnegie Mellon University's Preparatory School will participate in a Concerto Fest! Luz Manriquez, Director of the school's Piano Division, and her student Alex Shen speak with Jim Cunningham about the performances. There are 25 young performers involved, ranging from age 7-18. They will each play one movement of a concerto. Luz, along with her colleagues Sung-Im Kim and Amaury Morales, serve as the orchestra.  Alex and Luz also play the final movement of Alexander Peskanov's Concerto No. 5 for Piano and Orchestra, which Alex will play at the Concerto Fest. The Preparatory School's first Concerto Fest performance is on Sunday, June 28th at 5:00pm at CMU's Kresge Theater. A second performance follows on Sunday, July 12th at 5:00pm. More information is available on Carnegie Mellon University's website. Thanks for tuning in to WQED's Voice of the Arts, Pittsburgh's trusted source for arts and culture in our region. Whether you're passionate about classical music, film, theater, opera, or local music, we’re here to bring you closer to the heart of Pittsburgh's local arts scene.Don’t miss our musician interviews, the latest local music news, and performing arts insights from across the Southwestern Pennsylvania region. Subscribe and follow to stay connected with the vibrant voices shaping Pittsburgh’s creative community. Visit https://www.wqed.org/ to see what else WQED is doing in our community. Until next time, keep supporting the arts and keep listening to Voice of the Arts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Acclaimed sleight-of-hand artist Dan Kamin brings THE MAGIC LESSON to the Greer Cabaret Theater! He speaks with Anna Singer about the show. Dan talks about finding inspiration from gamblers, card sharks, and con-men, and adapting his magic-making during the COVID-19 pandemic. He also remembers learning body movement from Jewel Walker at Carnegie Mellon University. THE MAGIC LESSON is an intimate magic show that marks Dan's return to downtown Pittsburgh. Join Dan Kamin for THE MAGIC LESSON at the Greer Cabaret Theater next weekend. Performances take place on Friday, June 25th at 7:30pm, Saturday, June 26th at 7:30pm, and Sunday, June 27th at 7:30pm. More information and tickets are available on the Cultural Trust'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 Orchestra is on an eleven-day international concert tour of Greece. The tour will feature four concerts in Thessaloniki, at the Amphitheatre in Ancient Phillipi (UNESCO Site), Volos, and Athens. During a break in rehearsal before their first concert of the tour, WQED-FM's Jim Cunningham spoke with Music Director Jacob Joyce, violinist Eloise Johnson, trumpet Evan Lavalee, and Executive Director Bill Powers. They each talked about the trip so far, any sights they've enjoyed seeing, and the music they are looking forward to playing the most. 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.

Bach, Beethoven and Brunch kicks off this weekend, and the East Winds Symphonic Band serves as this summer's opener! Conductor Susan Sands and co-founder/euphonium player Roger Schneider speak with Bryan Sejvar about the band and their concert program. Roger recounts the history of the band, which is celebrating its 45th anniversary this year. Susan joined the band as an oboe player in 1988 and began conducting two years later. She runs through program, which celebrates America's 250th with arrangement of Star-Spangled Banner, Shenandoah, Sousa's Liberty Bell March, and more. Susan and Roger also talk about how special it is to perform at Bach, Beethoven and Brunch. Join the East Winds Symphonic Band at 10:30am this Sunday, June 21st at Bach, Beethoven and Brunch in Mellon Park! More information about this summer's series is available on the City of Pittsburgh website. Thanks for tuning in to WQED's Voice of the Arts, Pittsburgh's trusted source for arts and culture in our region. Whether you're passionate about classical music, film, theater, opera, or local music, we’re here to bring you closer to the heart of Pittsburgh's local arts scene.Don’t miss our musician interviews, the latest local music news, and performing arts insights from across the Southwestern Pennsylvania region. Subscribe and follow to stay connected with the vibrant voices shaping Pittsburgh’s creative community. Visit https://www.wqed.org/ to see what else WQED is doing in our community. Until next time, keep supporting the arts and keep listening to Voice of the Arts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

RESCHEDULED: Performances of The Cowboy Evolves have been rescheduled to the following dates: Monday, July 13 at 7pm - City of Asylum Tuesday, July 14 at 7:30pm - Vanka Murals, St. Nicholas Croatian Catholic Church in Millvale   Chamber Music Pittsburgh presents their 2026 Pittsburgh Performs series! Jim Cunningham speaks with PSO Paul J. Ross Fellow bassoonist Carlos Clark, PSO violinist Jennifer Orchard, and violinist Omari Abdul-Alim about the programs. The first concert is titled A Hip Hop 250, featuring singer-songwriter-producer INEZ and the Guardians of Sound Hip Hop Orchestra. Omari talks about working with INEZ and arranging hip hop for orchestra. Carlos curated the second program, The Cowboy Evolves: Journeys Through the Music of Americas, which highlights music by Florence Price, Miguel del Águila, Villa Lobos, and Wynton Marsalis. There are two chances to see each concert, with four total performances across four different venues. Tickets are pay-what-you-wish. For more detailed information, visit 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.

Resonance Works present a new version of Gounod’s Roméo & Juliette. Anna Singer spoke with conductor/producer Maria Sensi Sellner, director Justin Lucero, and the actors playing our star-crossed lovers, Ben Werley and Helen Zhibing Huang, live on the QED Afternoon Show about the production. Maria talks about creating this version of the opera with Justin and bringing it to the New Hazlett with Resonance Works' orchestra. Justin discusses the interactive staging and performing Shakespeare in a modern context. Helen and Ben tell Anna how they prepare for these roles, and pick some favorite moments. Anna, Maria, Justin, Ben, and Helen also listen to an excerpt of a duet from Act 4. Roméo & Juliette will be at the New Hazlett Theater on Friday, June 19th at 8:00pm and Sunday, June 21st at 3:00pm. More information and tickets are available on Resonance Works' website. Thanks for tuning in to WQED's Voice of the Arts, Pittsburgh's trusted source for arts and culture in our region. Whether you're passionate about classical music, film, theater, opera, or local music, we’re here to bring you closer to the heart of Pittsburgh's local arts scene.Don’t miss our musician interviews, the latest local music news, and performing arts insights from across the Southwestern Pennsylvania region. Subscribe and follow to stay connected with the vibrant voices shaping Pittsburgh’s creative community. Visit https://www.wqed.org/ to see what else WQED is doing in our community. Until next time, keep supporting the arts and keep listening to Voice of the Arts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Blairsville Chamber Music Festival returns this weekend! Blairsville Chamber Music Society's Executive Director Sarah Marshall and Artistic Director Avital Mazor spoke with Anna Singer live on the QED Afternoon Show about the concert lineup. Sarah explains how the festival got its start, and moving back to her hometown from New York City. Avital talks about this year's program, spanning five concerts. The festival begins on Friday, June 19th with Vivaldi's Four Seasons, followed by a concert of Viennese music on Sunday, June 21st. Their America 250 program on Thursday, June 25th serves as the world premiere of music by festival musician Owen Dodds. The grand finale takes place on Sunday, June 28th and features Mozart's Grande Sestetto Concertante and Mendelssohn's Octet. Anna, Sarah, and Avital also listen to a recording of the fourth movement from Brahms' First Piano Quartet, captured at BCMS's April 2026 concert. Get to Blairsville for a week of chamber music! Performance details and tickets can be found on the Blairsville Chamber Music Society 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.

Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre and the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra come together this weekend for Aaron Copland's Appalachian Spring. PBT Artistic Director Adam McKinney speaks with Anna Singer by phone about the collaboration. PBT will perform Mark Godden’s choreography, Angels in the Architecture, which is a tribute to communities of the Shaker religious sect. The performance will feature the set pieces from the ballet's premiere of Angels in Architecture earlier this year. Adam talks about how special it is to dance with live musicians, and the beauty of Copland's music. Don't miss this spectacular collaboration between the PSO and Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre. Performances take place at Heinz Hall on Friday, June 19th at 7:30pm, Saturday, June 20th at 7:30pm, and on Sunday, June 21st at 2:30pm. More information and tickets are available on the Pittsburgh Symphony's website. Thanks for tuning in to WQED's Voice of the Arts, Pittsburgh's trusted source for arts and culture in our region. Whether you're passionate about classical music, film, theater, opera, or local music, we’re here to bring you closer to the heart of Pittsburgh's local arts scene.Don’t miss our musician interviews, the latest local music news, and performing arts insights from across the Southwestern Pennsylvania region. Subscribe and follow to stay connected with the vibrant voices shaping Pittsburgh’s creative community. Visit https://www.wqed.org/ to see what else WQED is doing in our community. Until next time, keep supporting the arts and keep listening to Voice of the Arts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

French Moderns: Matisse / Renoir / Degas opens at The Frick Pittsburgh on June 20th! Chief Curator & Director of Collections Dawn Brean and Director of Learning & Visitor Experience Kelsie Paul spoke with Anna Singer about bringing the exhibition and its surrounding programs to life. Dawn talks about the curatorial process, which begins with an idea and manifests as crates of artwork. Some of the featured artists--in addition to the eponymous three--include Paul Cézanne, Marc Chagall, and Gabriele Münter. Kelsie delves into the many opportunities to engage with the exhibition. Museum goers can attend art history lectures, evening tours, workshops, a concert given by pianist Leslie Amper, and more. French Moderns: Matisse / Renoir / Degas will be on view through October 11th. You can find more information about the exhibition and explore its connected programs 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.

A rare staging of Shakespeare's Hamlet, based on the first quarto, will be at the University of Pittsburgh's Rauh Theater this weekend! Director Jeremy Seghers and actor Ayden Freed speak with Melissa Black about the show. The first quarto, infamously referred to as the "bad quarto," is the earliest and least known text of Hamlet. Jeremy talks about why he wanted to tackle this version of the play and the key differences between Q1 and the first folio. Ayden, who graduated from Point Park University this past spring, plays Hamlet, and explains taking on the character and the rehearsal process. Ayden also performs Hamlet's soliloquy from Act 1 Scene 2. Don't miss your chance to see this rare staging of Shakespeare's earliest version of Hamlet. "Hamlet: The Bad Quarto" will be at the Richard E. Rauh Theater, located in the basement of the University of Pittsburgh's Cathedral of Learning. The show opens this weekend, June 19th and runs through June 28th. More information and tickets are available through Eventbrite. 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.

Happy Pride Month, neighbors! In this episode, local drag artist Kaydence McQueen sits down with WQED Digital Correspondent Nick Tommarello to chat about Pittsburgh's drag culture and her Pride activities. Kaydence was drawn to drag through gender expression, and she enjoys combining her passion for theater and fashion in her performances. Kaydence takes Nick through what goes into creating her drag performances, whether the process starts with a certain look, song, or story she wants to tell. Nick and Kaydence comment on Pittsburgh's unique drag scene, which they say focuses less on pageantry and more on uplifting identity. Pittsburgh drag is built on connection and kindness. Kaydence recommends P Town Bar (where she hosts performances every Monday night), Blue Moon, and 5801 as top spots to see drag shows. 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 Lindsay Theater's 2026 summer season is bringing back the 90s! Their Director of Communications and Media Relations, Josh Axelrod, stopped by the WQED-FM studio to chat with Anna Singer about the lineup. The series opens with Jerry Maguire, which celebrates its 30th anniversary this year. It also commemorates 35 years of Boyz N the Hood and Thelma & Louise. And, of course, Jurassic Park, Ghost, Basic Instinct, The Pelican Brief, and The Mask. Josh and Anna highlight what makes these films special, touch on fly fishing in A River Runs Through It, and champion the enduring appeal of cinema. The Lindsay is also continuing its other exciting programs. On Thursday, June 18th, Phillip "DJ Big Phill" Thompson will present a documentary about the history of Black comic book culture. And on Friday, June 19th 7:30pm John "Buzz" Moyer, a Sewickley native, will give a talk about his work on Steven Spielberg's upcoming film, Disclosure Day. There are two opportunities to see each of the nine movies in the series. For showtimes and ticket details, visit the Lindsay Theater's website. Thanks for tuning in to WQED's Voice of the Arts, Pittsburgh's trusted source for arts and culture in our region. Whether you're passionate about classical music, film, theater, opera, or local music, we’re here to bring you closer to the heart of Pittsburgh's local arts scene.Don’t miss our musician interviews, the latest local music news, and performing arts insights from across the Southwestern Pennsylvania region. Subscribe and follow to stay connected with the vibrant voices shaping Pittsburgh’s creative community. Visit https://www.wqed.org/ to see what else WQED is doing in our community. Until next time, keep supporting the arts and keep listening to Voice of the Arts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Bach, Beethoven, and Brunch returns to Mellon Park this summer! The City of Pittsburgh's Special Events Coordinator Melissa Culbertson speaks with Bryan Sejvar about the lineup. East Winds Symphonic Band kicks off the series on June 21st, followed by River City Brass, TRYPO, the Pittsburgh Symphony, and Academy Concerts. Melissa explains the selection process for performers, bringing young musicians to the series, and the various brunch activities. All programs are free, with free parking available near the park. Bach, Beethoven, and Brunch concerts take place every Sunday from 10:30am-12:00pm. The series takes a week off on July 5th to celebrate the July 4th holiday. Performance details and more information is available 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.

Renaissance City Winds hosts an America 250 concert this weekend! Bassoonist and composer R. James Whipple and organist Mark Brampton Smith speak with Jim Cunningham about the program. The concert features a touring program, which includes John Knowles Paine's "variations on Star-Spangled Banner," Joseph Haydn's "St. Anthony Chorale", and a piece by Jim Whipple called "Wedding Music for Kensington." Mark and Jim talks about the venue's rebuilt pipe organ and their respective careers. Jim, Mark, and Jim also listen to recordings made by Renaissance City Winds: "The Vale of Dreams" and "The Night Winds" from Charles Tomlinson Griffes' Three Tone-Pictures, and "Co-motion," the third movement of Maria Thompson Corley's Sextet in C's. The concert will take place at St. Anthony Church in Troy Hill on Friday, June 12 at 7:30pm. Tickets are a $20 suggested donation. More information is available on Renaissance City Winds' 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 Mariposas Galácticas is an 8-piece Cumbia Klezmer Punk band from Philadelphia, PA. Combining band members’ South American and Jewish ancestries, the band creates a unique diasporic sound that gets audiences everywhere dancing with rebellious joy. By honoring their Indigenous Andean musical roots, blended together with punkified ancient Jewish melodies, the band plays a mixture of original and classic tunes that span different languages, cultures, and genres. The band plays the Three Rivers Arts Festival on Saturday June 13th at 4pm on the Arts Landing Dollar Bank Stage.  WQED-FM's Melissa Black spoke to members Maria Paz Ordoñez (lead vocals, acoustic guitar), Gary Galapagos (lead electric guitar), and Ariel Goodman (clarinet, vocals) about the groups musical identity; where they band started; and what Pittsburghers can expect from their show.    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.

Thousand Bridges Opera returns to the Margaret Partee Performing Arts Center for their 2026 Pride Month performance! Anna Singer spoke live on the QED Afternoon Show with co-founders Alicia Jayourba and Bridget Johnston, and cast members Denver Perdomo, Zachary Dean Smith, and Brienne Sharo. On the bill are the world premiere of Jodi Goble's Sirens vs Amazons, a sapphic rom-com, and a genderqueer English adaptation of Jacques Offenbach's Isle of Tulipatan. Bri, Zach, and Denver tell the story of Tulipatan, and talk about their characters. Bridget did a new translation for this adaptation, and Alicia directs. Bridget directs Sirens. Join Thousand Bridges Opera for "delightfully queer" performances this weekend, Friday, June 12th and Saturday, June 13th. They'll be at the Margaret Partee Performing Arts Center in Bellevue at 7:30pm both evenings. More information and tickets can be found on Thousand Bridges' 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 Sacred Nine Project will be at The Woods House in Hazelwood tomorrow evening with a program titled Foster's Foils. Anna Singer speaks with creator C. Leonard Rayban and tenor Robert Frankenberry about the event. This program celebrates Stephen Foster's 200th birthday and serves as a commemoration of his work, while condemning his personal choices. "Nelly Bly" (Nelly Brown) appears in the program, which includes spirituals, abolitionist contemporary music, and original compositions. Leo and Rob will perform in a vocal quartet with collaborative pianist Ellen Fast, and featuring Regina YC Garcia as Nelly Bly. Regina will also read some of her own poems. Leo and Rob also recorded a mash-up Foster's piece, "Where is Thy Spirit Mary," which has strong connections with the Woods House, and Vincenzo Bellini's "Vaga luna, che inargenti." Foster's Foils takes place tomorrow, June 9th, at The Woods House in Hazelwood. Doors open at 6:00pm, followed by a dinner and book discussion with author Christopher Lynch, and the performance. The evening is sold out. More information is available at Sacred Nine Project'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.

This summer, WQED celebrates Rick Sebak's 50 years in public television! Rick hopped over to the WQED-FM studio to chat with Anna Singer live on the QED Afternoon Show about his illustrious career. Rick started out in public broadcasting as a summer intern at South Carolina Educational Television in 1973. He worked on a children's program there hosted by Josie Carey, called "WHEEE." Rick also shares some of his memorable WQED programs and extends thanks to all of the crew members he's worked with over the years. Every Thursday night this summer at 9:00pm, WQED will broadcast two hours of Rick Sebak specials! The first program, on June 11th, includes Rick's Kennywood Memories, That Kennywood Year, and Don't Stand Up. Summer of Sebak programs will re-air on Saturdays at 1:00pm, and you can stream all of Rick's material on WQED+. 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.

Joe Negri loved Pittsburgh, and touched the lives of so many Pittsburghers. This week, WQED Executive Producer Minette Seate and WQED-FM's Jim Cunningham spoke with friends of Joe who worked with him on Mister Rogers' Neighborhood, as a performing musician, and as an educator. Bill Isler, who served as President and CEO of Fred Rogers Productions in the 1980s, tells Minette about working with Joe on Mister Rogers, his kindness and love for sharing music with others. Jim speaks with Margy Whitmer, a producer on Mister Rogers' who was in the studio with Joe, Fred, and the whole neighborhood, about her favorite memories with Joe. Marty Ashby, Executive Producer at Manchester Craftsmen's Guild, remembers the first time he heard Joe play. He says Joe was always genuine; whether he was performing at Heinz Hall or at a preschool, he always found joy in entertaining people. And Tom Roberts, among many things a pianist, worked with Joe on multiple projects, and praised his ability to bring out the inner child in each of us. He shares with Minette a recording of a solo Joe did with Shep Fields' reed band on the tune "Sheik of Araby." WQED will air a special tribute to Joe tonight, 6/4 at 9:00pm, titled Joe Negri: A Homemade Musician. The film follows his rise from a young music lover to jazz innovator, guitar educator, and Fred Rogers regular. 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 Concert Society presents pianist Leslie Amper for their season finale Alumni Concert this Sunday at 2:00pm. Leslie speaks with Jim Cunningham about her program, a multimedia performance that will feature Schumann's Kreisleriana. Interspersed between Kreisleriana’s eight movements will be spoken excerpts from their many letters in which Robert and Clara reveal their dreams, struggles and their intense love of music and for each other. Leslie will also accompany a short film, Stolen Heart (Das Gestohlene Herz, 1934), an animation by Lotte Reiniger, with children's music by Robert Schumman. Leslie Amper will be at Carnegie Mellon University's Kresge Theater on Sunday, May 7th at 2:00pm. More information and tickets are available on the Pittsburgh Concert Society'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.

Mandolin virtuoso Carlo Aonzo comes to Third Presbyterian Church in Shadyside this Thursday for the season finale of Music at Third! Music Director Lenny Young visited the WQED studio to speak with Anna Singer live on the QED Afternoon Show about the program. Aonzo, sometimes referred to as the "ambassador of the mandolin," is a globally renowned performer and educator from Savona, Italy. He will play music from the golden age of mandolin music, at the turn of the twentieth century, as well as an original composition and more. Lenny shares with Anna what he loves about Aonzo's playing and the excellence of the mandolin outside of folk settings. This marks the first concert in the Music at Third series which platforms an international musician. Lenny and Anna also listen to a recording of Aonzo playing Raffaele Calace's Preludio No. 10, Op. 112, from his 2025 CD, The Timeless Voice of the Mandolin. Carlo Aonzo will be at Third Presbyterian Church at 7:30pm this Thursday, June 4th. 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.

Squonk will premiere their new show, Joy Machine, this weekend at the Three Rivers Arts Festival! Co-founder and Artistic Executive Director Jackie Dempsey speaks with Melissa Black about the production. Squonk have been putting on interactive multimedia performances for over 30 years, and Joy Machine calls for the most audience participation yet. Participants will be able to express their musical talent on the drum wall, help build Joy Machine's giant puppet, and take flight during the performance's finale. Jackie takes Melissa through this project's life, from conception and music composition to and rehearsals. Following the festival, Joy Machine will go on tour, making stops in Beaver, Greensburg, and Oakland before visiting other states. Don't miss Squonk at the Three Rivers Arts Festival! There are five chances to catch the performance: Friday, June 5th at 7:00pm; Saturday, June 6th at 1:00pm & 5:00pm; and Sunday, June 7th at 1:00pm & 5:00pm. More information is available on the Cultural Trust'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.

It’s been a sad few days in the neighborhood since we heard of the passing of our dear friend Joe Negri this past Saturday, just a few days shy of his 100th birthday. To remember and honor his legacy as a jazz guitarist and lifelong music educator, WQED-FM would like to share excerpts from two interviews with Joe, celebrating career achievements and sharing fond memories of his time on Mister Rogers' Neighborhood. Also included is an interview with Michael Feinstein, who recorded a CD with Joe and spoke very highly of him. April 2013: Jim Cunningham spoke with Joe ahead of a tribute concert honoring him at Duquesne University. Joe shared with Jim his start as a studio musician, and how the character "Handyman Negri" made his appearance on Mister Rogers' Neighborhood. He also recounted playing with the bandleader Shep Fields, and recording with Leo Strini and the Pittsburgh Pops Orchestra. August 2018: Joe received a proclamation from then-mayor Bill Peduto declaring July 21st, 2018 "Guitar Day with Joe Negri." He sat down with Jim Cunningham to talk about his years at Duquesne and his performing career. He remembered notable Mister Rogers' musical guests, including Yo-Yo Ma, Tony Bennett, and Wynton Marsalis. Joe also named his musical heroes. June 2011: Michael Feinstein spoke with Jim Cunningham ahead of his concert, "The Sinatra Project," with the PSO Pops. Joe was featured on Feinstein's CD Fly Me to the Moon, and performed selections from the album at the concert. Feinstein praised Joe's dexterity, youthful energy, and musical prowess. To our beloved friend, thank you for sharing your love of music with us, all of southwestern Pennsylvania, and the rest of the world. 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.

City Theatre's current production, Hedwig and the Angry Inch, has been extended through June 14th! Treasure Treasure, who plays Hedwig, stopped by WQED to chat with Anna Singer about the show. Treasure tells Anna about the challenging rehearsal process and warm reception from audiences. She details bringing Hedwig to life, both in Treasure's portrayal of the character, and the show's set design and Pittsburgh references. Hedwig is an experience like no other, and Treasure encourages viewers to take in that energy. After the production, Treasure looks forward to taking the summer off to camp with friends along the GAP Trail. Hedwig and the Angry Inch is now showing at the Greer Cabaret Theater through June 14th. Performance details and tickets are available on City Theatre's website. Thanks for tuning in to WQED's Voice of the Arts, Pittsburgh's trusted source for arts and culture in our region. Whether you're passionate about classical music, film, theater, opera, or local music, we’re here to bring you closer to the heart of Pittsburgh's local arts scene.Don’t miss our musician interviews, the latest local music news, and performing arts insights from across the Southwestern Pennsylvania region. Subscribe and follow to stay connected with the vibrant voices shaping Pittsburgh’s creative community. Visit https://www.wqed.org/ to see what else WQED is doing in our community. Until next time, keep supporting the arts and keep listening to Voice of the Arts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Fred Rogers Institute at St. Vincent College is hosting a concert that features the pianos of Fred and Joanne Rogers on Wednesday, June 3rd at 7:30pm! The Institute's Director, Emma Swift Lee, speaks with Jim Cunningham about the evening. The concert will feature pianists Gloria Cook and Cynthia Lawing, and marks the first time these pianos have been played publicly. Gloria and Cynthia will start the evening with "It's a Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood" by Fred's nephew Daniel Crozier, an arrangement of music from Mister Rogers' Neighborhood. The rest of the program has been selected by the pianists and remains a surprise. "Sounds of the Neighborhood" is just one of many events happening in Latrobe throughout the week of June 1st. It is part of Mister Rogers Family Days, includes a farmers' market, children's story times, art & magic shows, and an illustration workshop with WQED's own Joe Wos! The concert is free to attend, and guests are highly encouraged to register online beforehand. More information about the event and the registration form are available on the Fred Rogers Institute's website. This concert will be recorded by WQED-FM for re-broadcast as part of Performance in Pittsburgh. 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.

New Product Company comes to the Cultural Trust's newest venue, Three Stories, with Whistleblowers! Writer and director Spencer Byham-Carson speaks with Jim Cunningham about the play. Five employees at a fictional aerospace company are forced into a mandatory empathy course. When a whistleblower scandal goes public mid-session, the exercises stop being hypothetical. What follows is darkly funny, politically sharp, and uncomfortably human.​​ Spencer tells Jim about what inspired him to write this story, and how the cast has transformed the play, and his thoughts on the current state of theater in Pittsburgh. Whistleblowers opens tonight, May 28th at Three Stories, located at 937 Liberty Ave, and runs through Saturday, May 30th. More information and tickets are available on New Product Company's website. Thanks for tuning in to WQED's Voice of the Arts, Pittsburgh's trusted source for arts and culture in our region. Whether you're passionate about classical music, film, theater, opera, or local music, we’re here to bring you closer to the heart of Pittsburgh's local arts scene.Don’t miss our musician interviews, the latest local music news, and performing arts insights from across the Southwestern Pennsylvania region. Subscribe and follow to stay connected with the vibrant voices shaping Pittsburgh’s creative community. Visit https://www.wqed.org/ to see what else WQED is doing in our community. Until next time, keep supporting the arts and keep listening to Voice of the Arts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Karla Boos, Founder and Artistic Director of Quantum Theatre, will be leaving the company at the end of 2026 after triumphant 36 years. She joined Jim Cunningham to talk about the new season, and her retirement. For her final show with Quantum, Karla will direct a production of Shakespeare's The Tempest from July 17th through August 23rd. She tells Jim why she chose it and gives her thoughts on the play. Karla and Quantum have a long relationship with Shakespeare, the playwright making his first appearance with the company for Antony and Cleopatra in 1997. In addition to The Tempest, Quantum will also show Liza Birkenmeier's radio island (Oct. 23 - Nov. 15), and the world premiere of Morag Shepard's Cassandra (Apr. 9 - May 2, 2027). Karla was born in Las Vegas and grew up in West Virginia before settling in Pittsburgh. She received her undergraduate degree from the University of Pittsburgh, then pursued a Master of Fine Arts at California Institute for the Arts. In her 36 years with Quantum Theatre, she has directed thirty percent of its 106 productions. You can read more about Karla's retirement and check out Quantum Theatre's upcoming season on their website. Thanks for tuning in to WQED's Voice of the Arts, Pittsburgh's trusted source for arts and culture in our region. Whether you're passionate about classical music, film, theater, opera, or local music, we’re here to bring you closer to the heart of Pittsburgh's local arts scene.Don’t miss our musician interviews, the latest local music news, and performing arts insights from across the Southwestern Pennsylvania region. Subscribe and follow to stay connected with the vibrant voices shaping Pittsburgh’s creative community. Visit https://www.wqed.org/ to see what else WQED is doing in our community. Until next time, keep supporting the arts and keep listening to Voice of the Arts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Celebrate the grand finale of TRYPO’s season at Heinz Hall on Saturday, May 23rd at 7:00pm! Music Director Brian Worsdale stopped by the WQED-FM studio to chat with Anna Singer about the concert. Classical QED's Jim Cunningham will host the evening, which brings together all of TRYPO's large ensembles! Brian talks about the program, which includes works by Arturo Márquez, Saint-Saëns, and Frank Ticheli, and concludes with Shostakovich's Fifth Symphony. The concert will also feature their Concerto Competition winner, guest artists, and the return of TRYPO alumni to the stage—making it a true celebration of the past, present, and future of the organization. Don't miss TRYPO tomorrow night at Heinz Hall! More information and ticket details are available on TRYPO'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.

On Sunday May 17th, 2025 - WQED-FM broadcast the Pittsburgh Youth Symphony Orchestra concert live from Heinz Hall. Jacob Joyce conducted music by Respighi, Rachmaninoff and Bernstein. During intermission, Jim Cunningham spoke with PYSO Music Director Jacob Joyce. He spoke about the first half of the concert, the dedication of the kids in the orchestra, the upcoming tour to Greece, and the Respighi which is coming up in the second half. Jim also spoke with cellist Albert Dong, who was the winner of the 2025-2026 Season Conducting Competition. Albert conducted the opening music on the concert - the Beethoven Overture to The Creature of Prometheus. Jim asked Albert about conducting the Bernstein, his experience in the PYSO, and his background in music. 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.

On Sunday May 17th, 2025 - WQED-FM broadcast the Pittsburgh Youth Symphony Orchestra concert live from Heinz Hall. Jacob Joyce conducted music by Respighi, Rachmaninoff and Bernstein. Prior to the concert, Jim Cunningham spoke with A.J. Schmidt, a member of the PYSO Flute section. He spoke about his experience in the Youth Orchestra, being a Senior at Franklin Regional High School, attending Rice University for music in the Fall, and flute highlights in the program. Jim also spoke with PYSO Executive Director Bill Powers, who is moving on to be General Director of Pittsburgh Opera after this concert. Bill spoke about the amazing nature of the kids that make up PSYO, as well as their upcoming tour of Greece. 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.

Hear "Rhapsody in Blue" by George Gershwin on the mighty organ of East Liberty Presbyterian Church with the powerful pianist Nathan Carterette as the Arsenal Duo plays a free concert on Sunday May 17th at 3pm. Organist Edward Alan Moore and pianist Nathan Carterette joined Classical QED morning host Jim Cunningham to talk about the concert with new music dedicated to the duo, Cesar Franck for the organ, and Bach for the piano. The duo have full details about the concert, the history of the ensemble, plus the story of their recent American Guild of Organists concert in Las Vegas, Nevada where Nathan now makes his home. The conversation also includes an excerpt from their Gershwin recorded at the Stambaugh Auditorium in Youngstown Ohio and Bach recorded at CMU. 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.

Pianist Chaeyoung Park makes her Pittsburgh debut on Sunday, May 17 at 3:00pm at the Kresge Theater at Carnegie Mellon University for the Steinway Society of Western Pennsylvania. She explains in this conversation with Jim Cunningham how she put together Beethoven's Tempest Sonata with Ravel's La Valse as a combination of the storm with dance, adding Spanish pieces by Albeniz, Granados and Mompou plus Olivier Messaien. Chaeyoung was born in Korea but grew up in Lawrence, Kansas, then studied at Juilliard. She has had a great run with the most prestigious festivals including, Gilmore Rising Artists, Arthur Rubinstein, the Young Concert Artists and the Van Cliburn. Chaeyoung talks with Jim about how her Korean heritage as shaped her. She also shares what she loves about New York, where she is based. Chaeyoung will be moving to New Haven, Connecticut soon to pursue a doctorate at Yale University. More information about Chaeyoung's appearance with the Steinway Society, and tickets to the concert, can be found on the Steinway Society'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 Lindsay Theater has an upcoming screening of Robert Cochrane's Boys of Summer: Short Stop, the third installment of his documentary series chronicling precious time spent with his father, Dan Cochrane, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2001. Robert joined Jim Cunningham from California to talk about the film. For this screening, the Lindsay is partnering with the Parkinson Foundation Western Pennsylvania, for which Robert has been a keynote speaker. Robert hopes Short Stop will raise awareness of Parkinson's disease and help raise money for research and cure development. The docuseries follows a baseball theme, corresponding with a promise made between Robert and his father to visit all of the baseball parks in America. Robert tells Jim about their trips, recounting some of his favorite moments from PNC Park. Short Stop also features an appearance from late Pirates legend Dave Parker, who lived with Parkinson’s disease for 13 years before his death in June 2025. You can see Boys of the Summer: Short Stop at the Lindsay Theater in Sewickley this Sunday, May 17th at 1:00pm. More information about the screening, the PFWPA, and tickets are available on the Lindsay'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 Millvale Music Festival takes place this weekend, May 15th & 16th! Anna Singer spoke with collaborators for concerts taking place at St. Nicholas Croatian Church about the festival's classical music programming. St. Nicholas is the home of the murals of Maxo Vanka. Becky Gaugler, Director of Education for the Society to Preserve the Millvale Murals of Maxo Vanka, talks about the ongoing restoration of the murals and the church's Croatian history. Jordan Speranzo will conduct the Millvale Festival Orchestra on Friday, May 15th at 5:30pm. The program includes music from Nancy Galbraith, Wagner, and Mahler. Jordan explains how he chose the program, his obsession with Mahler, and studying with Nancy Galbraith. The concerts at St. Nicholas are presented by CutTime Productions. Mr. CutTime, Rick Robinson, highlights other performances, which include the St. Michael the Archangel Schola Cantorum and Trubaduri on Friday, and PSO cellist Charlie Powers, Nat 28, and CutTime Simfonica on Saturday, May 16th. The CutTime Simfonica will play Mozart, Bach, Beethoven, and some of Rick's original compositions. Check out the full festival schedule on the Millvale Music Festival website. Thanks for tuning in to WQED's Voice of the Arts, Pittsburgh's trusted source for arts and culture in our region. Whether you're passionate about classical music, film, theater, opera, or local music, we’re here to bring you closer to the heart of Pittsburgh's local arts scene.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.

Phipps Conservatory opens their new show, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, this weekend! Associate Director of Exhibits Jordyn Melino stopped by to chat with Anna Singer live on the QED Afternoon Show about the exhibit. Jordyn takes Anna through the process of bringing an exhibit to life. She started thinking about Alice in Wonderland two years ago, planning how to transform the original Lewis Carrol illustrations into plant sculptures. Jordyn's team builds topiaries, an internal metal frame wrapped in chicken wire, which is then covered in moss, to create the structure of the sculptures. Jordyn highlights parts of the show, including the Cheshire Cat, falling down the rabbit hole, and her favorite, a gardening caterpillar. Alice's Adventures in Wonderland opens at Phipps Conservatory this Saturday, May 16th and runs through September 27th. Tickets are available on Phipps' website, and at the conservatory's welcome center. 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 Arts & Lectures recently announced its 2026-2027 season! Executive Director Sony Ton-Aime joined Anna Singer live on the QED Afternoon Show to talk about the series and other upcoming lectures. There are four upcoming June lectures, featuring Winchester Thurston alum Alec Karakatsanis, Michael Lowenthal (Place Envy), Lisa Olszak Zumstein (The Brady's Bend Flood of 1980), and Isaac Fitzgerald (American Rambler). The first three are free to attend. The ticket cost to Isaac Fitzgerald's lecture includes a copy of American Rambler. George Saunders opens the 2026-2027 season on September 14th, 2026. The series features 10 evenings connecting award-winning authors with the community. Highlights include Min Jin Lee (Pachinko), Emily St. John Mandel (Station Eleven), Booker Prize-winning author Douglas Stuart, and 25th U.S. Poet Laureate Arthur Sze. Pittsburgher Deesha Philyaw wraps up the season on May 10th, 2027. You can learn more about Pittsburgh Arts & Lectures and subscribe to the upcoming season on their website. Thanks for tuning in to WQED's Voice of the Arts, Pittsburgh's trusted source for arts and culture in our region. Whether you're passionate about classical music, film, theater, opera, or local music, we’re here to bring you closer to the heart of Pittsburgh's local arts scene.Don’t miss our musician interviews, the latest local music news, and performing arts insights from across the Southwestern Pennsylvania region. Subscribe and follow to stay connected with the vibrant voices shaping Pittsburgh’s creative community. Visit https://www.wqed.org/ to see what else WQED is doing in our community. Until next time, keep supporting the arts and keep listening to Voice of the Arts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Grand Teton Music Festival Orchestra recently released a new recording of Mahler's Fifth Symphony! Music Director Sir Donald Runnicles joined Jim Cunningham from Berlin to talk about the CD. Sir Donald discusses the orchestra's high caliber, the involvement of musicians from various major orchestras including Pittsburgh, and the evolution of the festival's recording agenda, highlighting the partnership with Reference Recordings and the technical improvements in their recording process. He elaborates on the interpretive aspects of Mahler's Fifth Symphony, particularly the Adagietto and the prominent trumpet and horn solos, and shared insights into the challenges and artistry involved in performing the work. Sir Donald also hails the unique qualities of the Grand Teton Music Festival, its rehearsal structure compared to other festivals, and its appeal to both American and European audiences. You can learn more about the recording and purchase the CD on the Grand Teton Music Festival'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.

QED's Jim Cunningham ventured to City of Asylum's campus to speak with their recently appointed Executive Director, Andrés Franco, about his transition, the organization's mission, and their 2026 Jazz Poetry programming. Andrés previously served as the organization's Executive Director from 2020-2023, and comes back to City of Asylum after wrapping up his role as Executive Director of Attack Theatre. He recounts the story of the global City of Asylum movement, which was started by writer Salman Rushdie, and the founding of its Pittsburgh chapter. City of Asylum is currently presenting their Jazz Poetry month, a long-standing tradition which combines the improvisational nature of jazz music with multi-cultural poetry readings. Performances are at 7:00pm on May 7th, May 14th, and May 21st. You can learn more about City Asylum on their website. Tickets to all City of Asylum programs are free; RSVP to the Jazz Poetry performances and more here. Thanks for tuning in to WQED's Voice of the Arts, Pittsburgh's trusted source for arts and culture in our region. Whether you're passionate about classical music, film, theater, opera, or local music, we’re here to bring you closer to the heart of Pittsburgh's local arts scene.Don’t miss our musician interviews, the latest local music news, and performing arts insights from across the Southwestern Pennsylvania region. 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 North Hills Chorale has their 2026 spring concert this weekend at St. Vincent Hall at the Vincentian Learning and Engagement Institute. The choir's manager Tara Berdik speaks with Jim Cunningham about their program, "America in Harmony, 250 Years of Song." Featured on the program are American favorites, including the Star-Spangled Banner, God Bless America, and Shenandoah. Tara's favorite is "The Midnight Ride Paul Revere," a seven-minute piece which has been a fulfilling challenge for the choir. Tom Koharchik serves as the Music Director of the choir, which was founded in the 90s and has grown to over 50 members. The North Hills Chorale will be at St. Vincent Hall on McKnight Road on Friday, May 8th at 7:30pm and on Sunday, May 10th at 2:00pm. A small reception will follow, featuring a cookie table. Admission is free, and you can find more information on the North Hills Chorale'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.

Beth Corning, Artistic Director, choreographer, and performer for Corningworks, presents the latest installment of her Glue Factory Projects, Foolish Assumptions. Beth sat down with Anna Singer to speak about the production. The Glue Factory Projects are original productions created by Beth that feature dancers over 40 years old. Foolish Assumptions examines the "foolish assumptions" we as people make about each other. Beth stars in the performance alongside Evan Fisk, with an extremely sparse stage (just two dancers and two chairs). Beth tells Anna that the story of the performance is entirely up to the audience--what we assume about the plot and characters will be drawn from our own biases. The dance will be accompanied by a wide variety of music, from Beethoven to contemporary pieces. Foolish Assumptions will open on the weekend of May 14th at Point Park University's George Rowland White Theatre and runs through the following weekend, May 20th-23rd. Performance details and tickets are available on the Corningworks 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 Bach Choir recently wrapped up their 2025-2026 season with "Oscar Nods!" Assistant Director Jon Erik Schreiber and Choir President Tybe Brett spoke with Anna Singer live on the QED Afternoon Show about their upcoming event, Sing Democracy 250. Sing Democracy 250 is a national choral odyssey commemorating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. It will feature performances by choir across the country; the Bach Choir will host their concert at the O'Reilly Theater on July 3rd. Jon Erik will share conducting duties with Artistic Director Thomas Douglas. Jon Erik and Tybe are opening a call for Pittsburgh singers to join the Bach Choir for this performance. Anyone is welcome to participate, and community members are encouraged to contact [email protected] to express their interest in joining. Singers who are members of other choirs can contact their Artistic Directors, who have received registration forms for their choir members. Rehearsals begin on May 19th at Rodef Shalom's Levy Hall. Keep an eye out for more information on the Bach Choir's website. You can learn more about Sing Democracy 250 and find all of the music for the program on their website. Thanks for tuning in to WQED's Voice of the Arts, Pittsburgh's trusted source for arts and culture in our region. Whether you're passionate about classical music, film, theater, opera, or local music, we’re here to bring you closer to the heart of Pittsburgh's local arts scene.Don’t miss our musician interviews, the latest local music news, and performing arts insights from across the Southwestern Pennsylvania region. Subscribe and follow to stay connected with the vibrant voices shaping Pittsburgh’s creative community. Visit https://www.wqed.org/ to see what else WQED is doing in our community. Until next time, keep supporting the arts and keep listening to Voice of the Arts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ginger Brooks Takahashi is the only Pittsburgh-based artist that will be featured in the 59th Carnegie International! WQED Digital Correspondent Nick Tommarello ventured down to the Carnegie Museum of Art to speak with Ginger about her International exhibition. Ginger's work for the exhibition includes a garden of perilla frutescens, a plant in the mint family that is a staple of Japanese and Korean cuisine. Through her art, she examines the importance of perilla to the Japanese and Korean diaspora. Perilla is considered an invasive species to many areas in the United States, and Ginger has created a companion piece that will be featured inside the museum, which compares language used in reference to invasive species to the xenophobic language used in reference to migration. You can see Ginger's garden and companion artwork as part of the 59th Carnegie International. The International opens May 2nd and runs through January 3rd, 2027. Learn more about Ginger's work and explore other featured artists on the CMOA'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.

Chamber Orchestra of Pittsburgh have commissioned a new piece for their 2026 season finale concert! Composer Trevor Weston, Artistic Director Edward Leonard, and Executive Director Andrew Swensen sat down with Anna Singer live on the QED Afternoon Show to talk about the program. Trevor speaks about his piece, Steel City Sounds, which draws inspiration from August Wilson, Billy Strayhorn, and Franco Harris's Immaculate Reception. The concert will also feature performances from COP's two Young Artist Concerto Competition winners and Beethoven's Symphony No. 2. Eddie and Andrew give a run-down of COP's upcoming season, which has just been announced. Chamber Orchestra of Pittsburgh will wrap up their season this Saturday, May 2nd at 7:30pm at Rodef Shalom's Levy Hall. Performance details and tickets can be found on COP'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.

Christine Brondyke, Executive Director of the Sweetwater Center for the Arts in Sewickley, stopped by the WQED-FM studio to chat with Anna Singer about the organization. Sweetwater celebrated its 50th anniversary last year, and it continues to be the epicenter of Northwest Pittsburgh's arts community. Christine talks about their recent move into the old Sewickley post office, their new brand campaign, and their mission as a nonprofit to serve all members of the community. She also discusses Sweetwater's mobile art unit, SweetRide, a retrofitted truck that takes their programming out into the community. Christine takes Anna through the different programs offered by the center, including summer camps, and a multitude of classes. Their new space has multiple galleries inside, one of which featured an exhibition of Anna's own art. Their current Mezzanine Gallery exhibition is called Crafted in the Valley: Contemporary Voices in Appalachia and includes the work of 38 local, regional, and national artists. You can learn more about the Sweetwater Center for the Arts, explore programs & classes, and make a donation on their website. Thanks for tuning in to WQED's Voice of the Arts, Pittsburgh's trusted source for arts and culture in our region. Whether you're passionate about classical music, film, theater, opera, or local music, we’re here to bring you closer to the heart of Pittsburgh's local arts scene.Don’t miss our musician interviews, the latest local music news, and performing arts insights from across the Southwestern Pennsylvania region. Subscribe and follow to stay connected with the vibrant voices shaping Pittsburgh’s creative community. Visit https://www.wqed.org/ to see what else WQED is doing in our community. Until next time, keep supporting the arts and keep listening to Voice of the Arts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

SERIO has an upcoming production of Gaetano Donizetti's opera, Don Pasquale, opening May 8th! Founder Louisa Jonason, director Rebecca Kerr, and tenor George Milosh sat down with Anna Singer live on the QED Afternoon Show to talk about the show. Louisa, who will be leading the production from the keyboard, explains her history with Don Pasquale and praises the cast's talents. George is returning to SERIO after appearing in their production of La Bohème as Rudolfo. He will sing Ernesto in this opera. The production will be at the Cultural Trust's newest venue, Three Stories, on Liberty Ave. Rebecka talks about moving into that space and opera's place in Pittsburgh's arts community. SERIO will be at Three Stories in the Cultural District with Donizetti's Don Pasquale May 8th-10th. Friday and Saturday's performances are at 7:30pm, with Sunday's matinee at 2:00pm. Get tickets here. Thanks for tuning in to WQED's Voice of the Arts, Pittsburgh's trusted source for arts and culture in our region. Whether you're passionate about classical music, film, theater, opera, or local music, we’re here to bring you closer to the heart of Pittsburgh's local arts scene.Don’t miss our musician interviews, the latest local music news, and performing arts insights from across the Southwestern Pennsylvania region. 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.

Prime Stage Theatre will present the world premiere of the stage adaptation of Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson. Playwright Tammy Ryan sat down with Melissa Black to talk about the show. Speak follows Melinda, a teenage girl who struggles with sexual assault and uses art to find her voice. Tammy talks about adapting the story for the stage, working with the production's director, Dana Hardy Bingham, and how the cast of young actors has taken on the project. She details the decision to cast both sides of Melinda, having one actor for her outward self and one for her inner voice. You can see Speak, opening this weekend, at the New Hazlett Theater. Friday, May 1st is a pay-what-you-can preview night, with the official opening night on Saturday, May 2nd at 7:30pm. A discussion with the author of the book will following the opening performance. Speak returns the following weekend, May 8th-10th. More details and tickets can be found on both Prime Stage Theatre's website and the New Hazlett'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 59th Carnegie International, If the word we, opens this weekend on Saturday, May 2nd and will run until January 3rd, 2027. Senior Director of Marketing and Communications for the Art and History Museums Stefanie Cedro Mohr and Carnegie Museum of Art Director of Education and Public Programming Dana Bishop-Root spoke with Jim Cunningham live on the QED Morning Show about the exhibition. Dana explains the meaning of the exhibition's title, If the word we, as an intentional vehicle for communal listening and learning. The Museum of Art is collaborating with the Children's Museum, Kamin Science Center, the Mattress Factory, and the Thelma Lovette YMCA for this year's International. Stefanie and Dana talk about participating artists and artwork, including sculpture, installation, musical performances, and animation. Jim, Stefanie, and Dana also listen to excerpts from Bizet's Carmen, which features in the International. Learn more about the 59th Carnegie International at the Carnegie Museum of Art'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.