It's Halloween here in the States, but it's the first concert at the Musikverein for the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra on this 2019 tour.  WQED-FM's Jim Cunningham joined some patrons at a cafe in Vienna where they discussed how to get young people more involved in classical music.  You'll hear their thoughts on that subject, as well as highlights they've had on the tour so far.  Jim also spoke with PSO President and CEO Melia Tourangeau to get her thoughts on the tour so far.  Jim asked her son about his favorite part of Vienna, and if he's seen any trick or treating there.

After just going through customs, WQED-FM's Jim Cunningham called in from the Berlin airport.   They were just about to fly to Vienna, where they'll spend the next few days.  Jim had a chance to interview Principal Cello Anne Martindale Williams who talked about Berlin; going through Checkpoint Charlie on her first tour with the PSO; and much more. 

It was a busy day of travel for the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra as they went by bus and by plane from Berlin to Vienna.  They arrived safely this evening and WQED-FM's Jim Cunningham managed to catch up with cellist Will Chow.  It's Will's first time in Vienna, so he shared his initial thoughts on the city, his excitement to play at the Musikverein, his experience on the radio program "From the Top" when he was in high school, and much more.  

The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra had just finished their concert at the Philharmonie in Berlin, Germany when Jim Cunningham called in with his evening tour report.  He managed to get an interview with Music Director Manfred Honeck in his dressing room to talk about tonight's concert, the importance of playing Bruckner, and how interesting it is to play in the concert hall with the audience surrounding the orchestra.  Jim also got some thoughts from Manfred Honeck's manager, Lothar Schacke, about tonight's concert.   

WQED-FM's Jim Cunningham checks in on the bus from Hannover to Berlin, where the orchestra will play at the Philharmonie tonight.  Jim interviews violist Stephanie Tretick and violinist Ellen Chen-Livingston about the tour so far; playing Bruckner; and what they did to pass the time on the train ride to Berlin.