The English pianist makes his long-overdue debut with the PSO in Tchaikovsky's Piano Concerto #2. He talks about the composer's concertos, and his understanding of the latest evidence surrounding Tchaikovsky's death. He also talks about his blog, and topics from Catholicism to practice tips.

Guest conductor Yan Pascal Tortelier talks about Berlioz' Harold in Italy, based on the literary character by Lord Byron and featuring the viola as "Harold," and about Holst's The Planets, which Tortelier learned during his father's career in England. Tortelier also mentions his new relationship with Brazil's Sao Paulo State Orchestra.

Pianist Benjamin Hochman talks about Mozart's lesser-played Concerto #19, Mozart's cadenzas, developing his Mozart style, his influences such as pianist Edwin Fischer, his studies in Israel,

Pianist Jonathan Biss talks about Brahms' second piano concerto; the love triangle involving Brahms and Clara & Robert Schumann, recording 'live' at Wigmore Hall in London, touring, appearing with the Concertgebouw and Cleveland orchestras; and his parents, violinist Miriam Fried and violist Paul Biss.

Noseda conducts a Liszt transcription, a personal favorite Haydn Symphony, and Brahms' Piano Concerto #2 with Jonathan Biss in week 1. On the menu for week 2: Rossini, Mozart and Tchaikovsky, and he'll roll up his sleeves to cook with his friend, celebrity chef Lidia Bastianich, on WQED-HD.

Baritone Gregg Baker, who sang Beethoven's 9th Symphony in Asia with the Pittsburgh Symphony last year, returns to portray three great black baseball pioneers in Richard Danielpour's Pastime with Leonard Slatkin conducting. Baker also talks about Danielpour's 2005 opera, Margaret Garner, in which he created the role of Robert.

Leonard Slatkin and composer Mason Bates talk us through an American Voyage in music, including Bates' Liquid Interface for orchestra and electronics, Bernstein's Three Dances from On the Town, Gershwin's An American in Paris, and Richard Danielpour's Pastime, a tribute to three black baseball heroes.

The legendary violinist teams up with Manfred Honeck and the PSO for concerts at Heinz Hall and on tour. She talks about the orchestra, her recordings, Andre Previn, Brahms, Joachim, motherhood, New York attractions, von Karajan, and more.

What did Beethoven hear as his deafness progressed? What caused his hearing loss, and how did he overcome it? Dr. Catherine Palmer from the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center explores these questions with QED's Jim Cunningham.

Actor John Lithgow talks about Mozart's Requiem, as he narrates a recreation of Mozart's funeral mass with the PSO. He also talks about his books and songs for kids, the TV series Dexter and Third Rock, his Broadway roles, and more.