Voice of the Arts

A new season of Academy Concerts is about to be underway! Violist in Academy String Quartet, and Artistic Director of the Academy Concerts, Warren Davidson, talks about their first upcoming concert on Sunday, September 28th. Warren discusses the concert, called 'The Sounds of Elegance' which features harpist Marissa Knaub Avon. She, Tom Godfrey (flute), and Warren (viola) will perform some colorful and romantic music, mostly from French composers. They will play some Ravel, Debussy, DeFalla, Faure, and others. They return to Old St. Luke's for this concert, after a brief hiatus due to the pandemic. Warren also briefly gives an overview of the Academy String Quartet's upcoming concerts this fall. Their fall concert salutes nations that have been steadfast in their support for Ukraine during the war. They perform music from composers in those countries, and will donate some of the money collected to the VOVK Foundation. The VOVK Foundation supports Ukrainian children who have lost their legal guardian during the war. You can hear "The Sounds of Elegance" this Sunday, September 28th at 2 pm at Old St. Luke's Church in Carnegie, PA. Make sure to visit Academy Concert's brand new website at https://www.academyconcerts.org/. Thanks for tuning in to WQED's Voice of the Arts, Pittsburgh's trusted source for arts and culture in our region. Whether you're passionate about classical music, film, theater, opera, or local music, we’re here to bring you closer to the heart of Pittsburgh's local arts scene. Don’t miss our musician interviews, the latest local music news, and performing arts insights from across the Southwestern Pennsylvania region. Subscribe and follow to stay connected with the vibrant voices shaping Pittsburgh’s creative community. Visit https://www.wqed.org/ to see what else WQED is doing in our community. Until next time, keep supporting the arts and keep listening to Voice of the Arts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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

In this live interview, Anna Singer talks with members of Pittsburgh Shakespeare in the Park's Macbeth, which runs outdoors over six weekends until October 12th. Music Director Matt Calvetti talks about the unique live sound design that is prevalent throughout the show. He uses unconventional instruments, demonstrated live, to create tension and atmosphere in this chilling play. Actor Aaron Crutchfield plays Macbeth, and reflects on the emotional depth of the role. He finds his famous monologues are made even more poignant by the outdoors. Founder and Artistic Director, Jennifer Tober, shares her interpretation of Lady Macbeth, who she plays in the show. All three talk about the costume design which includes eeire masks, the small cast, and the overall tone of the show. According to Anna, it's a show not to miss! You can see Pittsburgh Shakespeare in the Park's production of Macbeth for two more weekends! Visit https://www.pittsburghshakespeare.org/ to learn more! Thanks for tuning in to WQED's Voice of the Arts, Pittsburgh's trusted source for arts and culture in our region. Whether you're passionate about classical music, film, theater, opera, or local music, we’re here to bring you closer to the heart of Pittsburgh's local arts scene. Don’t miss our musician interviews, the latest local music news, and performing arts insights from across the Southwestern Pennsylvania region. Subscribe and follow to stay connected with the vibrant voices shaping Pittsburgh’s creative community. Visit https://www.wqed.org/ to see what else WQED is doing in our community. Until next time, keep supporting the arts and keep listening to Voice of the Arts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Celebrating it's 29th season, Prime Stage Theatre presents an exciting lineup of upcoming productions and community events! Producing Artistic Director Wayne Brinda, and PR Director, Lawrence McCullough, talk about these events. On September 27th, it's the annual Homewood Cemetery Walk! Larry highlights the seven historical figures that will be portrayed by professional actors. The figures include Michael Benedum, Irene Peacock, Henry Bigelow, Robert Pitcairn, among others. Seven Pittsburgh based actors each portray one figure, and bring their stories to life right at their graves. Wayne also discusses, 'An Evening of Poe Pourri" on October 18th. A Prime Stage Theatre fundraising event, Wayne says to expect haunting tales of Edgar Alan Poe. It is a preview of their season of world premieres, including the first show in November. "Mr. Edgar A. Poe Presents: Tales of Mystery, Horror & Imagination" weaves together four classics from Poe, and is originally written by horror writer, Lawrence Connolly. The rest of the season includes an original play about the Freedom House Ambulance service, and in May, it's the adaptation of Laurie Halse Anderson's novel, Speak. You can see Prime Stage Theatre's annual Cemetery Walk on Saturday, September 27th from 12 pm to 4 pm. Visit primestage.com to learn more! Thanks for tuning in to WQED's Voice of the Arts, Pittsburgh's trusted source for arts and culture in our region. Whether you're passionate about classical music, film, theater, opera, or local music, we’re here to bring you closer to the heart of Pittsburgh's local arts scene. Don’t miss our musician interviews, the latest local music news, and performing arts insights from across the Southwestern Pennsylvania region. Subscribe and follow to stay connected with the vibrant voices shaping Pittsburgh’s creative community. Visit https://www.wqed.org/ to see what else WQED is doing in our community. Until next time, keep supporting the arts and keep listening to Voice of the Arts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Artistic Director of Resonance Works, Maria Sensi Sellner, discusses live with Anna Singer about the Reson8 Vocal Octet's upcoming season launch. The season launches with "Hero Songs", a concert featuring a five-song cycle by Peter Hilliard and Matt Boresi. The cycle explores the themes of heroism through different time periods and perspectives. The concert also features a piece by Reena Esmail, with local sitar player Michael Griska accompanying. Maria talks about the concert's songs, and performers in the group, and the "Be a Hero" Initiative. The new volunteer advocacy program features 11 local organizations and aims to connect audiences with meaningful volunteer opportunities. The hero theme is strong with Reson8! Maria also talks about how meaningful the program is to her, and how music can empower personal reflection and community action. You can hear Reson8 perform on Saturday, September 22nd at 3 pm at Calvary Episcopal Church. Their second concert is Sunday, September 23rd at 4 pm at Fox Chapel Presbyterian Church. Visit https://www.resonanceworks.org/reson8-launch to learn more and find tickets. Thanks for tuning in to WQED's Voice of the Arts, Pittsburgh's trusted source for arts and culture in our region. Whether you're passionate about classical music, film, theater, opera, or local music, we’re here to bring you closer to the heart of Pittsburgh's local arts scene. Don’t miss our musician interviews, the latest local music news, and performing arts insights from across the Southwestern Pennsylvania region. Subscribe and follow to stay connected with the vibrant voices shaping Pittsburgh’s creative community. Visit https://www.wqed.org/ to see what else WQED is doing in our community. Until next time, keep supporting the arts and keep listening to Voice of the Arts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

When did Pittsburgh Symphony Music Director Lorin Maazel dine alone? What did he think of the cheese heads in Wisconsin? The Principal Horn of the Pittsburgh Symphony, William Caballero, and Principal Oboe Cynthia Koledo de Almeida talk about it all. Cynthia and Bill talk when they joined the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra under Maestro Maazel. They also talk live on the QED Morning show about the season opening gala for the Pittsburgh. They also reveal the details of their September 21st benefit concert for the community of McKees Rocks. The Sunday afternoon mini-concert is a charity event for three local groups committed to the community of McKees Rocks. These groups are The Realm Community Engagement Group, the McKees Rocks Women’s Alliance, and theMcKees Rocks Community Development Corporation. Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra’s Jennifer Orchard, William Caballero, Charlie Powers, Craig Knox and Cynthia DeAlmeida will be joined by pianist Mark Carver from Carnegie Mellon University School of Music. Visit the Horizon gallery artwork displays, raffle baskets, cash bar and bites from a McKees Rocks local catering group. The savory bites and sweet treats are by “A Ray of Flavor.” Visit TinyURL.com/Music921. Thanks for tuning in to WQED's Voice of the Arts, Pittsburgh's trusted source for arts and culture in our region. Whether you're passionate about classical music, film, theater, opera, or local music, we’re here to bring you closer to the heart of Pittsburgh's local arts scene. Don’t miss our musician interviews, the latest local music news, and performing arts insights from across the Southwestern Pennsylvania region. Subscribe and follow to stay connected with the vibrant voices shaping Pittsburgh’s creative community. Visit https://www.wqed.org/ to see what else WQED is doing in our community. Until next time, keep supporting the arts and keep listening to Voice of the Arts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

It's a Ravel 125th birthday party with one hand behind his back. Walter Morales plays the Chatham University "Friday Afternoon Musicale: Romantic Piano Music for the Left Hand Alone." It's a free concert Friday September 19, 2025 at 4pm in the James Laughlin Music Center. Robert Frankenberry will play the orchestral reduction on a second piano for the concerto. Walter includes composers who wrote for the left hand from Ravel's world including Blumenfeld, Alkan, Saint-Saens, Mosakowski and Godowsky. The Maestro also details the Edgewood Symphony's October 19th event at Carnegie Music Hall where Walter will play the Ravel concerto with Maria Sensi Sellner conducting, plus there will be two world premieres from Robert Schulz and Danny English and Rimsky-Korsakoff's Scheherazade. Walter Morales will take a bow on the occasion of his twentieth year as music director. Thanks for tuning in to WQED's Voice of the Arts, Pittsburgh's trusted source for arts and culture in our region. Whether you're passionate about classical music, film, theater, opera, or local music, we’re here to bring you closer to the heart of Pittsburgh's local arts scene. Don’t miss our musician interviews, the latest local music news, and performing arts insights from across the Southwestern Pennsylvania region. Subscribe and follow to stay connected with the vibrant voices shaping Pittsburgh’s creative community. Visit https://www.wqed.org/ to see what else WQED is doing in our community. Until next time, keep supporting the arts and keep listening to Voice of the Arts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Musical Director Ron Brooks, Music Vice President Pete Kennaday, and the voice of the chorus Ken Israel, talk about the Cranberry Men's Chorus' upcoming October concert. "The Golden Oldies: Memories of the 50s and 60s" will be a 90-minute show featuring 27 songs. Ron highlights his desire to connect the audience emotionally to the songs. The styles include doo-wop, love ballads, pop, and rock. The concert mimics a Casey-Kasem style radio show, with Ken the voice of the chorus. Ken talks about his work in radio advertising, and his brief stint as an on-air host. In between each song, Ken will set up the next one with some quick facts. Ron hopes to keep the audience engaged and entertained the whole time. Pete talks about his work as Music VP, and how he and Ron program most of the concerts throughout the year. They started rehearsing months in advance, and were planning the December concert in May! All three share their favorite memories of the chorus. You can see the Cranberry Men's Chorus in "The Golden Oldies" on Saturday, October 11th at 7 pm at North Catholic High School. The Chorus also has multiple holiday shows in December coming up, with one recorded by WQED. Visit https://www.cranberrymenschorus.com/ to learn more. Thanks for tuning in to WQED's Voice of the Arts, Pittsburgh's trusted source for arts and culture in our region. Whether you're passionate about classical music, film, theater, opera, or local music, we’re here to bring you closer to the heart of Pittsburgh's local arts scene. Don’t miss our musician interviews, the latest local music news, and performing arts insights from across the Southwestern Pennsylvania region. Subscribe and follow to stay connected with the vibrant voices shaping Pittsburgh’s creative community. Visit https://www.wqed.org/ to see what else WQED is doing in our community. Until next time, keep supporting the arts and keep listening to Voice of the Arts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

There is a new play festival in Pittsburgh this year! Directors Jeremy Seghers and Olivia Hartle, and actor Johnny Patalano, talk about their work in the new Bridges and Stages Festival. The Becoming Arts Collective in partnership with Broken Arts Entertainment, bring these new 10-minute plays to life at the Carnegie Stage. The festival focuses on emerging playwrights from across the country, including Pittsburgh. Olivia talks about the two shows she is directing. Both are very different plays, with one examining a family dynamic, and the other, a theoretical conversation between Sigmund Fried and Georgia O'Keefe. Johnny talks about the three shows his is a part of, two of which share a line with each other! Jeremy directs three plays from three different playwrights. Over the span of 2 nights, 24 plays are featured, with 44 actors, 13 directors, and 16 playwrights participating. Olivia likens the Bridges and Stages Festival to scrolling on TikTok in real life. Jeremy draws similarities to film festivals. Regardless, this grassroots festival embraces short rehearsal time, sparse sets, and embraces all the new plays. You can see the Bridges and Stages Festival on September 19th and 20th at Carnegie Stage. Visit https://www.thebecomingartscollective.com/bridges-and-stages-festival-2025#/productions-view to learn more. Thanks for tuning in to WQED's Voice of the Arts, Pittsburgh's trusted source for arts and culture in our region. Whether you're passionate about classical music, film, theater, opera, or local music, we’re here to bring you closer to the heart of Pittsburgh's local arts scene. Don’t miss our musician interviews, the latest local music news, and performing arts insights from across the Southwestern Pennsylvania region. Subscribe and follow to stay connected with the vibrant voices shaping Pittsburgh’s creative community. Visit https://www.wqed.org/ to see what else WQED is doing in our community. Until next time, keep supporting the arts and keep listening to Voice of the Arts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 child she started humming songs she heard back to her mother, and grew up singing gospel in church. She classically trained in opera singing at St. Vincent College, and has performed in the Metropolitan Opera's production of Porgy and Bess. Currently, she teaches at Pittsburgh CAPA and Sunburst School of Music. She first found her calling as an opera singer, and now continues her next calling as a teacher for vocal students. She first joined Tuesday Musical Club about a year ago, and looks forward to making her TMC Recital debut. You can hear Chantal Braziel's Recital with Tuesday Musical Club on Sunday, October 5th at 4 pm at Rodef Shalom's Levy Hall. The concert is free and will feature a reception. Visit Tuesday Musical Club's website to learn more. Thanks for tuning in to WQED's Voice of the Arts, Pittsburgh's trusted source for arts and culture in our region. Whether you're passionate about classical music, film, theater, opera, or local music, we’re here to bring you closer to the heart of Pittsburgh's local arts scene. Don’t miss our musician interviews, the latest local music news, and performing arts insights from across the Southwestern Pennsylvania region. Subscribe and follow to stay connected with the vibrant voices shaping Pittsburgh’s creative community. Visit https://www.wqed.org/ to see what else WQED is doing in our community. Until next time, keep supporting the arts and keep listening to Voice of the Arts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 Community Care Fair form 1 to 3 pm, which features demonstrations from first responders. Megan also highlights the food, which features chocolate-making demonstrations by Pollock's Candy, and pierogi making stations too! There will be free hot-dots, a whiffle ball home run derby, and of course, a visit by Daniel Tiger at the First Congregational Church of Etna. Megan talks about her work with the Tri-Borough Eco-District with Millvale and Sharpsburg. She also is now leading the initiative to renovate Etna's first library and community center. They plan to open in Spring 2026. There is so much to see and do in Etna! You can be a part of Be My Neighbor Day in Etna on Saturday, September 20th from 1 to 5 pm. Visit https://www.wqed.org/bemyneighborday/ to learn more. Thanks for tuning in to WQED's Voice of the Arts, Pittsburgh's trusted source for arts and culture in our region. Whether you're passionate about classical music, film, theater, opera, or local music, we’re here to bring you closer to the heart of Pittsburgh's local arts scene. Don’t miss our musician interviews, the latest local music news, and performing arts insights from across the Southwestern Pennsylvania region. Subscribe and follow to stay connected with the vibrant voices shaping Pittsburgh’s creative community. Visit https://www.wqed.org/ to see what else WQED is doing in our community. Until next time, keep supporting the arts and keep listening to Voice of the Arts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 March 20th. Martha talks about all the highlights of the season. She also emphasizes the more flexible subscription combinations with different tiers, and the ability to pick from 3 or the full 6 concerts. Chamber Music Pittsburgh returns to the glorious redo of the Carnegie Hall, and will have refreshments during intermission for each concert. It is a convivial atmosphere with world class musicians as close as your living room chamber. To learn more about Chamber Music Pittsburgh's full season, visit https://www.chambermusicpittsburgh.org/. Thanks for tuning in to WQED's Voice of the Arts, Pittsburgh's trusted source for arts and culture in our region. Whether you're passionate about classical music, film, theater, opera, or local music, we’re here to bring you closer to the heart of Pittsburgh's local arts scene. Don’t miss our musician interviews, the latest local music news, and performing arts insights from across the Southwestern Pennsylvania region. Subscribe and follow to stay connected with the vibrant voices shaping Pittsburgh’s creative community. Visit https://www.wqed.org/ to see what else WQED is doing in our community. Until next time, keep supporting the arts and keep listening to Voice of the Arts.

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 talks about organizing this concert for the PSO Musicians favorite cause, music education in Pittsburgh Public Schools. Though he will not be performing in the concert itself, he looks forward to spreading the joy of music soon. All three also talk about the Musicians of Steel 5K run. The proceeds of that go towards the Musicians Care Fund, which benefits local school-based music programs in the Pittsburgh area. You can see this free concert, Running for Rhythm, at Attack Theater on Saturday, September 13th at 2 pm. The Musicians of Steel 5K Run/Walk is on Sunday, September 21st at 9 am. Visit https://save-our-symphony-pittsburgh.square.site/ to donate to the Symphony. 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.

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 the Jade Trio. Jeff highlights his teaching at West Virginia University. He also talks about his compositions, one of which they will perform at the concert. He too is multi-talented, and has sung in both the Shadyside Choir and Pittsburgh Camerata. They play the First Prelude by Gershwin in their own arrangement in the WQED-FM studio during this episode! Hear a taste of what is to come this September at the Music in a Great Space concert. You can hear Music in a Great Space on Sunday, September 28 at Shadyside Presbyterian Church. Admission is free. Visit the Shadyside Presbyterian Church's website to learn more. Thanks for tuning in to WQED's Voice of the Arts, Pittsburgh's trusted source for arts and culture in our region. Whether you're passionate about classical music, film, theater, opera, or local music, we’re here to bring you closer to the heart of Pittsburgh's local arts scene. Don’t miss our musician interviews, the latest local music news, and performing arts insights from across the Southwestern Pennsylvania region. Subscribe and follow to stay connected with the vibrant voices shaping Pittsburgh’s creative community. Visit https://www.wqed.org/ to see what else WQED is doing in our community. Until next time, keep supporting the arts and keep listening to Voice of the Arts.

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 in Pittsburgh Episode 3 with Rick Sebak at 8 pm on WQED-TV, and on PBS Passport at 9 pm on September 4th. Next time, Rick will share his road-trip adventures across the United States, and about his new yellow mini-cooper. You can see highlights of Episode 3 on WQED's YouTube page. 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.

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 with a Big Fat Jazz concert in February, a concert featuring Dvorak in March, the Westminster College Choir in April, and the Butler County Symphony Orchestra Percussion Ensemble in May. Dan shares the wonderful history of the town and church. The church was originally founded by John Roebling, who invented the steel cable use in the Brooklyn Bridge. Dan talks about the terrific restaurants, museums, and the active church music program he oversees. There is so much local arts in Saxonburg coming up, so don't miss it! For more on the series, visit http://www.saxonburg.org/concertseries. You can also follow events on their Facebook. Church service at the Saxonburg Memorial Presbyterian Church is Sundays at 8 am and 10 am. 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.

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 all came together, with many wanting to see Shakespeare under the stars. They both teach a Shakespeare class, with many students going on to compete at the Pittsburgh Public's Shakespeare Monologue competition. For Jeff and Julie, it has come full circle as many of their students are in the show, including their two children! You can see "A Midsummer Night's Dream" at the outdoor stage at South Park Theatre from September 12th to the 14th. Tickets sold at the door for only $15. Saturday, September 13th will have two shows, one at 2 pm and one at 7 pm. Visit here to learn more, and see what else is coming up! 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.

Pianist Christopher O'Riley talks with Jim Cunningham about his newest cd "The Well Tempered Clavier Book 2" by Bach. Chris explains his approach to selecting the best tempo, compares Book One to Book Two with special attention to individual preludes and fugues, some even more challenging than those in Book One. Chris explains why he likes the Bosendorfer and its special sound relative to a Steinway and reflects on what Bach experienced in his life that wound up in the score. Chis talks about his friendship with Andy Warhol and his work with James Galway, his Heinz Hall appearances, studying at Taylor Allderdice High School and WQED's circle including the Renaissance City Winds. The next cd is in the works with "Lotus Land," an album of arrangements that includes Billy Strayhorn, Joni Mitchell, Radiohead, Harold Arlen and many more out November 7. Life in Los Angeles is good for the former Pittsburgher who hasn't forgotten Mineo's Pizza and hopes to return soon. 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.

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 University of Pittsburgh library science degree holding professional how to keep your family reading in a world of screens, smart phones and electronic devices. Visit Washington Park on Saturday, September 6th from 11 am to 3 pm. To enter the on-site art contest, visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSerUPJF-ZxuZz12McbNny7RXx3K5YNEzAs7BxTUZXflpYbrQw/viewform?pli=1 To learn more, visit https://www.facebook.com/events/main-pavilion-washington-park/arts-in-the-park/740495621710969/. 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.

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 things coming up for the rest of 2025. This includes their Grand Re-Opening events on October 10th in Wexford, and October 17th in Castle Shannon. These events will have many fun activities for new and current students. View trial lessons, mock band rehearsals and performances, and more! There is lot's to do at Pittsburgh's School of Rock! Visit https://www.schoolofrock.com/ for more information and ways to get involved! 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.