@ the Symphony

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.

The Chinese-born pianist talks about Sichuan food, Tchaikovsky and his Concerto #1, her first American Thanksgiving, her career development, Germany, and meeting Van Cliburn as a medalist at his namesake competition.

South Korean violinist Chee-Yun talks about working with conductor Marek Janowski, the special qualities of the Mendelssohn E Minor concerto, and about her recent guest appearance on HBO's "Curb Your Enthusiasm."