David Ludwig has composed the Sinfonia Concertante for two clarinets and two bassoons which receives the world premiere February 18 and 19 at Heinz hall with the Pittsburgh Symphony and Manfred Honeck. The new Dean and Director of the music Division at Juilliard  composer David Ludwig sat down with the soloists Michael Rusinek Principal Clarinet with Second Clarinet Ron Samuels, Bassoon  Philip Pandolfi, Principal Bassoon Nancy Goeres and Jim Cunningham to talk over the special features and the creation of the concerto, whether they will wear black, the shape of the music and how it was created.  

The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra performs two world premieres, plus music of Smetana, Schumann and Stravinsky this weekend at Heinz Hall.  WQED-FM's Jim Cunningham spoke to composer Michael Daugherty about his brand new piece "Fifteen: Symphonic Fantasy on the Art of Andy Warhol."   He also talks about other pieces he's working on, winning multiple Grammy's, and more.  

Manfred Honeck returns to Heinz Hall to conduct Stravinsky's Suite from "The Firebird," along with two world premieres, and music by Schumann and Smetana.   He chats with WQED-FM's Jim Cunningham about this program, what he's been up to since he was last in Pittsburgh, and more.   

The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra performs two world premieres, plus music of Smetana, Schumann and Stravinsky this weekend at Heinz Hall.  WQED-FM's Jim Cunningham spoke to composer Reza Vali about his brand new piece ""The Girl from Shiraz" from Persian Folk Songs, which features as soloist, Kian Soltani.  Kian also joins the conversation to talk about the Reza Vali piece, as well as playing the Schumann Cello Concerto.  

Jacob Joyce, Pittsburgh Symphony Assistant Conductor, makes his Heinz Hall subscription concert debut this Saturday and Sunday January 22 and 23 conducting concertos by Corelli and Geminiani, plus Stravinsky sharing the program with his colleague Moon Doh who conducts Bartok. Jacob explains why he loves baroque music and tells us about his work with the Indianapolis Symphony plus his story so far. He also talks about his work with the Pittsburgh Youth Symphony as their new conductor.

Moon Doh arrived as Pittsburgh Symphony Assistant Conductor just two weeks ago and now leads his first subscription concert at Heinz Hall January 22 and 23. He discusses the joy of Bartok and tells Jim Cunningham that his path from Korea has been winding but wonderful most recently with several appointments in Germany. He has climbed hundreds of steps to the top of Cologne Cathedral in whistling wind and he promised to share lessons in dancing Gangnam Style.