Insights and anecdotes from musicians, dancers, artists, actors and directors, as well as audience response.
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WQED Multimedia Podcasts
People around Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, know the word “gumbands.”It’s a regionalism, a somewhat wacky word that some call an example of “Pittsburghese.” A gumband is simply a rubber band, and we all know those words too, but we also often have a bit of pride in our exclusive Pittsburgh vocabulary. WQED’s longtime producer Rick Sebak is the host, and he works closely with podcast creator Rich Capaldi who has been producing at WQED since 2017.
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A new series that opens conversations between artists and their contemporaries. "Artists in the World" uplifts artistic voices and explores multiple histories, geographies, and current events while creating space for new ideas and possibilities. Hosted by Carnegie Museum of Art's director of education and public programs, Dana Bishop-Root, and WQED-FM's artistic director, Jim Cunningham, the new podcast series features cross-disciplinary conversations, artist talks, readings, and performance ...
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Jim Cunningham reports daily from the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra's travels on their European Festivals Tour.
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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 …
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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 Presb…
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James Blachly - Johnstown Symphony Orchestra Opening Concert
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24:29
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24:29It'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 Pa…
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The clear singing rooster in Geoffrey Chaucer's Canterbury Tales gave the 12 men of Chanticleer their name 48 years ago. Now the group is one of the world's most loved with a stop at the David Johnson Chapel on the Thiel College campus as part of the Con Spirito Concert Series on October 30th at 7pm. Assistant Music Director Matthew Mazzola runs do…
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Timothy Chooi - Westmoreland Symphony Orchestra
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22:24
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22:24The Westmoreland Symphony Orchestra opens its 2025-2026 season this Saturday, October 18th, with Korngold’s Violin Concerto, featuring violinist Timothy Chooi. Timothy and WSO Executive Director Michael Rozell joined WQED's Jim Cunningham live on the air to discuss the concert, Timothy's career, and the symphony.Timothy is Professor of Violin at th…
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The Steinway Society of Western Pennsylvania presents the Pittsburgh debut of Aljosha Jurinic on Sunday October 19th, 3pm in the Kresge Theater at Carnegie Mellon University. It's an all Chopin recital with the Second and Third Sonatas plus nocturnes. Aljosha spoke with Jim Cunningham by Zoom from his home in Boston. He is involved in research rega…
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The Tuesday Musical Club presents "Italia con Amore!" on October 21st, 1pm at Levy Hall, Rodef Shalom. This free concert includes music by Donizetti, Scarlatti, Boccherini and more. Soprano Sarah Richards and pianist Nanette Kaplan Solomon stopped by the studio to perform “Quando m’en vo” from Puccini's La Boheme LIVE. After the performance, they j…
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Pittsburgh Opera opens it's 2025-2026 season with Puccini's "La Boheme" at the Benedum Center October 18th through 26th. WQED-FM's Anna Singer spoke with Vuvu Mpofu, who sings the role of Mimi. It's her role debut and she talks about her characters bravery throughout the opera. Thanks for tuning in to WQED's Voice of the Arts, Pittsburgh's trusteds…
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Pittsburgh Opera - La Boheme - Kristine McIntyre
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6:23Pittsburgh Opera opens it's 2025-2026 season with Puccini's "La Boheme" at the Benedum Center October 18th through 26th. WQED-FM's Anna Singer spoke with stage director Kristine McIntyre. She talks about her approach to such a classic opera, especially with a cast of such young voices. Thanks for tuning in to WQED's Voice of the Arts, Pittsburgh's …
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Pittsburgh Opera - La Boheme - Daniel O'Hearn
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11:13Pittsburgh Opera opens it's 2025-2026 season with Puccini's "La Boheme" at the Benedum Center October 18th through 26th. WQED-FM's Anna Singer spoke with Daniel O'Hearn, who sings the role of Rodolfo. Daniel is thrilled to be back in Pittsburgh after spending many years in the Pittsburgh Opera Resident Artist program. Thanks for tuning in to WQED's…
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Pittsburgh Opera - La Boheme - Antony Walker
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6:46Pittsburgh Opera opens it's 2025-2026 season with Puccini's "La Boheme" at the Benedum Center October 18th through 26th. WQED-FM's Anna Singer spoke with Pittsburgh Opera Music Director Antony Walker about the music of this great opera. He's conducted the opera countless times, but still always enjoys it. Thanks for tuning in to WQED's Voice of the…
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Chamber Music Pittsburgh - Sphinx Virtuosi
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20:36Chamber Music Pittsburgh presents the Sphinx Virtuosi and Sterling Elliot at Carnegie Music Hall on Tuesday October 21st at 7:30pm. WQED-FM's Jim Cunningham spoke with two members of Sphinx Virtuosi - Violist/violinist Bill Neri and violinist Sandro Leal-Santiesteban. They spoke about the ensemble, what people can expect at the concert and much mor…
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The Pittsburgh Walk of Fame - Nancy Polinsky
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18:16After thirteen years of planning, Fred Rogers and George Benson are now in stone in front of the Terminal Smallman Street at 18th in the Strip District on the Pittsburgh Walk of Fame with eight other luminaries following the ceremonies on Monday October 20th. Executive Director of the Walk, Nancy Polinsky Johnson, a regular on QED Cooks with Chris …
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The Frick Pittsburgh is Opening Up the 3rd and 4th Floors!
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7:12There is big news coming from The Frick Pittsburgh! Chief Curator and Director of Collections, Dawn Brean, gave WQED a sneak-peek at the Clayton House's 3rd and 4th floors! These largely never before seen floors will be open to the public for the first time ever for exclusive tours in November. Dawn talks about why they are opening it up now, and w…
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On Saturday October 18th, Pittsburgh Civic Orchestra presents an evening of multicultural music featuring the World Premieres from local composers, and well known global composers who have taken elements from traditional musical styles to create new classics. For this performance the orchestra welcomes International Mexican guitarist David Huchin o…
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Thomas Douglas, Artistic Director of Bach Choir of Pittsburgh, joined Anna Singer of Afternoon Classics, to talk about Bach Choir's 2025-2026 season titled "Cirque du Cinéma." The season kicks off November 15th and 16th at the RowHouse Hollywood Theater, where they will perform Richard Einhorn’s majestic Voices of Light in accompaniment to Carl The…
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WQED-FM's Anna Singer was joined by Scott Pauley of Chatham Baroque live on the air. Scott talked about the Chatham Baroque/Renaissance and Baroque season opening concert this Sunday October 19th at Shadyside Presbyterian Church titled "Beethoven’s Opus 1: Three Groundbreaking Trios." Step into 1795 Vienna and experience the debut of Beethoven’s gr…
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20 Years with Maestro Walter Morales and 38 years together as the Edgewood Symphony begins the season with a festive concert at Carnegie Music Hall Sunday October 19th at 3pm. Conductor Morales joins composers Robert Schulz and Danny English to talk abut their new music to be heard for the first time at the event. Maestra Maria Sensi Sellner conduc…
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Pittsburgh International Classic Theatre is showing Sedef Ecer's play "First Lady." WQED-FM's Melissa Black interviewed the playwright Sedef Ecer, the translator for the play Amelia Parenteau, and PICT's Artistic Director Elizabeth Elias Huffman, who is also acting the lead role in the play. A satirical romp, First Lady Ishtar is oblivious to the e…
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Chamber Orchestra of Pittsburgh - Season Opening Concert
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19:23
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19:23Chamber Orchestra of Pittsburgh begins their 2025-2026 Season with a concert on Saturday October 11th, 7:30pm at Rodef Shalom titled "Future and Fate." Joining Jim Cunningham on the QED Morning Show were Artistic Director Edward Leonard, Violist Jennifer Gerhard Mangone and bass Jeff Mangone to talk about the concert. Jennifer and Jeff will perform…
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Legends in the Limelight - Meghan Picerno and Marianne Cornetti
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14:52Pittsburgh Festival Opera presents "Legends in the Limelight" - Sunday October 12th, 3pm at the Kelly Strayhorn Theater. The concert will feature Meghan Picerno, who will be accompanied by pianist James Lesniak. Meghan was joined by Pittsburgh Festival Opera Artistic Director to chat with WQED-FM's Anna Singer about the concert, Meghan's musical ba…
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Cathedral Concert Series - Edward Alan Moore and Kira Bokalders
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20:22
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20:22A Pittsburgh first for Daniel Pinkham - his Concerto for Wind Quintet and Organ, plus Windfluence playing favorites at East Liberty Presbyterian Church on Sunday October 12th at 3pm in a free concert for the Cathedral Concerts series. Organist and Music Director at the Church, Dr. Edward Alan Moore and clarinet Kira Bokalders run down the plan with…
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David Breitman Chats About Chatham Baroque's Upcoming Concert
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24:28By WQED Multimedia
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The Start of Attack Theatre's 30th Anniversary Season
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20:48
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20:48Attack Theatre is celebrating it's 30th Season this year, and they have an exciting lineup to kick it all off! Executive Director, Andres Franco, talks about his first 6 months on the job, and the all the exciting events coming up at Attack Theatre. Their first performance of the season, "Some Assembly Required: At Home" was first commissioned by t…
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What's Academy Concerts' Upcoming Season?
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29:04Want to hear local chamber music this fall? Academy Concerts has you covered! Artistic Director and violist, Warren Davidson, talks about the upcoming season for the Academy Concerts and the Academy String Quartet. Spread across four church's across the Pittsburgh area, Warren's goal is to bring great classical chamber music to the Pittsburgh area.…
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The Sounds of Elegance at Academy Concerts
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10:46
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10:46A 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 (fl…
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Utopia, Limited with the Pittsburgh Savoyards
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13:50
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13:50The 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 t…
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Why is Pittsburgh Shakespeare in the Park's MacBeth Unique?
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16:19In 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 at…
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The Next Cemetery Walk with Prime Stage Theatre
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18:33
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18:33Celebrating 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 por…
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Reson8 Vocal Octet Launches New Season with Hero Songs
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11:00
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11:00Artistic 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. Th…
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Pittsburgh Symphony Updates with Bill and Cynthia
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14:48
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14:48When 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…
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Walter Morales - Romantic Piano Music for the Left Hand Alone
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34:41It'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 …
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Singing Some Golden Oldies with Cranberry Men's Chorus
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32:27
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32:27Musical 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…
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Dive into the New Bridges and Stages 10 Minute Play Festival
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19:09
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19:09There 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 …
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Chantal Braziel's Recital with Tuesday Musical Club
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17:13Get 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 Langsto…
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This Weekend is Be My Neighbor Day in Etna
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18:41
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18:41Join 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 w…
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What is Next for Chamber Music Pittsburgh's New Season?
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17:44Another 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. Novem…
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The Pittsburgh Symphony Musicians Running For Rhythm
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14:53
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14:53The 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-cu…
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Music in a Great Space Concert Brings Gershwin to Pittsburgh
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27:50Another 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, Le…
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Rick Sebak Shares Lucky to Live in Pittsburgh Episode 3
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7:10WQED’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 L…
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What Local Concerts are at Saxonburg Memorial Presbyterian Church?
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20:33Have 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 o…
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Pittsburgh's South Park Theatre Brings Shakespeare to the Stage
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28:31With 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 l…
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Pianist Christopher O'Riley Shares New Work and Pittsburgh Ties
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32:36
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32:36In 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 tha…
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Meet WQED's Education Team at Washington's Arts in the Park
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16:48
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16:48It'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…
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A Deep Dive into Pittsburgh's School of Rock
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29:13Since 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 …
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Marianne Cornetti - Pittsburgh Festival Opera
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13:04Artistic 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 Tr…
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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…
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Yugo Ikach on Washington Symphony and Arts in the Parks
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14:44Music 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 abou…
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Kweilin Nassar and Susan Anderson - South Side Yard Sale
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19:00Kweilin 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 e…
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Kim Rauch - Johnstown Tuesday Noon Recital Series
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15:52The 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…
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