Voice of the Arts

Pittsburgh Opera presents the World Premiere of "Time to Act" at the Bitz Opera Factory from February 28th through March 8th. The opera follows a group of high school students preparing for a production of Sophocles’ Antigone, who are joined by a new student, Alona, who comes with a formidable secret. WQED-FM's Anna Singer spoke with Timothi Williams, who sings the role of Alona. Timothi talks about her character, what its like to be back in high school; and how its an interesting time to be doing this opera since her child has just begun going to school. Thanks for tu...

Pittsburgh Opera presents the World Premiere of "Time to Act" at the Bitz Opera Factory from February 28th through March 8th. The opera follows a group of high school students preparing for a production of Sophocles’ Antigone, who are joined by a new student, Alona, who comes with a formidable secret. WQED-FM's Anna Singer spoke with Shannon Crowley, who sings the role of Bailey. Shannon talks about her character; learning a brand new opera, and her costume. 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 ab...

Pittsburgh Opera presents the World Premiere of "Time to Act" at the Bitz Opera Factory from February 28th through March 8th. The opera follows a group of high school students preparing for a production of Sophocles’ Antigone, who are joined by a new student, Alona, who comes with a formidable secret. WQED-FM's Anna Singer spoke with conductor Michael Sakir. Michael talked about working with composer Laura Kaminsky in the past; the orchestration of the opera; and where he will be set up in the production. Thanks for tuning in to WQED's Voice of the Arts, Pittsburgh's trusted source for arts an...

Pittsburgh Opera presents the World Premiere of "Time to Act" at the Bitz Opera Factory from February 28th through March 8th. The opera follows a group of high school students preparing for a production of Sophocles’ Antigone, who are joined by a new student, Alona, who comes with a formidable secret. WQED-FM's Anna Singer spoke with composer Laura Kaminsky, who talked about her initial reluctance to compose the music; being back in Pittsburgh to present this World Premiere; and how her psychology degree helps her in composition. Thanks for tuning in to WQED's Voice of the Arts, Pittsburgh's trusted source fo...

Pittsburgh Opera presents the World Premiere of "Time to Act" at the Bitz Opera Factory from February 28th through March 8th. The opera follows a group of high school students preparing for a production of Sophocles’ Antigone, who are joined by a new student, Alona, who comes with a formidable secret. WQED-FM's Anna Singer spoke with Crystal Manich, the opera's librettist. Crystal talked about the origins of the story; working the composer Laura Kaminsky; and being able to present this in Pittsburgh. Thanks for tuning in to WQED's Voice of the Arts, Pittsburgh's trusted source for arts and culture in ou...

Jim Cunningham speaks with Charlie Peck, now in his second year on the faculty at the University of Pittsburgh Music Department. Two of his latest creations will be played by the The Bergamot Quartet, a rising star on the American contemporary music scene, joined by virtuoso percussionist Ji Hye Jung for a concert of new acoustic and electronic music. The event marks the world premiere of a kinetic, new multimedia project by Peck, where the musicians perform impossible music by augmenting their live performance with video. The program will also include dynamic works by Tania León, Joseph Schwantner, and n...

Third Presbyterian Church's Spring 2026 Music at Third series continues with "Ché Bandonéon!" Music Director Lenny Young joined QED's Anna Singer live to talk about the program.

The bandonéon is the instrument of the tango, a concertina instrument which resembles the accordion. "Ché Bandonéon!" will be a solo recital featuring Argentinian bandonéon player Rodolfo Zanetti. On the program are traditional Argentinian songs, as well as classical pieces from Bach and Schubert. Lenny talks about bringing Rodolfo to Pittsburgh through his wife, Raquel, who is also from Argentina, and Third Presbyterian's collaboration with Pittsburgh Tango Connec...

Running at Contemporary Craft right now is Peregrination, the art of Chinese Canadian artist Xiaojing Yan. Contemporary Craft’s Director of Visual Engagement Yu-San Cheng spoke with QED’s Melissa Black about the exhibition.

Born in Jiangsu, China, Xiaojing moved to Toronto to further her education and career, and she received her master’s degree in sculpture from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Yu-San talks about Xiaojing’s journey and how she transforms migration, memory, and identity into material art.

Peregrination is on view now through May 2nd. Contemporary Craft gallery admission is free. Find more informat...

Can business be creative? WQED producer Nick Zaller sat down with owner and Creative Director of The Boredom Set Coffee Company, Q, to chat about how much artistic expression is involved in running a coffee business.

Q talks about the message behind Boredom Set, “create to spite boredom,” and how owning his own business has allowed for creative freedom and artistic expression. Q also tells Nick about his coffee journey, learning to love the creative process, and his view on the Pittsburgh barista scene.

The Boredom Set has two cafe locations: in Market Square downtown, and...

The Pittsburgh Symphony plays Bruckner's Eighth Symphony this weekend! Music Director Manfred Honeck joined Jim Cunningham live on the QED Morning Show to talk about the program.

Maestro Honeck discusses the questions surrounding death that Bruckner was fixated on. The Eighth Symphony, nicknamed The Apocalyptic, especially looks beyond life, reflecting the paths and conflict of the human journey in each of its movements. The symphony's performance will be recorded by the Reference label, and Maestro Honeck will also be honored with a Medal of Honor from the Bruckner Society of America.

Jim and Maestro Honeck...

The Westmoreland Symphony Orchestra serves up a Valentine's Musical treat this Saturday, 7:30pm at the Palace Theater. Music Director Daniel Meyer conducts Copland's "Rodeo" and Randall Thompson's Symphony No. 2, while Janice Carissa will play the Gershwin Rhapsody in Blue. Westmoreland Symphony Executive Director Mike Rozell and pianist Janice Carissa stopped by the QED Morning Show to talk about his weekend's concert. Thanks for tuning in to WQED's Voice of the Arts, Pittsburgh's trusted source for arts and culture in our region. Whether you're passionate about classical music, film, theater, opera, or local music, we’re here to bring you closer to...

The Three Rivers Young Peoples Orchestra presents their Wind Symphony and Percussion Ensemble at the South Fayette High School at 1:30pm on February 14th, and at 7pm with "A Pops Evening with Jesse Nager." Jesse and Brian Worsdale, Music Director, join Jim Cunningham to discuss the program and Jesse's career in Mamma Mia, Good Vibrations, Mary Poppins, Motown and Stephen Sondheim's Being Alive which was directed by Billy Porter. Jesse remembers working with Mariah Carey, Shania Twain and Patty Labelle; his early years at the University of Michigan; being raised in the Jewish tradition; and his work on YouTube in...

Chatham Baroque has an upcoming concert which features “Lisette quitté la plaine,” the oldest known song text in early Haitian Creole. Baritone Jean Bernard Cerin, who serves as the Director of the Voice Program at Cornell University, joined QED's Anna Singer over the phone to talk about the program.

Jean-Bernard speaks about his research on Haitian classical music and how he came across the Lisette poem. The text was traditionally set to the popular baroque French melody “Que ne suis-je la fougère,” but recordings of an edition with this tune, to Jean-Bernard's knowledge do not exist. He talks a...

The Pittsburgh Youth Symphony have a concert this Sunday, February 15th! Music Director Jacob Joyce joined Jim Cunningham live on the QED Morning Show to talk about the program.

The program includes Mozart’s Symphony No. 31 “Paris Symphony,” Beethoven’s Leonore Overture No. 3, and concludes with Richard Strauss’s epic tone poem Don Juan. The concert also features PYSO violinist Karin Hoppo, the winner of PYSO's 2025-26 season Concerto Competition, performing the first movement of Sibelius’s Violin Concerto in D minor, Op. 47.

In addition to the concert, Jacob also talks about the importance of youth orchestras...

The Frick Pittsburgh's upcoming exhibition is Lewis Hine Pictures America! QED's Melissa Black spoke with Lauryn Smith, Assistant Curator, and Kelsie Paul, Director of Learning and Visitor Experience, about the exhibition.

Lauryn gives an overview of who Lewis Hine was and his work photographing industrial America, immigrants at Ellis Island, and his participation in the Pittsburgh Survey, which helped bring about the first child labor laws in the United States. She also explains her role in curating, bringing on exhibit designer Quaishawn Whitlock, and the role of photojournalism in social reform both in history and today.

The next installment in the Bach Choir's Cirque du Cinéma series is a program called Never Silenced, which pairs the music of J.S. Bach with the revolutionary silent films of Charlie Chaplin. Artistic Director Thomas Douglas joined Anna Singer live to talk about the concert.

Thomas explains the method behind this pairing, bridging the gap between two artistic eras and genres. The films Caught in a Cabaret and A Night in the Show will be screened. The choir will accompany the films with Bach's vocal music, including "Jesu, meine Freude," and "Omnes generationes" from the M...

Artistic Director of Academy Concerts Warren Davidson's newest project is HaydnBurgh: an ambitious concert series featuring all of Haydn's string quartets! Warren spoke with Jim Cunningham about the project.

Warren talks about how special Haydn is as a composer, and the variety of emotions his pieces evoke. His string quartets were not intended for concert halls, but rather "rooms" in private homes, and it wasn't until later in Haydn's life that they were performed in public concerts. Warren points out the difference in approach and performance between the early and late quartets.

The first two...

The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra has announced its 2026-2027 season! Vice President of Artistic Planning Mary Persin joined Jim Cunningham live on the morning of the announcement for an exclusive preview.

This exciting season includes artist, composer, and conductor debuts, world premieres, and new PSO commissions. The symphony will also celebrate the 200th anniversary of Beethoven's death in March 2027, and an all-Mozart weekend in April 2027, including two film showings of Amadeus with live orchestra.

The 26/27 season also highlights Pittsburgh and PSO musicians: Principal Tuba Craig Knox will perform the World Premiere of a PSO-commissioned tuba concerto...

Pittsburgh pianist and silent film composer Tom Roberts returns to WQED’s Voice of the Arts podcast!

Among many musical projects, Roberts is known for composing original live scores to some of Charlie Chaplin’s earliest films, which he will perform at his upcoming concert called “Chaplin by Candlelight," presenting his work from films including The Rink, The Pawn Shop, Kid Auto Races at Venice, and One A.M. Roberts talks with Giovanni Mori about the performance, as well as the process of creating his scores to capture Chaplin’s vision.

The performance will take place at...

The Chamber Orchestra of Pittsburgh welcomes their friends Voces Solis for a special collaboration! Artistic Director Edward Leonard and Voces Solis Artistic Director Ryan Keeling joined Jim Cunningham live on the QED Morning Show to talk about the concert.

The program highlights Mozart's Solemn Vespers, Paul Moravec's "Songs of Love and War," as well as pieces from Barber, Beethoven, and English composer Roxanna Panufnik. Eddie and Ryan talk about each of the pieces and composers, chamber music, and Voces Solis as an ensemble.

Also heard is a piece from the Chamber Orchestra's November 2025 concert.

Early music rock band, Ruckus, makes their Pittsburgh debut with bass-baritone, Davóne Tines! Founder and Artistic Director Clay Zeller-Townson, spoke with Jim Cunningham about the program, which marks the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

"What is Your Hand in This?" brings together George Frederick Handel with Stephen Foster's "Beautiful Dreamer," "Chester" by William Billings, spirituals and Frank Sinatra's "The House I Live In." Davóne Tines sings, as does the Lemington Gospel Chorale, conducted by Reverend Deryk Tines, who is the cousin of Davóne Tines. Pittsburgh will be the grand fin...

The City of Pittsburgh celebrates Black History Month by honoring businessman John B. Vashon and the legacy of the Vashon Family. Jim Cunningham speaks with Paul N.D. Thornell, great-great-great-grandson of John B. Vashon, about his family and the reception.

Paul provides background on his family history, detailing the work that John B. Vashon did for the Pittsburgh community, including abolitionist activism and founding a school for Black children. John B. Vashon’s son, George B. Vashon, was the first Black graduate of Oberlin college, the first Black lawyer admitted to the New York Bar, and an edu...

Aria412 presents I Hear America Singing, a film by Daren Hagen! Two of the stars, Robert Frankenberry and Aria412 co-founder Desiree Soteres, spoke with Jim Cunningham about the screening.

Robert and Desiree star alongside baritone Christopher Scott in this third installment of opera films by Daren Hagen. Robert calls it a blend of "independent film and opera music theater performance," rather than a filmed show for broadcast. He and Desiree talk about their respective characters, bringing the film to life, and working with Daren. The opera was created by Aria412, and The New Mercury Players produced the...

The next artist in the Andrew Carnegie Free Library & Music Hall's Studio Jazz Series is vocalist Chantal Joseph! Chantal and Marlee Gallagher, Executive Director of the Library & Music Hall, spoke with WQED's Melissa Black about the show.

Marlee provides background on the studio series and teases their upcoming Mardi Gras celebration with Phat Man Dee. Chantal talks about the program, which will include some jazz standards with a twist, fun instrumentation, and soul elements. Chantal will be joined on stage by pianist Daniel May and George Heid III on percussion. She also walks Melissa through her musical...

The second show in New Hazlett Theater's Community Supported Art series is Agnus Teaches Acting. Co-creators Treasure Treasure and Lucas Fedele chat with Emily Brunner about the show.

Treasure and Lucas talk about writing Agnus with Zanny Laird, drawing from each of their own experiences in the theater world. The play follows Agnus Stephenson, an overbearing and unapologetic acting teacher. The trio wrote the play as a comedic take on acting school and bold character study. Treasure, who stars as Agnus, calls it an "acting workshop within a play within a musical fever dream."

They...

The Greensburg Civic Theatre presents Godspell! WQED-FM volunteer Steve Kinsell went on-site to chat with Music Director Eric Barchiesi about the show.

This widely acclaimed musical tells the story of the Gospel according to St. Matthew, using an eclectic blend of songs to recount Jesus's life. Eric talks about the appeal of variety in the music and the privilege of working with this cast and crew. He also emphasizes the importance of Godspell's message in today's world.

Godspell runs at the Greensburg Civic Theatre from Friday, February 6th through Sunday, February 8th. Friday and Saturday's...

CMU Opera's production of Mozart's La Clemenza di Tito runs this weekend at the Philip Chosky Theater. Maestro Robert Frankenberry stopped by the studio to talk with Anna Singer about the opera.

Rob tells the story of the opera's commission and Mozart's writing process, including the influence of famous poet Caterino Mazzolà on the libretto. Anna and Robert were also joined by four singers, who performed two pieces from La Clemenza di Tito. Soprano Jihyon Baig, who portrays Servilia, sings the aria "S'altro che lagrime." Soprano Megan Thomson (Vitellia), mezzo-soprano Isabelle Hoyou (Annio), and baritone Holden Seward (P...

DEJA Magazine's Art Director, Chloe Paris Simpson, stopped by the studio to chat with WQED producer Nick Zaller about print media, the Pittsburgh arts scene, and her new documentary film, Take Up Space.

Chloe talks about the importance of physical media, working with Mark Bluemle, the DEJA's Editor in Chief, and fostering a live music scene in Pittsburgh's Oakland neighborhood. She relates the positive community response to DEJA's first issue, how the magazine intertwines with the music venue, Haven, and hopes it can be a space for arts coverage and growth.

Chloe also plugs an...

Pittsburgh Opera presents Benjamin Britten's "Curlew River" January 24th through February 1st at Calvary Episcopal Church in Shadyside. WQED-FM's Anna Singer spoke with Logan Wagner, who sings the role of the Madwoman. 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.  Subsc...

Pittsburgh Opera presents Benjamin Britten's "Curlew River" January 24th through February 1st at Calvary Episcopal Church in Shadyside. WQED-FM's Anna Singer spoke with Erik Nordstrom, who sings the role of the Ferryman. 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.  Subsc...

Pittsburgh Opera presents Benjamin Britten's "Curlew River" January 24th through February 1st at Calvary Episcopal Church in Shadyside. WQED-FM's Anna Singer spoke with Stage Director Dana Kinney, who said it was a challenge to figure out how to present the opera. 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 perf...

Pittsburgh Opera presents Benjamin Britten's "Curlew River" January 24th through February 1st at Calvary Episcopal Church in Shadyside. WQED-FM's Anna Singer spoke with Pittsburgh Opera Music Director Antony Walker about the piece, saying he's not a conductor in the traditional sense. 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 perf...

In 2025, Computer Reach celebrated its 25th anniversary! Executive Director Dave Sevick speaks with Jim Cunningham about helping bridge the "digital divide" and improving digital literacy.

Dave talks about his work as an Apple consultant and using those skills to help his local school district, which inspired him to start Computer Reach. Computer Reach makes technology available to people most in need through refurbished equipment, computer literacy, training, and support. Dave discusses working with communities in the East End, where Computer Reach is headquartered, and reaching individuals throughout the Greater Pittsburgh area. He also encourages listeners to donate...

Professor Greg Jackson, creator of the podcast History That Doesn't Suck!, joins the Westmoreland Symphony Orchestra for Unlikely Union: A Storytelling Symphony of America, a live experience combining history and music. Greg and Westmoreland Symphony Executive Director Michael Rozell joined Jim Cunningham live on the QED Morning Show to talk about it.

Greg discusses the content of the program, covering 100 years of American history, starting right here in the Ohio River Valley during the formation of our country and going all the way up to the Civil War. Michael talks about the original score that was developed...

Chatham Baroque's upcoming concert showcases the musical journey and influence of Queen Christina of Sweden! Managing and Artistic Director Scott Pauley and soprano Pascale Beaudin joined Anna Singer live on QED's afternoon show to talk about the program.

Pascale and Scott explain how they discovered Christina and detail her arts contributions, from her reign of Sweden to her abdication, and her conversion to Catholicism and relocation to Rome. Christina became a leading patron of the arts in Baroque Rome, supporting a wide scope of composers, founding an arts academy, and opening an opera house.

Chatham...

Carnegie Mellon University Opera present La Clemenza di Tito, one of the last operas written by Mozart! CMU graduate student, baritone Holden Seward, joined Jim Cunningham back in November 2025 to talk about the opera.

La Clemenza di Tito follows Roman emperor Tito Vespasian, with betrayal, jealousy, and political complexities. Holden will play the role of Publio, leader of the Praetorian guard and Tito's right-hand man. He walks Jim through how production has progressed and the rehearsal process. He also discusses his opera journey, coming to Pittsburgh, and studying at CMU with Daniel Teadt.

Holden also...

Pittsburgh Opera announced on Tuesday, January 13th, the hiring of William Powers as its new General Director, effective July 1st, 2026. Bill joined both Jim Cunningham and Anna Singer on QED's Morning and Afternoon shows to talk about this exciting change.

Bill has been the Executive Director of the Pittsburgh Youth Symphony Orchestra since 2021, and prior to that he spent 14 years with Pittsburgh Opera as Director of Artistic Administration, and then as Managing Director. He talks with Jim about the energetic future of classical music and the importance of fostering the education of young artists. He also teases...

The 19th Annual Let Freedom Sing Concert celebrates the social justice legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr through vocal & instrumental music and spoken word. Director Dr. Herbert Jones joined Anna Singer live to talk about the concert.

Featured on this year's program are The Heritage Gospel Chorale of Pittsburgh, the Rodman Street Baptist Church Choir, MLK Festival Choir, and acclaimed operatic soprano Zuly Inirio. Dr. Jones walks Anna through the music, which includes tributes to gospel legend Richard Smallwood. A jazz trio will accompany the singers, and WAMO 107.3 radio personality KiKi B. Jones will serve as celeb...

Cellist Gautier Capuçon has a new CD: Gaïa! He spoke with Jim Cunningham about this record.

All pieces included on the album were inspired by the Earth, with compositions from Max Richter, Xavier Foley, Joe Hisaishi, and many others. Gautier talks about drawing his own inspiration from our planet's beauty and climate situation. Gaïa was recorded in the mountains of Bavaria, Germany, which Gautier believes aided in capturing the message of music, and a promotional video was shot at Mont Blanc.

Find more information about Gautier Capuçon and about Gaïa at Ga...

Dean of Duquesne University's Mary Pappert School of Music, David Allen Wehr, joined Jim Cunningham live on the QED Morning Show to talk about the second concert in his Music On the Bluff Series, The Dean's List Concert II: Violin/Horn.

David talks about his long-time correspondence with the Pittsburgh Symphony's Concertmaster, David McCarroll, and crafting this concert's program together. Included on the program are Beethoven's Sonata in D Major for Violin and Piano, Op. 12, no. 1 and Debussy's Sonata for Violin and Piano. The two will be joined by PSO French hornist William Caballero for Brahms' Horn...