
Voice of the Arts
Arts & Culture Podcasts
Insights and anecdotes from musicians, dancers, artists, actors and directors, as well as audience response.
Location:
United States
Genres:
Arts & Culture Podcasts
Description:
Insights and anecdotes from musicians, dancers, artists, actors and directors, as well as audience response.
Language:
English
Episodes
Pittsburgh Opera's "Fellow Travelers" - Logan Wagner
11/7/2025
Pittsburgh Opera presents Gregory Spears' "Fellow Travelers" for 3 performances only - Friday November 14th (7pm), Saturday November 15th (7pm), and Sunday November 16th (2pm) at the Byham Theater. WQED-FM's Anna Singer spoke with Logan Wagner, who sings the role of "Timothy Laughlin." He sang the role in a student production in Cincinnati with Erik Nordstrom. He talks about the music and the dynamic between his character and the character of "Hawkins." He did not grow up listening to opera, rather he sang Journey songs since his dad is in a rock cover band, "Fast Forward", who was recently inducted into the Northern Kentucky Music Hall of Fame. 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.
Duration:00:08:48
Pittsburgh Opera's "Fellow Travelers" - Erik Nordstrom
11/7/2025
Pittsburgh Opera presents Gregory Spears' "Fellow Travelers" for 3 performances only - Friday November 14th (7pm), Saturday November 15th (7pm), and Sunday November 16th (2pm) at the Byham Theater. WQED-FM's Anna Singer spoke with Erik Nordstrom, who sings the role of "Hawkins Fuller." He sang the role in a student production in Cincinnati and is excited to revisit the role. 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.
Duration:00:07:48
Pittsburgh Opera's "Fellow Travelers" - Brian Staufenbiel
11/7/2025
Pittsburgh Opera presents Gregory Spears' "Fellow Travelers" for 3 performances only - Friday November 14th (7pm), Saturday November 15th (7pm), and Sunday November 16th (2pm) at the Byham Theater. WQED-FM's Anna Singer spoke with Stage Director Brian Staufenbiel, who talks about his vision for the opera, and how it's extremely helpful to have two cast members who have already done a production of 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 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.
Duration:00:09:19
Pittsburgh Opera's "Fellow Travelers" - Antony Walker
11/7/2025
Pittsburgh Opera presents Gregory Spears' "Fellow Travelers" for 3 performances only - Friday November 14th (7pm), Saturday November 15th (7pm), and Sunday November 16th (2pm) at the Byham Theater. WQED-FM's Anna Singer spoke with Pittsburgh Opera Music Director Antony Walker, who talks about the music, the historical context of the opera, and how he thinks its important as a conductor to sit in on every voice rehearsal. 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.
Duration:00:12:18
Joshua Malave Discusses Tuesday Musical Club Composers Concert
11/7/2025
Tuesday Musical Club is hosting it's Composer Workshop Concert next Tuesday!
Composer Joshua Malave talks about his work with the Tuesday Musical Club Composers workshop, and his piece he will play for the concert. Title "Piano Sonata in F Major", Josh talks about the circumstances that led to him writing this piece for a different concert. He plays the 3rd movement in this episode in our studios.
Josh also talks about the other composers in the concert, including Judy Bruce, George Pearsall, Janet Stivanson, and many others. Josh reminisces about his past, and how he first started with the guitar, before switching to the cello at the age of 18. Realizing that he loves to compose music, he switched again to piano, and has created numerous pieces since. He talks about his work with Confluence Ballet, recently writing "The Onion", which will be back for a second year in the spring.
You can hear Josh's composition, and many more on Tuesday, November 11th at 1 pm at Rodef Shalom's Levy Hall.
The concert is free, and there is a livestream available on YouTube. 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.
Duration:00:19:59
Lindsay Goodman's New Album "Transporting Bright"
11/7/2025
Flutist Lindsey Goodman has a new album "Transporting Bright" coming out today!
WQED's Anna Singer talks with Lindsey about her new album, which features 11 commissioned works by living American composers. The composers include Pittsburgher's such as Nancy Galbraith, and Rob Frankenberry. There are also multiple groups in the album, including flute quartet Pandemonium 4, and the Chrysalis Duo. Lindsey talks about the album's title, which comes from Galbraith's piece "A Something in a Summer's Day". The piece, inspired by an Emily Dickinson poem, is ties into reconnecting with people after the pandemic.
Lindsey recently premiered Roger Zahab's new flute concerto in Pittsburgh, and looks forward to performing another of Nancy Galbraith's pieces with Resonance Works in March. She also reflects on her lifelong relationship with the flue, which was passed down from her father.
You can hear Lindsey Goodman's newest album "Transporting Bright" now on major streaming platforms. Listen to WQED-FM to hear it too!
Learn more about Lindsey at https://www.lindseygoodman.com/.
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.
Duration:00:21:49
11th Symphony Splendor Holiday House Tour
11/5/2025
See houses decorated for the Holidays during the 2025 Symphony Splendor Holiday House Tour. There are two tour times on November 22nd - from 11am to 4pm and 5pm to 8pm. The house tour is in the exclusive Lake Macleod neighborhood in Gibsonia. Pittsburgh Symphony Association President-Elect Ruth Ann Pritchard, and PSO Violinist Irene Cheng spoke with WQED-FM's Jim Cunningham about this year's tour - what people can expect to see in the houses. It's worth the trip up to the North Hills for this fundraising event for the PSO. Irene is getting many of her colleagues to play music at the houses. You can get into the holiday spirit by getting tickets at https://pittsburghsymphonyassociation.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 https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Duration:00:19:08
Landscape and Lore - The Frick Pittsburgh's Scandinavian Art
11/5/2025
The Frick Pittsburgh has a new art exhibit, perfect for the holiday season!
Chief Curator and Director of Collections, Dawn Brean, and Director of Learning and Visitor Experience, Kelsie Paul, talks about the exhibit "The Scandinavian Home: Landscape and Lore". This show is part of a large private collection of Scandinavian art from David and Susan Werner. This exhibit features over 100 different artifacts from the Nordic countries. Dawn talks about the different kinds of art people can see in the exhibit, and what is unique about the art in the show.
Kelsie highlights the large array of programming that is offered around this art exhibit. There are guided tours, a Gnome Scavenger Hunt across the grounds, forest bathing, and an air-dry clay workshop! There is so much to do with the family during this exhibit! Kelsie also talks about the holiday programming, which includes holiday high tea, and Nordic Handbells!
Of course, the holiday's would not be complete without the Holiday tours of the Clayton House. Dawn talks about bringing the holidays to Clayton soon.
You can see The Frick Pittsburgh's "The Scandinavian Home: Landscape and Lore" art exhibit now until January 11th, 2026.
Visit https://www.thefrickpittsburgh.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.
Duration:00:15:16
Christopher Hahn - Pittsburgh Opera - "Fellow Travelers"
11/4/2025
It's an opera that Pittsburgh Opera General Director Christopher Hahn has wanted to put on stage for many years. "Fellow Travelers" is set in 1950's Washington DC during the Eisenhower administration while Joe McCarthy was sifting through the government in the red scare to sort out communists. Fellow Travelers turns up in Thomas Mallon's novel and several screen adaptations. Now the story is set to the music written by Gregory Spear which has won rave reviews in New York and Chicago with multiple additional performances also winning praise. The story weaves together political intrigue with personal drama, a bit of religious difference and keeping love under the radar in the lavender scare. There are sixteen scenes and a score that is in the minimalist mode but has a strong appeal and Spear has figured out how to capture the cadence of American speech in a special fit. Christopher Hahn is in his last year as General Director of Pittsburgh Opera. He shares with Jim Cunningham his plans and the search for his successor. Plus, he gives a view of where Opera is today and where Pittsburgh Opera is with bringing back fans following the stay-at-home pandemic. Hahn has kept the quality high with over 800 talented singers applying for any Resident Artist audition. What has he loved lately and which city is the current hotbed of operatic creativity? 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.
Duration:00:26:27
Chatham Baroque Talks About A Trio Virtuosic
11/3/2025
Chatham Baroque is back at it again, this time with just the trio!
Members Andrew Fouts (violin), Patricia Halverson (viola da gamba), and Scott Pauley (theorbo & baroque guitar), talk about their upcoming concert "A Trio Virtuosic". The program highlights include Bach's Sonata in G Major, Schmelzer's Sonata Quarta in D Major, and Biber's Sonata in F Major. The trio emphasizes the returning to familiar pieces, but with new interpretation in phrasing.
Scott talks about his new role, now as Managing and Artistic Director of the group. They also talk about their record breaking subscriptions this season with many new attendees. The group plays a selection of pieces from their 'Bach and Before' CD. They also briefly share highlights for "Corelli Christmas" in December.
You can hear Chatham Baroque's "A Trio Virtuosic" from November 21st to 23rd, at Teutonia Männerchor, Calvary Episcopal Church, and Rodef Shalom's Levy Hall.
You can learn more by visiting 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.
Duration:00:33:23
Writer Lawrence C. Connolly's Poe at Prime Stage Theatre
10/31/2025
Just in time for spooky season, horror and science fiction writer Lawrence C. Connolly talks about his latest writings!
Lawrence talks about two of his most recent projects, a play for Prime Stage Theatre reimaging 4 Edgar Alan Poe stories, and his newest book, "Minute Men: Execute & Run". Lawrence talks about his adaptation of the four stories for the play, and how his brother's idea sparked a book.
The play blends four of Edgar Alan Poe's stories with Poe appearing as a character, in a style similar to his real-life stage performances. Lawrence highlights Poe's theatrical persona, which extended to his photographs later in life. He also describes some challenges, including how to depict the monster throughout the play.
The book is about a group of people who only have 60 seconds of superpowers before becoming incapacitated. Lawrence hopes to publish a graphic novel of the book, and is excited to hear the audiobook coming out soon. He soon will be working on the sequel.
Lastly, Lawrence provides some book recommendations, and looks forward to writing more about the Minute Men soon.
You can see Prime Stage Theatre's "Mr. Edgar A. Poe Presents: Tales of Mystery, Horror & Imagination" from November 7th to 16th. Lawrence's newest book "Minute Men: Execute & Run" is out now.
Visit Prime Stage Theatre's website to grab tickets, and visit Lawrence's website to see all his work.
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.
Duration:00:31:15
Nancy Galbraith's World Premiere at Carnegie Mellon
10/30/2025
It's not exactly Ian Underwood, the flutist of Jethro Tull, who stood on one leg playing Bach. But Stephen Schultz plays the electric baroque flute in Forest Cathedral, a world premiere from Nancy Galbraith at Carnegie Mellon.
Nancy and Stephen talk about the energetic piece in Nancy's audience friendly style and also share happenings at CMU Music this fall. Stephen just wrapped up teaching a course on Mahler and another on the Beatles while writing his eighth score for Nancy. Nancy has fifteen students this year. She says they are writing interesting music for video games and films as well as concert masterpieces of the future.
Stephen will play the Bach Brandenburg Concertos with Chamber Music Pittsburgh. He is also still active in Los Angeles as a member of several ensembles. Nancy describes the special features of her music suggesting that the title Forest Cathedral was inspired by her poet husband Matthew.
See Nancy Galbraith's world premiere with Carnegie Mellon's Philharmonic on Sunday, November 2nd at Carnegie Hall in Oakland.
Visit the University's School of Music 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.
Duration:00:15:15
Marc Andre Hamelin
10/28/2025
Frank Zappa's "Ruth is Sleeping" leads off Canadian born pianist Mark Andre Hamelin's new Hyperion cd "Found Objects/Sound Objects" with Salvatore Martirano heard in "Stuck on Stella," "The Perilous Night" by John Cage, Stefan Wolpe with "Passacaglia," "Refrain" by his friend Yehudi Wyner and "Hexensabbat" written by the pianist. On January 12, 2026, Mark-Andre Hamelin will have his Pittsburgh recital debut for Chamber Music Pittsburgh playing Concord Sonata by Charles Ives, Forest Scenes by Robert Schumann and Gaspard de la Nuit by Ravel. He tells Jim Cunningham he listens to radio WCRB all day being married to pianist and announcer Cathy Fuller. Nearing 100 CDs in his catalog, he says he likes to stay busy. He's been named a member of the Order of Canada and honored by Quebec for his start in Montreal then heading to Temple in Philadelphia and concertizing around the globe but only a few stops in Pittsburgh including Heinz Hall with the Turangalila Symphony by Olivier Messaien and the Ellen Zwilich Piano Concerto. 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.
Duration:00:17:42
Pianist Burkard Schliessmann
10/28/2025
German born pianist Burkard Schliessmann has concertized around the world with a base in Frankfurt. He teaches at Curtis and in New York. He spoke with Jim Cunningham by Zoom from Germany about the solo piano works of Robert Schumann, Fantasies for the Divine Art label. The deluxe pressing is being issued as a triple gold audiophile LP. Burkard discussed his interpretation of Schumann's Kreisleriana and other masterpieces written in some cases near the end of his life when he was said to be losing his sanity. Herr Schliessmann feels this has been exaggerated. He also discusses Johann Wolfgang von Goethe whose name came with one of the many awards Schliessmann has been given. Is gold vinyl an addition to the sound quality or a fad? Etwas ganz Besonderes! Naturlich. He says he was fortunate to record on a great Steinway and loves working at the Berlin Teldex Studio where so many great keyboard legends from Barenboim to Arcadi Volodos have recorded. 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.
Duration:00:30:59
Stage 62 - Oklahoma
10/24/2025
Stage 62 presents Oklahoma at the Carnegie Music Hall in Carnegie, PA for two weekends - November 6-9 and November 13-15 with a cast of 40 directed by Rob James . Brian Ferris, Curly, who sings “Oh What a Beautiful Morning” and Rachel Fox, Aunt Eller, who serves as the emotional overseer for the cast bring to life the Rodgers and Hammerstein ground breaking Broadway hit that tells the story of America as the Oklahoma territory is becoming a state. Rachel and Brian joined Jim Cunningham on the QED Morning Show to reveal the special qualities of the production complete with a dining deal for visitors to Carnegie who’d like to try a new restaurant. Rachel says there is nothing that can compete with the presence and excitement of live theater and Stage 62 has been providing quality productions since 1962. Rachel and Brian are Grove City graduates who have enjoyed a life long passion for theater. Rachel and Brian are both veterans of the Stage 62 productions which included a long successful partnership last summer at the Greer Cabaret Theater downtown and Rachel’s previous success in Guys and Dolls. 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.
Duration:00:13:41
Frank Kurtik
10/24/2025
With a strong presence on Facebook, Frank Kurtik is a different kind of poster. No cats or dogs - instead posts of Pittsburgh historical highlights, concert news, and restaurant discoveries. Frank was a long time docent at Heinz Chapel making brides comfortable on their wedding day and arranging organ recitals and tours after working as Pitt archivist. He started his higher level of educational discovery at Duquesne University and has crossed paths with many WQED regulars including Herb Stein of Newsroom. Mr. and Mrs. Kurtik brave the travel miles from Uniontown for countless musical events in Western Pa. Kurtik recently presented an in depth look at the H. J. Heinz mansion on Penn Avenue in Point Breeze, Greenlawn, for the East Liberty Historical Society. He condenses his remarks in a conversation with Jim Cunningham describing the Music Room with a white mahogany Steinway grand and has reliefs of Bach, Handel, Verdi, and Gounod. The architectural wonder was destroyed in 1924 with only the wrought iron black fence still standing. Just a few steps away, Mr. Heinz’s museum of Asian antiquities and clock museum still exists with the amazing history of having been open to the public. Frank speaks about the dining room where the family dressed formally for dinner, recalls the family history, and gives an overview of special features of the house with stained glass and the upstairs-downstairs staff arrangements. Mr. Heinz was an early major donor to the Pittsburgh Orchestra and supporter of the music world in Pittsburgh and was behind a Beethoven Club in Sharpsburg. Heinz served as an officer of the Pittsburgh Male Chorus which invited Marie Rappold of the Metropolitan Opera to appear as soloist. Heinz was a backer of the visiting Russian Symphony Orchestra in presenting Mendelssohn’s Midsummer Night’s Dream in Exposition Hall. H J Heinz helped to sponsor three seasons of concerts with the visiting Philadelphia Orchestra with no works by German composers due to tensions from WWI. Heinz helped in presenting the Walter Damrosch Orchestra during the Pittsburgh Exposition of 1904 held where the David Lawrence Convention Center now stands. The soloist, Henriette Keil, gave a highly praised Wagner concert enjoyed by Heinz. Frank Kurtik suggest surely she must have visited the music room at Greenlawn in Point Breeze. 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.
Duration:00:29:55
Daniel Singer - Mendelssohn Choir of Pittsburgh
10/23/2025
The Mendelssohn Choir of Pittsburgh’s second annual CrosSING Bridges Choral Festival takes place on Sunday, October 26, 2025 at 4pm in the newly renovated Carnegie Music Hall in Oakland. Mendelssohn will share the stage once again with Heritage Gospel Chorale Pittsburgh (Dr. Herbert V.R.P. Jones, director) and Coro Latinoamericano Pittsburgh (Lourdes Santiesteban, director), along with their new choral partner, the Pittsburgh Pride Choir (Dr. Kym Scott, director). You’ll hear music from varied music traditions representing communities across Pittsburgh, and you’ll witness over 200 voices coming together to show all that collaboration can accomplish. Jim Cunningham spoke with Mendelssohn Choir Music Director Daniel Singer about the concert, the upcoming Junior Mendelssohn Joy Concert, his work in Cleveland with Beethoven's Ninth and Fidelio, their Holiday concert, and the Joe Hisaishi concert with the PSO. 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.
Duration:00:23:24
Michael Lutz - Pittsburgh Vintage Mixer
10/22/2025
Pittsburgh Vintage Mixer founder Michael Lutz joined Jim Cunningham on the QED Morning show to invite listeners to the David Lawrence Convention Center Saturday November 8, 2025 from 9am to 5pm where they will find collectible curated treasures of all kinds including vinyl records and decorative items, books, furniture, and housewares all in a fun atmosphere . Kids under 13 are admitted free with all tickets available at the door. There’s also a VIP Night Owl Pre party for $35, with free re entry to the main event on Saturday. Michael has been featured in an episode of Rick Sebak’s Nebby series on WQED13 and he also works on behalf of classical music as an artist representative for 21C music in New York helping to get musicians including Leif Ove Andsnes, Beatrice Rana, and Manfred Honeck and the Pittsburgh Symphony. Michael Lutz is almost certain that Rick Sebak will return as a vendor at the event this year. https://www.facebook.com/pghvintagemixer/ 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.
Duration:00:17:39
Composer Katherine Pukinskis
10/21/2025
Problem pregnancies have not been top of mind for composers but Carnegie Mellon University faculty member Katherine Pukinskis has organized the Pittsburgh debut of her "One in Four, One in Eight" and brings the Agarita Ensemble and Attack Theater Dance to three locations - McGee Medical Center, the Attack Theater headquarters, and Westminster Presbyterian Church. The tickets are free but reservations are desirable at music.cmu.edu/tickets Agarita arrives from Texas with violinist Sarah Silver Manzke who has a great musical tradition. Her father, Paul Silver, has been a violist in the Pittsburgh Symphony for many years and retired before the pandemic. Her mom, Linda Silver, is a beloved music educator in Mount Lebanon. The composer transcribed 100,000 words of interviews with area medical professionals on the topic of bringing new life into the world with complications and the one in eight rate of solving life threatening trouble that results from the creation of new families. Kate Pukinskis has worked at the Pittsburgh Symphony in Operations and studied in Chicago with Shulamit Ran while finishing her Phd at the University of Chicago. in Pittsburgh she studied with Nancy Galbraith and Leonardo Balada - receiving her Bachelors and Masters degrees at CMU. There are pre-concert talks and post-concert receptions at each location. There is also newly commissioned artwork by Pittsburgh artist Morgan Overton. Before joining the faculty at Carnegie Mellon University, Dr. Pukinskis held faculty positions at Amherst College, Harvard University, and the Longy School of Music at Bard College. For more https://www.cmu.edu/cfa/music/concerts-events/ 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.
Duration:00:32:44
James Blachly - Johnstown Symphony Orchestra Opening Concert
10/21/2025
It's a celebration of ten years with Maestro James Blachly and the Johnstown Symphony. Opening night - October 25, 2025 - brings the start of the America 250 Celebration with Samuel Barber, Charles Ives' Unanswered Question, something new from Levi Taylor, and Brahms' Third Symphony. Maestro Blachly looks over the success of his Bach and Charlie Parker concert and the plan for a special holiday event. He tells Jim Cunningham about his visit to the Grammy Awards ceremony for his recording of Julia Perry, about his New York music making and suggests that he sees a bright future for classical music in Johnstown and around the globe. 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.
Duration:00:24:29