Advertise on podcast: Voice of the Arts

Aria412 presents I Hear America Singing, a film by Daren Hagen! Two of the stars, Robert Frankenberry and Aria412 co-founder Desiree Soteres, spoke with Jim Cunningham about the screening. Robert and Desiree star alongside baritone Christopher Scott in this third installment of opera films by Daren Hagen. Robert calls it a blend of "independent film and opera music theater performance," rather than a filmed show for broadcast. He and Desiree talk about their respective characters, bringing the film to life, and working with Daren. The opera was created by Aria412, and The New Mercury Players produced the film. Jim, Desiree, and Robert also listen to four songs from the film, reflecting on the performance. Don't miss the premiere of I Hear America Singing on Tuesday, February 10th at 7:00pm at the Oaks Theater in Oakmont. There will be a Q&A with Daren and the cast after the screening. More information and tickets can be found at https://www.aria412pgh.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.

The next artist in the Andrew Carnegie Free Library & Music Hall's Studio Jazz Series is vocalist Chantal Joseph! Chantal and Marlee Gallagher, Executive Director of the Library & Music Hall, spoke with WQED's Melissa Black about the show. Marlee provides background on the studio series and teases their upcoming Mardi Gras celebration with Phat Man Dee. Chantal talks about the program, which will include some jazz standards with a twist, fun instrumentation, and soul elements. Chantal will be joined on stage by pianist Daniel May and George Heid III on percussion. She also walks Melissa through her musical journey, teaching, and the work that her non-profit, The Giving Grace Foundation, does. Don't miss a night of jazz with Chantal Joseph at the Andrew Carnegie Free Library & Music Hall in Carnegie on Thursday, February 5th at 7:00pm. Tickets are available at https://carnegiecarnegie.org/event/carnegie-carnegie-studio-jazz-series-chantal-joseph/. 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 second show in New Hazlett Theater's Community Supported Art series is Agnus Teaches Acting. Co-creators Treasure Treasure and Lucas Fedele chat with Emily Brunner about the show. Treasure and Lucas talk about writing Agnus with Zanny Laird, drawing from each of their own experiences in the theater world. The play follows Agnus Stephenson, an overbearing and unapologetic acting teacher. The trio wrote the play as a comedic take on acting school and bold character study. Treasure, who stars as Agnus, calls it an "acting workshop within a play within a musical fever dream." They also discuss bringing this play to the New Hazlett through the CSA series and the advantages of performing in an intimate space. Lucas, who directs the play, praises the collaborative nature of the character and the cast and crew who helped bring Agnus to life. Agnus Teaches Acting runs at the New Hazlett Theater February 5th-6th. Thursday's performance is at 7:30pm, and Friday's performances are at 10:00am and 7:30pm. More information and tickets can be found on the New Hazlett Theater 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.

The Greensburg Civic Theatre presents Godspell! WQED-FM volunteer Steve Kinsell went on-site to chat with Music Director Eric Barchiesi about the show. This widely acclaimed musical tells the story of the Gospel according to St. Matthew, using an eclectic blend of songs to recount Jesus's life. Eric talks about the appeal of variety in the music and the privilege of working with this cast and crew. He also emphasizes the importance of Godspell's message in today's world. Godspell runs at the Greensburg Civic Theatre from Friday, February 6th through Sunday, February 8th. Friday and Saturday's performances are at 8:00pm, and Sunday's matinee is at 2:00pm. Get tickets on the Greensburg Civic Theatre 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.

CMU Opera's production of Mozart's La Clemenza di Tito runs this weekend at the Philip Chosky Theater. Maestro Robert Frankenberry stopped by the studio to talk with Anna Singer about the opera. Rob tells the story of the opera's commission and Mozart's writing process, including the influence of famous poet Caterino Mazzolà on the libretto. Anna and Robert were also joined by four singers, who performed two pieces from La Clemenza di Tito. Soprano Jihyon Baig, who portrays Servilia, sings the aria "S'altro che lagrime." Soprano Megan Thomson (Vitellia), mezzo-soprano Isabelle Hoyou (Annio), and baritone Holden Seward (Publio) sing the trio "Vengo aspettate." The singers were accompanied by pianist I-Hsiang Cho. Jihyon, Megan, Isabelle, and Holden talk about their respective characters and their favorite moments from the opera. Rob elaborates on the uniqueness of Mozart operas, especially La Clemenza di Tito. Don't miss La Clemenza di Tito this Thursday, January 29th through Sunday, February 1st at the Philip Chosky Theater on CMU's campus. Thursday-Saturday performances are at 8:00pm, and the Sunday matinee is at 2:00pm. More information and tickets are available at the CMU Opera 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.

DEJA Magazine's Art Director, Chloe Paris Simpson, stopped by the studio to chat with WQED producer Nick Zaller about print media, the Pittsburgh arts scene, and her new documentary film, Take Up Space. Chloe talks about the importance of physical media, working with Mark Bluemle, the DEJA's Editor in Chief, and fostering a live music scene in Pittsburgh's Oakland neighborhood. She relates the positive community response to DEJA's first issue, how the magazine intertwines with the music venue, Haven, and hopes it can be a space for arts coverage and growth. Chloe also plugs an upcoming screening of her new short documentary, Take Up Space, which builds on her first documentary, The Scene Will Never Die, about Pittsburgh's public music history. Take Up Space explores what it means to do just that, both personally and as a community. There will be a free screening of Take Up Space at Haven in Oakland on Tuesday, February 3rd at 7:00pm. More information about the event, and an RSVP form, can be found on Chloe's 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.

Pittsburgh Opera presents Benjamin Britten's "Curlew River" January 24th through February 1st at Calvary Episcopal Church in Shadyside. WQED-FM's Anna Singer spoke with Logan Wagner, who sings the role of the Madwoman. Thanks for tuning in to WQED's Voice of the Arts, Pittsburgh's trusted source for arts and culture in our region. Whether you're passionate about classical music, film, theater, opera, or local music, we’re here to bring you closer to the heart of Pittsburgh's local arts scene. Don’t miss our musician interviews, the latest local music news, and performing arts insights from across the Southwestern Pennsylvania region.  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.

Pittsburgh Opera presents Benjamin Britten's "Curlew River" January 24th through February 1st at Calvary Episcopal Church in Shadyside. WQED-FM's Anna Singer spoke with Erik Nordstrom, who sings the role of the Ferryman. Thanks for tuning in to WQED's Voice of the Arts, Pittsburgh's trusted source for arts and culture in our region. Whether you're passionate about classical music, film, theater, opera, or local music, we’re here to bring you closer to the heart of Pittsburgh's local arts scene. Don’t miss our musician interviews, the latest local music news, and performing arts insights from across the Southwestern Pennsylvania region.  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.

Pittsburgh Opera presents Benjamin Britten's "Curlew River" January 24th through February 1st at Calvary Episcopal Church in Shadyside. WQED-FM's Anna Singer spoke with Stage Director Dana Kinney, who said it was a challenge to figure out how to present the opera. Thanks for tuning in to WQED's Voice of the Arts, Pittsburgh's trusted source for arts and culture in our region. Whether you're passionate about classical music, film, theater, opera, or local music, we’re here to bring you closer to the heart of Pittsburgh's local arts scene. Don’t miss our musician interviews, the latest local music news, and 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.

Pittsburgh Opera presents Benjamin Britten's "Curlew River" January 24th through February 1st at Calvary Episcopal Church in Shadyside. WQED-FM's Anna Singer spoke with Pittsburgh Opera Music Director Antony Walker about the piece, saying he's not a conductor in the traditional sense. Thanks for tuning in to WQED's Voice of the Arts, Pittsburgh's trusted source for arts and culture in our region. Whether you're passionate about classical music, film, theater, opera, or local music, we’re here to bring you closer to the heart of Pittsburgh's local arts scene. Don’t miss our musician interviews, the latest local music news, and 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.

In 2025, Computer Reach celebrated its 25th anniversary! Executive Director Dave Sevick speaks with Jim Cunningham about helping bridge the "digital divide" and improving digital literacy. Dave talks about his work as an Apple consultant and using those skills to help his local school district, which inspired him to start Computer Reach. Computer Reach makes technology available to people most in need through refurbished equipment, computer literacy, training, and support. Dave discusses working with communities in the East End, where Computer Reach is headquartered, and reaching individuals throughout the Greater Pittsburgh area. He also encourages listeners to donate any and all computers, especially laptops, to help with their efforts in providing computers and internet to community members. You can learn more about Computer Reach, their mission, and discover opportunities to donate at https://www.computerreach.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.

Professor Greg Jackson, creator of the podcast History That Doesn't Suck!, joins the Westmoreland Symphony Orchestra for Unlikely Union: A Storytelling Symphony of America, a live experience combining history and music. Greg and Westmoreland Symphony Executive Director Michael Rozell joined Jim Cunningham live on the QED Morning Show to talk about it. Greg discusses the content of the program, covering 100 years of American history, starting right here in the Ohio River Valley during the formation of our country and going all the way up to the Civil War. Michael talks about the original score that was developed specifically for this show, the collaboration between the WSO and Greg's team, and the excitement surrounding this unique format. Greg also provides background on his podcast, which aims to make history accessible and entertaining through stories about individuals. In addition to the live event, this production will be filmed as part of PBS's America 250 celebration to air on public television. Don't miss this one-of-a-kind experience on Saturday, January 17th at 7:30pm at the Palace Theatre in Greensburg. More information and tickets can be found on the Westmoreland Symphony 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.

Chatham Baroque's upcoming concert showcases the musical journey and influence of Queen Christina of Sweden! Managing and Artistic Director Scott Pauley and soprano Pascale Beaudin joined Anna Singer live on QED's afternoon show to talk about the program. Pascale and Scott explain how they discovered Christina and detail her arts contributions, from her reign of Sweden to her abdication, and her conversion to Catholicism and relocation to Rome. Christina became a leading patron of the arts in Baroque Rome, supporting a wide scope of composers, founding an arts academy, and opening an opera house. Chatham Baroque will be joined for this concert by Pascale, as well as violinist Carmen Johnson Pajaro and Anna O’Connell playing the Italian triple harp. The program includes diverse vocal and instrumental repertoire, from French works by Lully to Roman composers like Corelli and Scarlatti. There are three opportunities to hear music from Queen Christina from January 23rd-25th. Friday and Saturday's performances will be held at 7:30pm at Hicks Memorial Chapel in Highland Park. Sunday's 2:30pm concert is at Rodef Shalom's Levy Hall. Visit Chatham Baroque's website for more information and to get 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.

Carnegie Mellon University Opera present La Clemenza di Tito, one of the last operas written by Mozart! CMU graduate student, baritone Holden Seward, joined Jim Cunningham back in November 2025 to talk about the opera. La Clemenza di Tito follows Roman emperor Tito Vespasian, with betrayal, jealousy, and political complexities. Holden will play the role of Publio, leader of the Praetorian guard and Tito's right-hand man. He walks Jim through how production has progressed and the rehearsal process. He also discusses his opera journey, coming to Pittsburgh, and studying at CMU with Daniel Teadt. Holden also teases his upcoming work on Schubert's song cycle, Die schöne Müllerin, and collaborating with pianist Billie Miller, both on the Mozart and the Schubert. La Clemenza di Tito opens January 29th and runs through February 1st at the Philip Chosky Theater. Thursday-Saturday performances are at 8:00pm and Sunday's matinee is at 2:00pm. More information and tickets can be found at the CMU Opera 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.

Pittsburgh Opera announced on Tuesday, January 13th, the hiring of William Powers as its new General Director, effective July 1st, 2026. Bill joined both Jim Cunningham and Anna Singer on QED's Morning and Afternoon shows to talk about this exciting change. Bill has been the Executive Director of the Pittsburgh Youth Symphony Orchestra since 2021, and prior to that he spent 14 years with Pittsburgh Opera as Director of Artistic Administration, and then as Managing Director. He talks with Jim about the energetic future of classical music and the importance of fostering the education of young artists. He also teases some of his vision about the future of Pittsburgh Opera. Bill's morning interview was also accompanied by a performance of "I Want Magic" from André Previn’s A Streetcar Named Desire, sung by Pittsburgh Opera Resident Artist Lauryn Davis and accompanied by Assistant Coach and pianist James Lesniak. Anna and Bill discuss his history with Pittsburgh Opera and his return to the organization. Bill also dives deeper into his professional and personal life, including how he met his wife, soprano Sari Gruber. Anna and Bill have an optimistic chat about the state of opera as an art form. 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.