Ai Weiwei is a unique presence in the world of visual art – equal parts avant-garde icon, activist and moral conscience for our times.

His courage is legendary both in pushing the boundaries between the new and the traditional in art and between art and politics. He has inspired the world with his defiance in the face of authoritarianism.

Join us for a deeply moving conversation, ranging from Ai’s origins and formative influences, his struggles to defend freedom of expression against the forces of repression, his monumental installations and his equally bold provocations of the powerful and complacent through his documentary films.

If there is such a thing as a superstar in the world of contemporary classical music, soprano and conductor Barbara Hannigan ranks at the top of a very short list.

With her quicksilver voice, charismatic personality and the striking physicality she brings to each performance, she has done what most people considered impossible – making the music of Ligeti, Boulez and Schoenberg irresistible to the many. Add to that her growing fame in the still male-dominated filed of orchestral conducting, and you have Barbara Hannigan, one of today’s truly transformative musical forces.

From her beginnings in Waverley, Nova Scotia to the great stages of the world, we talked with Barbara about her meteoric rise, her work with today’s greatest composers and the joys of bringing modern masterpieces to life.

In Part II of our conversation with Viggo Mortensen, we delve into this protean artist’s multidimensional engagements following his landmark success in the film adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings.

From music, to photography, painting and publishing, his multilingual acting roles and even his fascination for a masterpiece of silent film, Viggo delights and astonishes with his boundless curiosity, creativity and passion.

Sondra Radvanovsky is one of the great dramatic sopranos of our time, a singing actress who has thrilled audiences around the world in her performances of Verdi’s operas as well as mastering the virtuoso bel canto repertoire. But this down-to-earth diva defies every operatic stereotype – she is warm, open and generous, enlightening us on the way we think of the word “diva” itself.

Join us for this inside look at Sondra’s career, the impact of Covid cancellations and her unlikely emergence as a podcast queen in her own right. A treat for newcomers to opera and seasoned aficionados alike.

Hilary Hahn is one of the most beloved violinists in the world, an artist whose musicianship, passion and brilliance has earned her devoted fans everywhere. Still, she is so much more – a strong, visionary woman, a role model, and an artist who looks to the future.

In this candid conversation, Hilary talks about her early life and career, staying active and engaged through the pandemic, her commitment to commissioning new music, her engagement with artificial intelligence and even her happy encounter with Mr. Rogers.

Philippe Starck is a force of nature in the world of creativity. He pioneered the concept of Democratic Design – the notion that design and creativity should make life better for as many people as possible. His energy, imagination and questioning have resulted in thousands of creations from household objects, eco-friendly homes, a space habitation module to Steve Jobs’ mega-yacht.

Join us as he shares his passionate commitment to community, advancing evolution and candid revelations about the early experiences that shaped his boundless drive to create.

Two of the most transformative musical forces of our time—Laurie Anderson and super-producer Bob Ezrin—sit down for a talk with host Brian Levine. This intimate conversation is one of old friends reminiscing on career highlights, the creative passions that drive them and, of course, their shared love of Lou Reed. Listen to Laurie and Bob’s remarkable stories of days past, thoughtful perspectives on our current moment, and plans for future collaboration.

LAURIE ANDERSON:

BOB EZRIN:

THE GLENN GOULD FOUNDATION:

John Ralston Saul is one of the world’s most provocative, insightful and prescient thinkers, and he has thought deeply about the erosion of democracy in our time — an issue of increasingly urgent concern in light of recent events.

We caught up with John for a lively and wide-ranging discussion about the role of the arts in promoting democracy and the common good, social engagement, what we can learn from Indigenous cultures, and the dangers of propaganda, ideology, corporatism in eroding and corrupting the public sphere. John’s passion, wit and lifelong love of the arts and freedom of expression make for a compelling listen.