Voice of the Arts

It's that time of year again, to watch all of your favorite holiday movies! At Pittsburgh Public Theater, they have something special!

In this episode, we take a behind-the-scenes look at the Pittsburgh Public Theater’s upcoming production of A Christmas Story: The Play, running from December 4th to 22nd.

Director Michael Berresse shares his insights on bringing this beloved holiday classic to life on stage. He highlights the unique twists that set the play apart from the iconic 1983 film, including the addition of a live, onstage narrator. He also discusses the intergenerational appeal of this story during the holiday season.

We’re also joined by two of the show’s stars, John Shepherd and Avery Schneider, who portray the same character, Ralphie, at different ages. John reflects on his role as the older Ralph who narrates the show, all while being invisible to his younger counterpart. Avery shares his excitement about playing the young Ralphie and his first professional theater experience. Together, they discuss the dynamic between young and veteran actors, the joy of working with a talented cast, and what makes this version of A Christmas Story so special for both new and returning audiences.

Visit https://ppt.org/production/94455/a-christmas-story-the-play to find learn more about this production and find tickets!

Chatham Baroque's Co-Artistic Directors, Scott Pauley and Andrew Fouts, share details of their upcoming concert, Louis Louis: Songs and Dance of the French Baroque.

Inspired by the reigns of the French kings, Louis XIII and Louis XIV, the program explores the rich history of French baroque music that eventually led to French opera. From courtly dances to early dramatic theater music, Scott and Andrew dive into the unique sounds of the French Baroque.

They also talk about the program, which includes music from composer Jean-Baptiste Lully. They highlight the inclusion of other members in the ensemble such as soprano Pascale Beaudin, violinist Carmen Lavada Johnson-Pajaro, violist Paul Miller, violist Emily Eng, and theorbo player Dušan Balarin. Its a perfect concert for any French baroque music lover!

The first concert will be on Friday, December 6th at 7:30 pm at St. Nicholas Croatian Catholic Church in Millvale, with a pre-concert talk at 6:30 pm that showcases the Max Vanko murals. The second concert will be on December 7th at 7:30 pm at the Calvary Episcopal Church in Shadyside. The final concert will be on December 8th at 2:30 pm at Hicks Memorial Chapel, Pittsburgh Theological Seminary in Highland Park.

Visit https://www.chathambaroque.org/concert/chatham-baroque-louis-louis-songs-dances-of-the-french-baroque/ to learn more and find tickets!

Light the Night is more than just a holiday performance, it's a celebration of community, creativity, and the transformative power of the arts.

In this episode, we dive into the heart of Urban Impact's Performing Arts Academy with Senior Director Tammy Glover, and Director, Eric Anderson, as they share how over 300 young performers bring the Christmas story to life in this beloved annual production.

Tammy and her husband, founded Urban Impact with a mission to support the holistic spirit of youths on Pittsburgh's North Side. Tammy highlights that since then, the organization has grown into a dynamic ministry with programs for performing arts, education, athletics, and career readiness. Eric talks about how Light the Night went from a small choir group singing outdoors, to the full-scale production it is today with students involved in every aspect, on stage and off.

Light the Night will be on December 6th and 7th at 7 pm at the Christ Church at Grove Farm. It is free, but Tammy recommends to get there early to get a good seat!

Visit https://uifpgh.org/ to learn more.

Looking for a concert that isn't holiday themed just yet? Well Chamber Orchestra of Pittsburgh's upcoming concert might be perfect for you!

In this live conversation, Artistic Director Edward Leonard, and harpist Marissa Knaub Avon, discuss their upcoming concert this weekend called Symphonies and Dances. The conversation dives into the fascinating program featuring music by Mozart, Sibelius, Debussy, and Chevalier de Saint-Georges.

Edward shares insights into the pieces the Chamber Orchestra will perform, and Marissa highlights her piece, Debussy's Sacred and Profane Dances. She also talks about her role in the upcoming holiday Harp ensemble performance with 29 other harpists from Carnegie Mellon University, and her musical background at the Berklee College of Music, where she performed with Ray Charles!

The concerts are on Saturday, November 23rd at 7:30 pm at Rodef Shalom, and on Sunday, November 24th at 3 pm at the Sixth Presbyterian Church.

Visit https://copgh.org/concerts-1 to learn more and find tickets.

In this episode, Artistic Director of the Pittsburgh Camerata, Mark Anderson, shares the details of the ensemble's upcoming holiday concert, Christmas with the Camerata 2024: O Magnum Mysterium: The Animals at the Creche. This program, inspired by the ancient Roman text that celebrates the animals who witnessed the newborn king in a manger, features works by Scarlatti, Poulenc, Daniel Pinkham, and more. The concert blends some familiar melodies with new arrangements.

Mark also discusses the collaboration with the Lincoln Park Performing Arts Charter School choir during the concert, and reflects on his roles with the Camerata and the choir at Shadyside Presbyterian.

Mark also touches on the 2025 season, which includes a special concert inspired by the Soul's Shot art exhibition, which addresses themes of gun violence and healing.

The concert is on Friday, December 6th at 7:30 pm at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, and on Sunday, December 8th at 3 pm at Shadyside Presbyterian Church.

Visit https://pittsburghcamerata.org/ to learn more and find tickets.

Talented pianist Albert Cano Smit prepares for his Pittsburgh debut on Sunday, November 24th at 3 pm at the Kresge Theater on Carnegie Mellon's Campus, presented by the Steinway Society of Western Pennsylvania. Albert discusses his upcoming program, which features works by Bach, Liszt, Granados, and Schubert.

Albert shares insights into his career, from his keyboard competition successes to tips for overcoming stage fright. He also highlights his musical journey from Geneva to the US, and his current work at the Colburn School in Los Angeles. He remembers one connection to Pittsburgh, his friendship with Pittsburgh Symphony cellist Karissa Shivone.

Visit https://www.sswpa.org/ to learn more about the Steinway Society, and see Albert's program.

You can find more information about Albert on his website: https://www.albertcanosmit.com/

Albert Cano Smit makes his Pittsburgh debut for the Steinway Society on November 24th, 3pm at Kresge Theater on the campus of Carnegie Mellon University. He zooms with Jim Cunningham about his program playing Bach, Liszt, Granados and Schubert. Albert talks about his keyboard competition successes, how to avoid stage fright, pianists and recordings he admires, his journey from Geneva in Switzerland with moves in Europe and the USA and his work at the Colburn School in LA where he met Pittsburgh Symphony cellist Karissa Shivone.

Ready, set, cookoff!

In this episode, Allegheny City Brewing Co-owners Amy and Matt Yurkovich, and Pittsburgh bluegrass bassist Trish Imbrogno discuss the brewery’s 7th Annual Chili Cookoff!

There are new and exciting traditions in this year's contest! From a brand new tap room that opened on 510 East Ohio Street earlier this year, to teaming up with Trish to bring a Bluegrass Jam session to the event, Allegheny City Brewing is set for another great Chili Cookoff!

Check it out this Sunday, November 24th, at the Allegheny City Brewing 510 East Ohio Street Taproom, running from 1 to 3 PM.

You can find out more about the cookoff and all upcoming events on the ACB website: https://www.alleghenycitybrewing.com/

In this episode, we explore Resonance Works' upcoming production of The Little Prince, with insights from the creative team and singers behind the opera. Baritone Daniel Teadt (who plays the Pilot), Stage Director Keturah Stickann, and Artistic Director Maria Sensi Sellner, discuss the themes and artistry of this opera adaptation of Antoine de Saint-Exupery's beloved novella.

The team shares how Rachel Portman's beautiful score complements these themes. Maria also highlights the inclusion of puppets representing key characters, and the collaboration with the Pittsburgh Youth Chorus to add a layer of magic to the performance. All discuss the impact the novella had on their childhood.

The Little Prince is playing on Friday, November 22nd at 7:30 pm and Sunday, November 24th at 3 pm at the Andrew Carnegie Free Library Music Hall. Visit https://www.resonanceworks.org/the-little-prince to learn more and find tickets.

Do you know what death by incarceration is? Well our guests today do!

In this episode, Jasmine Mao and Tricia Burmeister from Let's Get Free: Women and Trans Prison Defense Committee, talk about their upcoming seventh annual art exhibition and auction, This is Me Art Show, at the Irma Freeman Center, running until November 26th.

Jasmine and Tricia discuss the inspiration behind the exhibition, which showcases over 200 works from incarcerated artists, poets, and allies, and how the event serves as a platform for raising awareness about Pennsylvania's harsh sentencing laws that are called death by incarceration. They also share stories behind some of the pieces, including a 30-piece puzzle self-portrait, and sketches made on leaves.

Gallery hours are Fridays 12-7pm, Saturdays 12-5pm, and Sundays 12-5pm. They also have crafting activities available with a special guest on Saturday, November 23rd at 2 pm.

To learn more about Let's Get Free visit https://letsgetfree.info/.

To find information about This is Me Art Show, you can visit https://creative-resistance.org/events-this-is-me/.