Voice of the Arts

When did Pittsburgh Symphony Music Director Lorin Maazel dine alone? What did he think of the cheese heads in Wisconsin?  

The Principal Horn of the Pittsburgh Symphony, William Caballero, and Principal Oboe Cynthia Koledo de Almeida talk about it all. Cynthia and Bill talk when they joined the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra under Maestro Maazel. They also talk live on the QED Morning show about the season opening gala for the Pittsburgh. They also reveal the details of their September 21st benefit concert for the community of McKees Rocks.  

The Sunday afternoon mini...

It's a Ravel 125th birthday party with one hand behind his back. Walter Morales plays the Chatham University "Friday Afternoon Musicale: Romantic Piano Music for the Left Hand Alone." It's a free concert Friday September 19, 2025 at 4pm in the James Laughlin Music Center. Robert Frankenberry will play the orchestral reduction on a second piano for the concerto. Walter includes composers who wrote for the left hand from Ravel's world including Blumenfeld, Alkan, Saint-Saens, Mosakowski and Godowsky.  The Maestro also details the Edgewood Symphony's October 19th event at Carnegie Music Hall where Walter will play the Ravel concerto with Maria Sensi S...

Musical Director Ron Brooks, Music Vice President Pete Kennaday, and the voice of the chorus Ken Israel, talk about the Cranberry Men's Chorus' upcoming October concert. "The Golden Oldies: Memories of the 50s and 60s" will be a 90-minute show featuring 27 songs. Ron highlights his desire to connect the audience emotionally to the songs. The styles include doo-wop, love ballads, pop, and rock.  

The concert mimics a Casey-Kasem style radio show, with Ken the voice of the chorus. Ken talks about his work in radio advertising, and his brief stint as an on-air host. In be...

There is a new play festival in Pittsburgh this year!

Directors Jeremy Seghers and Olivia Hartle, and actor Johnny Patalano, talk about their work in the new Bridges and Stages Festival. The Becoming Arts Collective in partnership with Broken Arts Entertainment, bring these new 10-minute plays to life at the Carnegie Stage. The festival focuses on emerging playwrights from across the country, including Pittsburgh.

Olivia talks about the two shows she is directing. Both are very different plays, with one examining a family dynamic, and the other, a theoretical conversation between Sigmund Fried a...

Get ready to hear beautiful music! In this episode, soprano Chantal Braziel talks about her upcoming recital concert with Tuesday Musical Club in October.

She discusses the program, which features spiritual's and classical solos. The program features several works by African American composers, and includes a piece inspired by the poetry of Langston Hughes. Chantal performs a piece from the program live in our studios with pianist Janet Stivanson. The piece is called "Love, Let the Wind Cry...How I Adore Thee".  

Chantal also talks about her musical beginnings. As a chi...

Join WQED, Fred Rogers Productions, and PNC Grow Up Great for another Be My Neighbor Day, this time in Etna!

Executive Director at the Etna's Community Organization, Megan Tuñón, talks about all the wonderful partnerships, free activities, and more at the event. Etna is the first Northern Learning Neighborhood to host a Be My Neighbor Day, and it will be big! With over 30 organizations participating, Megan knows that there is something for everyone. Megan highlights the live performances happening, including a magician, a local songwriter, and a funky marching band. There will also be the...

Another season of Chamber Music Pittsburgh is coming soon!

Executive Director of Chamber Music Pittsburgh, Martha Bonta, guides us through the upcoming 65th anniversary season, which starts at Carnegie Music Hall on September 16 with Brooklyn Rider presenting Citizenship Notes. October 21st brings Sphinx Virtuosi and cellist Sterling Elliott. November sees the complete Brandenburg Concertos with Pittsburgh Symphony members and CMU faculty.  

To start off the new year, pianist Marc Andre Hamelin performs his Pittsburgh recital debut! Closing out the season, Ruckus with Davone Tines on February 10th and the Juilliard Quartet on...

The Pittsburgh Symphony Musicians are hosting several fundraisers this month! Assistant Concertmaster Dylan Naroff, Principal Bass Clarinet Jack Howell, and Mr. Cut Time himself, Rick Robinson, discuss the many different functions coming up.

The first event is a free concert, Running For Rhythm, which features an hour of interactive music. A pre-cursor to the annual Musicians of Steel 5K, this concert showcases everything from jazz to classical music. Rick talks about the arrangements he wrote for this concert, and the 8 musicians involved.

Jack talks about his role in the concert. Dylan ta...

Another season of music starts in Pittsburgh, and today we talk to saxophonist Jeff Siegfried and pianist Ellen Fast. They will open the season for Music in a Great Space at Shadyside Presbyterian Church this September.  

The repertoire includes works by beloved classics and contemporary innovators alike. Composers such as Steven Banks, Amy Beach, Leonard Bernstein, George Gershwin, Jeff Siegfried, William Grant Still, and Gwyneth Walker, are all represented. Ellen talks about singing in the Shadyside Choir. She has also performed as a soloist and accompanist with the Pittsburgh Camerata. She also discusses her founding of...

WQED’s award-winning documentarian, Rick Sebak, introduces his latest program "Lucky to Live in Pittsburgh Episode 3" which airs Thursday, September 4th at 8 pm on WQED TV.

Rick visits Weirton, West Virginia for the Serbian Chicken Blast on summer Wednesdays. He also stops at Community Kitchen Pittsburgh in Hazelwood for their famous fish fry for Lent. He completes the program  with a visit to Bottlerocket Social Hall in the neighborhood of Allentown.  

Rick discusses it all as a sneak peak before it airs tonight!

You can see Lucky to Live...

Have you ever wondered what the local concert scene is in Saxonburg, PA? We do too!

Director of Music Ministry at Saxonburg Memorial Presbyterian Church, Dan Byerly, talks about the second season of Saxonburg concerts. The first event takes place September 7th at 4 pm with the Gibbons Big Band at the close of the Artisans Market.  

The next concert on September 25th at 7 pm features The Beo Quartet, followed by a bluegrass concert on November 1st. The regular Christmas Cantata will be December 13th and 14th. Dan closes out the season wit...

With the cooler weather rolling in, it is the perfect time to see Shakespeare outside, under the stars. Even better when it's at a local Pittsburgh theater.

Husband and wife co-directors, Jeff Boles and Julie Ann, talk about their production of "A Midsummer Night's Dream" at South Park Theatre. Ann discusses the multi-faceted plot, which includes love triangles, running away to the forest, and many mischievous fairies. The duo also talks about working together on their first production as co-directors, and how their different skill sets help bring it all together. They showcase how this a...

In this wide ranging interview, Pianist Christopher O'Riley talks about his newest CD "The Well Tempered Clavier Book 2" and his personal ties to Pittsburgh.  

Chris explains his approach to selecting the best tempo in Book 2. He also compares both books with special attention to individual preludes and fugues. He finds Book 2 to more challenging than those in Book One. Chris explains why he likes the Boesendorfer compared to the Steinway, and reflects on what Bach experienced in his life.  

Later in the interview, Chis talks about his friendship with Andy Warhol and his work with mu...

It's time to step into a world of art, this time in Washington County!

Former Bethel Park Librarian and award winning teacher Denice Pazuchanics from WQED Education about Washington Park's Arts in the Park. With over 25 art activities, there will be lots to do! The Washington Symphony, The Andy Warhol Museum, The Frick Pittsburgh, will all be there with activities. Denice also highlights dance and music performances. The first 200 kids will receive free snacks too!  

Denice discusses how to instill in your youngest family members a love for the arts, why that matters and as a...

Since its foundation in 1998, the School of Rock franchise has taught performance based music education. There are two schools in the Greater Pittsburgh area that have been around for nearly twelve years. One is in Wexford, and the other in Castle Shannon.

Giovanni Mori, former School of Rock student and one of WQED’s summer interns, sits with the co-owners of the Pittsburgh schools, Quinn Lukas and Dan Moore. They discuss what School of Rock is, what students can learn, and what their experience has been like before acquiring ownership.

The schools have many exciting th...

Artistic Director of the Pittsburgh Festival Opera, Marianne Cornetti, talks about their upcoming event, "An Evening Under the Stars with Our Stars".

The concert presents seven singers individually and as ensembles with pianist, Maeve Berry, for an evening of the most beloved operatic arias and Broadway tunes. Marianne will sing an aria from "Il Trovatore" by Verdi and "Memory" from Cats.  Benjamin Werley sings "Maria" from "West Side Story" and "Vesti la giubba" from "I Pagliacci" by Leoncavallo.  

Sadie Cheslak sings Wagner’s "Weiche, Wotan!" From "Das Rheingold" and Sondheim’s "Losing My Mind" from "Follie...

Rosemary Pawlowski is a powerhouse for the arts in Johnstown. She started the Bottleworks Ethnic Arts Center and is now involved with "Gallery on Gazebo" which offers visitors, tourists, local residents and downtown workers a friendly and convenient gathering space, combined ever-changing exhibits of art and a wide variety of special events. In this wide-ranging interview, Jim Cunningham spoke with Rosemary about her advocacy of the arts in Johnstown, starting the Bottleworks Ethnic Arts Center, visiting Mahler's writing huts in Austria, and remembering her husband, Edwin, who recently passed away. Edwin was a renowned architect and a fan of classical...

Music Director and Conductor of the Washington Symphony Orchestra, Yugo Ikach, discusses their new season.

Their upcoming season includes a celebration of the United States 250th Anniversary, a John Williams concert, and a holiday concert with an island twist. He highlights their listener friendly approach to programming music.

Yugo also talks about Washington County's Arts in the Park celebration. Arts in the park celebrates the county wide array of arts groups with over 25 artist activities, and a brass quintet from the Washington Symphony.

Yugo Ikach loves his work as Associate Dean of the C...

Kweilin Nassar, Vice President of the South Side Community Council, and Susan Anderson, East Carson Street Business District Manager, joined Jim Cunningham to invite you to the Fifth Annual South Side Community Yard Sale and Shop, Sip and Stroll taking place Saturday August 23rd from 11am till 5pm on East Carson and throughout the South Side.

The event features over 65 South Side locations and more than 45 East Carson Street businesses with live entertainment, treasure hunting, architecture, good food, great coffee and refreshments - plus, two chances to win $250 by looking for QR codes at participating locations.

The First Lutheran Church in Johnstown hosts the Tuesday Noon Recital Series. These free concerts are held each Tuesday in the months of October, April and July. Each recital lasts about 25 minutes followed by a free lunch in the church's Social Hall. WQED-FM's Jim Cunningham spoke with the series founder Kim Rauch. He spoke about the origins of the series, the joy he gets from playing the organ at the First Lutheran Church, his starting the Johnstown Youth Choir, the many things you can do in Johnstown. For information on the series, visit: https://www.firstlutheran.in/recital-series Thanks for...

The Lindsay Theater and Cultural Center is back at it again for their 3rd Annual Documentary Series!

Director of Communications and Media Relations, Josh Axelrod, talks about the 6 films showcased in the upcoming series. The films include a grammar documentary, two art-focused ones, two environmental documentaries, and one focused on caregiving.

"Rebel Without a Clause" follows Ellen Jovin's experiences behind her public 'Grammar Tables' around the country. There will be a Q&A with Ellen on August 29th. "Art for Everybody" documents Thomas Kinkade's life as one of the most commercially successful artists in American...

The Agatha Christie classic novel comes to life on stage at Little Lake Theater!

Director and Resident Scenic Designer Tucker Topel, Stage Manager Andi Tageser, and actor Sean Barrett, talk about the upcoming show. "Murder on the Orient Express" follows a luxurious train, that just witnessed a murder. Sean talks about playing the infamous Hercule Poirot in this adaptation. He loves the politeness, shrewdness, and humor of this character, and looks forward to bringing him to life.

Andi talks about running the lights and sound for her first Little Lake production. Both Sean and Andi's...

Pittsburgh Shakespeare in the Parks is back for another season! But first, a benefit!

Founder of Pittsburgh Shakespeare in the Parks, Jennifer Tober, and playwright and actor Charles David "Stoney" Richards, talk with Anna Singer about their upcoming benefit performance of "Friended by Shakespeare". Stoney talks about his motivation for writing this one-man play. The story focuses on the friendship between John Sinklo (or Sinkler) and William Shakespeare.

Jennifer talks about the new space in the Three Stories building, which is now available to use by the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust for free. The proceeds of...

WQED Channel 13 is diving into the history of American Motors Corporation with a new series!

Co-Producers Joe Ligo and Jimm Needle talk with Anna Singer about their 6-part documentary series, "The Last Independent Automaker". Joe and Jimm talk about first meeting back in 2015 through a mutual professor. Joe read books about American Motors Corporation and thought it would be a perfect subject for a documentary. They started filming in 2017, and 8 years later, their series is ready for TV.

Joe and Jimm highlight the rise and fall of AMC, how big their cars were in Pennsylvania...

Located in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, the Community Arts Center of Cambria County reaches out to a community of 250,000 people, as well as thousands of tourists each year from around the world. Their mission is to provide an inspiring and creative gathering place where the arts improve the quality of life for everyone. The Arts Center consists of the M. Josephine Paul Family Museum, Goldhaber-Fend Fine Arts Center, and the Stutzman Log House. WQED-FM's Bryan Sejvar spoke with the Arts Center's Executive Director Angela R. Godin. Angela talks about the history of the Community Arts Center, the programs they offer to the...

For their upcoming 2025-2026 Season, the Johnstown Symphony Orchestra is celebrating America's 250th, as well at the 10th Anniversary of James Blachly as Music Director. WQED-FM's Jim Cunningham spoke with JSO Executive Director Erin Codey about their upcoming season. It kicks off October 25th, 2025 with Part 1 of the America 250 Celebration, and continues with their annual Holiday Pops concert, a Johnstown's Got Talent concert, music of Aaron Copland and the concluding concert in April 2026 with "Carmina Burana." Erin explains why it's worth the trip to Johnstown to see the orchestra, the Pasquerilla Performing Arts Center where their concerts take place, their...

It's a culmination of 5 years of hard work. Founder of Garfield's Irma Freeman Center of Imagination, Shelia Ali, highlights her new book "Pittsburgh's Avant-Gard: 60 Years Inside the Underground Art Scene". Shelia and collaborator Joelle Killebrew talk about the book's release and forthcoming mini book tour. Shelia talks about first being inspired to write the book, and the grant that helped her start. With over 400 pages, the book documents the many avant-garde artists, community organizations, and more in Pittsburgh. Richly illustrated, with many full-page color reproductions, the book highlights art from Thad Mosely, Robert Qualters, and many others. Shelia also highlights...

WQED President and CEO Jason Jedlinski spoke with Morning Show host Jim Cunningham live on July 31, 2025 regarding the elimination of federal funding for public broadcasting, which not only cuts $1.8 million from WQED, but will likely add additional expenses such as music licensing and satellite program delivery. Jason emphasized that WQED’s radio and televisions stations will not go off the air. WQED will continue sharing classical favorites, interspersed with newer compositions, plus interviews with musicians, conductors, guest artists, and more. Familiar WQED personalities including Anna Singer, Chris Fennimore, Rick Sebak, Minette Seate and Jim Cunningham will continue on the air. (Ja...

The Johnstown Concert Series is gearing up for their 2025-2026 season as they approach their 20th anniversary! The series continues to bring world-class musicians to the Johnstown community, without the need to travel to neighboring cities. Bryan Sejvar talks with directors, Michael Bodolosky and Joe Dipyatic, about the season’s exciting variety of performances taking place at the First Presbyterian Church in Downtown Johnstown. Each performance will be on a Sunday at 3 pm, with the full schedule including the West Virginia Brass Quintet on September 14th, Voces Solis on November 2nd, Henry Wong Doe on April 26th, the Philly Street St...

Bryan Sejvar sits with Shelley Johansson, the Director of Marketing and Communications for Heritage Johnstown, formerly known as Johnstown Area Heritage Association. The nonprofit organization celebrates Johnstown’s influence on early industrial America, and tells its story through history, culture, and community. Heritage Johnstown hosts a variety of attractions including the Johnstown Flood Museum, The Stone Bridge, and the Heritage Discovery Center. Bryan and Shelley spoke in the Iron and Steel Theater. The organization plans to refresh all in the near future! Visit https://www.heritagejohnstown.org/ to see the full list of special events. You can also become a me...

Executive Director of the Legacy Arts Project, Erin Perry, and Director of Community Programs, Patricia Marrie Ford, talk with Jim Cunningham about Dance Africa Pittsburgh. Dance Africa was founded by Chuck Davis, whose mantra of 'Love, Peace, Respect for Everyone' is the central spirit of the program. Erin and Patricia discuss the honorees and special guests. This year, Youseef Koumbassa, a world renowned dancer, will have a piece involved 30 dancers and 10 drummers. There will also be a tribute to the founder of the Balafon West African Dance Ensemble, who would have turned 70 this year. The theme of all participants this...

The Pittsburgh Playwrights Theatre Company is producing not 1, not 2, but 3 August Wilson plays next month! Founder of the company, Mark Clayton Southers, daughter Ashley Southers, and director Terrence Spivey, talk about the three productions. Mark starts off the trifecta with a production of "Two Trains Running" at the Madison Arts Center. "Two Trains" is set in the Hill District of Pittsburgh in the 1960s. A restauranter fights for his property, as the City targets it for demolition. Mark discusses the play, and how doing it will mark the second full competition of the August Wilson cycle that the company has...

Since its opening in 1991 at the University of Pittsburgh's Johnstown’s campus, the Pasquerilla Performing Arts Center (PPAC) continues to bring connections to many different cultures and people. They also continue to provide new artistic experiences for their community as they reach their 2025-2026 season. Bryan Sejvar talks with the director, Janie Leck Grela, about PPAC’s history, and their many scheduled performances. Upcoming performances include "Japanese Storytelling: Mask, Mime, and Music", "Taste of Ireland: Music and Dance!", and "Suessical The Musical". In addition, there will be concerts with the Johnstown Symphony Orchestra, River City Brass Band, and the Johnstown Conc...

2020 Musical America Instrumentalist of the Year, Sharon Isbin, talks with Anna Singer about her work in composer Karen LeFrak's new album, "Romantico". Sharon talks about the first piece she performed, the first movement, "Bailamos", at the U.S. Capitol in 2023. The full concerto was premiered in January 2024, and the album was recorded with the Orchestra of St. Luke's. Sharon highlights how the concerto combines classical guitar with Latin dance rhythms and features top Latin percussionists. The other two pieces on the album include "Habanera Nights" and "Urban Tango". Sharon discusses her own path to music, even though she originally wanted...

The new Pittsburgh Opera company, SERIO, is presenting "The Tales of Hoffmann" in August! Anna Singer talks with founder Louisa Jonason, director Rebecka Kerr, and soprano Jennifer Coffman, about their upcoming production. The "Tales of Hoffmann" follows a young poet, Hoffmann, and his three disastrous love affairs. Jennifer plays the dual role of the Muse and Nicklausse, who try to guide Hoffmann towards his true love, art. Rebecka talks about the themes of artistic vs romantic love, and how to maintain the opera's fairy tale quality. The team also shares that the score will be performed by two grand pianos...

CitiPark's last Bach, Beethoven, and Brunch concert is on July 27th! The summer concert series comes to a close with a relatively new group, the North Pittsburgh Flute Society. Nicholle Bernardo-Pankuch and Jillian Edmondson founded the group in January of 2025, and talk with Melissa Black about the concert. The community flute choir is based in the North Hills and has about 20 members practicing at the Ingomar Community Church. This will be their first time performing at Bach, Beethoven, and Brunch! Their program includes classical favorites like Swan Lake, and pop cultures phenomenon's like the Game of Thrones theme. They will...

CitiPark's Bach, Beethoven, and Brunch's fourth concert is this weekend! The summer concert series is hosting Chamber Music Pittsburgh this weekend, with an 8 person wind-ensemble. Associate Principal Oboe with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra Max Blair, Paul J. Ross Fellow and bassoonist Carlos Clark, and Artistic and Executive Director of Chamber Music Pittsburgh Martha Bonta, talk about the upcoming concert "A Summer Serenade". Max highlights the ensemble that he brought together, and the program. The program includes two Mozart Serenades for Winds in C minor and E-Flat Major, as well as Samuel Barber's "Summer Music for Wind Quintet". Carlos talks about...

Quantum Theatre's new season is starting off with a spin on a classic! Artistic Director of Quantum, Karla Boos, and Director, Joanie Schultz, talk about the upcoming production of Anton Chekhov's "Seagull". Joanie created a new version, by making the character Constantine female. She highlights the love 'quadrangles' and the exploration of mother-daughter dynamics and queer identity in a different time. Joanie remarks on why she changed this classic, stemming from her desire to see "Seagull" with a woman in it. Karla highlights how the play has become more timely, with reflections about societal challenges faced by women and LGBTQ+...

It's the summertime, and that means its Fridays at the Frick! Interim Director of Learning and Visitor Experience at the Frick Pittsburgh, Kelsie Paul, talks about their summer concert series and much more! Starting on July 25th, the upcoming bands include The Stemtecs Band, the Klezmerati, and the Adorabulls. All three are free outdoor concerts, with food trucks and art making available as well! Kelsie also talks about a new abstract art installation by Atticus Adams in their Greenhouse. "Catching Sunbeams from the Porch Swing of Wisteria Castle" is open Tuesdays through Sundays until October 26th. The Frick has other...

Filmmaker and Point Park University alumni, Max Cianci, talks in this episode about his upcoming filmmaker showcase at the Lindsay Theater and Cultural Center. Max's journey into film started when he was young and made home YouTube videos with LEGOs. This passion for storytelling took him to Point Park University, where he refined his art. He has since created many films, including commercials, documentaries, and short narrative stories, many showcased at the Lindsay Theater. Max talks about the films in the upcoming showcase, including his 4 1/2 minute proof of concept film, "Tiny Toe". He discusses the premise, a trapper finding something...