In this episode, Jim Cunningham sat down with artistic director of Abingdon Theatre in New York City, Chad Austin, to talk about the ward-winning one-man play "Robin and Me: My Little Spark of Madness" that Chad is directing for the Pittsburgh Playhouse.

The show is written and star's Dave Droxler as he explores the life of comedian Robin Williams. Dave portrays over 16 characters, including Robin Williams himself, in this fast-paced new play.

Chad talks about premiering this show at Abingdon Theatre in 2019, and now bringing it to Dave's alma mater, Point Park University. He also talks about the impact of Robin Williams on Dave's life, and the lives of audience members. Chad also discusses the challenges of keeping theater alive post-COVID, and what's next for Abingdon Theatre including some new works.

See "Robin and Me: My Little Spark of Madness" at the Highmark Theatre on Point Park University's campus from January 22nd to 26th. Visit https://playhouse.pointpark.edu/shows-events/playhouse-presents/robin-and-me to learn more and find tickets.

In this episode, acclaimed pianist Sandro Russo talks about his upcoming performance for the Steinway Society of Western Pennsylvania on Sunday, January 19th at 3 pm at Kresge Theater on Carnegie Mellon University's campus.

Sandro discusses his diverse program, which features everything from Bach transcriptions, the last three of Liszt's Transcendental Etudes, and lesser known works by Pacho Vladigerov and Ferruccio Busoni. He also shares why he decided to record all of Liszt's Transcendental Etudes last year after starting to work on them during the pandemic. He reflects on his unconventional start to the piano, with self-taught exploration at a young age, and how his first start with a professional teacher was frustrating.

Visit the Kresge Theater on Sunday, January 19th, and meet Sandro after the recital for a talk-back! For more information, visit sswpa.org to learn more.

In this episode, we talk to Technical Director at Pittsburgh Musical Theater, Kevin Kocher, and student set designer, Cass Foremsky, about their upcoming Tales and Treats Children's Theater program, "Bring on the Snow!". This program offers children in the community to experience theater made for them, while also giving PMT students a chance to run an entire show themselves.

Cass shares the creative process of designing a game show-inspired set for this snow-day themed show that is filled with catchy songs, and plenty of fun. Kevin explains how the technical team brings Cass's designs to life, and what it's like to collaborate with the students on every aspect of production. Cass emphasizes the supportive nature of the students designers, and how they grow their talents through this program.

They both highlight the importance of theater teaching transferable skills to students in any field they go into. Cass discusses their future plans to study technical theater after graduation from Moon Area High School in the spring, and their upcoming work in SpongeBob Jr. Kevin emphasizes the short run time of the play is perfect for families with children ages 2-10.

Pittsburgh Musical Theater's Tales and Treats Children's Theater show "Bring on the Snow!" will be at the Gargaro Theater in the West End on Saturday, January 18th at 2:30 and 6 pm. Tickets are free for children and students!

Visit https://pittsburghmusicals.com/shows/talesandtreats/ to learn more.

In this episode, we chat with soprano Sarah Richards about her upcoming recital with Tuesday Musical Club.

Sarah shares insights into her diverse program, which includes Baroque arias, opera excerpts, and original songs by TMC member Janet Stivanson. Sarah opens up about her background in early music, her journey with Tuesday Musical Club, and her personal connections to the pieces she’s performing.

Sarah also shares how she balances a busy performance schedule with her Baroque trio, Aria412, and her work at the Pittsburgh Oratory of St. Philip Neri.

Sarah also performs “Oh! quand je dors” S. 282 by Franz Liszt as a teaser for her recital in our studios.

You can watch Sarah Richard's free recital with pianist Janet Stivanson at Rodef Shalom on Tuesday, January 14th at 1 pm. There will also be a YouTube livestream on the Tuesday Musical Club website.

Visit https://www.tuesdaymusicalclub.org/events/public/article/recital-series/5854/c15/ to learn more.

In this episode, Prime Stage Theatre's Wayne Brinda stops by to discuss their exciting January lineup and highlight how this theater company makes a lasting impact on the community. From the 5th Annual High School Drama Awards honoring student theater talent to the American premiere of "Looking Forward: The Ruby Bridges Story" there is no shortage of events happening this month!

Wayne goes into detail for each event, starting off with Drama Awards on January 11th at the Hillman Performing Arts Center in Fox Chapel. Prime Stage will recognize 15 different high schools for their achievements in non-musical theater production and talent, becoming a sort of Oscar's ceremony for the local community!

Wayne also discusses their first production of 2025, "Looking Forward: The Ruby Bridges Story" from January 17th to 26th. There will be a post-show discussion with storyteller Robin E. Kitson on January 18th. Finally, on January 20th, Prime Stage will host a one night only production of "How I Learned What I Learned" an autobiographical play by August Wilson, performed by Wali Jamal. Wayne recommends this event for adults only.

Wayne also highlights Prime Stage Theatre's upcoming productions for the rest of the season, including a play that commemorates the 80th anniversary of World War II's end.

Whether you're a theater enthusiast looking for the next show to see, or a parent looking for a family enriching activity, Prime Stage Theatre has got you covered! Listen now!

Visit https://primestage.com to learn more and find tickets.

In this episode, Anna Singer dives into the exciting world of SERIO, a rapidly growing opera company based in Pittsburgh. Anna talks with founder Louisa Jonason, Vice President Rebecka Kerr, and soprano Alexa Zeremenko who will performing Mimi in their upcoming production of La Boheme.

Louisa shares the inspiration behind SERIO's founding, Rebecka discusses the challenges and rewards of running an opera company, and Alexa highlights her debut as Mimi and her favorite moments from Puccini's masterpiece.

The performances of La Boheme will be at the Pittsburgh Music Academy on Friday, January 10th at 7:30 pm and Sunday, January 12th at 2:30 pm. Tune in to hear about this magical production, and how SERIO is making waves in the Pittsburgh arts scene.

Visit https://www.seriowithus.com to learn more.

In this first episode of the New Year, host Jim Cunningham sat down with the Shell Trio - Lili Zakaryan (violin), Shushana Hakobyan (piano), and Katya Jampoladyan (cello) - as they joined us live in the studio to talk about their upcoming concert with the Kassia Ensemble, Notes from Armenia at the Frick Fine Arts Building. This concert is sponsored by the Armenian Nationality Room of University of Pittsburgh and the Opportunity Fund, and will include works by the legendary Armenian composers Arno Babajanian, Aram Khachaturian, and many more. The trio performs live in the WQED studios Babajanyan's Trio in F# minor.

The trio discusses the inspiring story behind their musical journey and the origins of the trio, dating back to 1997 in Yerevan, Armenia. They reflect on their recent return to performing together after years of international performances.

They also share the highlights of the concert, including a medley of music by the iconic French-Armenia singer Charles Aznavour. The concert promises to be a moving and vibrant experience!

You can see the Shell Trio and the Kassia Ensemble on January 11th at 3 pm at the Frick Fine Arts Building at the University of Pittsburgh. The concert is free!

Visit https://www.nationalityrooms.pitt.edu/events/notes-armenia-concert-strings-keys-and-wind to learn more.

In this episode, we take a look into the colorful world of "Oat Milk & HXNY: Diaspora Kaleidoscope", the latest free art exhibition at Brew House Arts, and the 8th exhibition that is a part of the Future is Black art series. Co-curators Tacumba Turner and Venice Pascual, and Executive Director of Brew House Arts Natalie Sweet, discuss what you can expect from this exhibition.

With 35 different artists representing 11 ethnicities, this art exhibition showcases themes of connectivity, spirituality, and the essence of remembering represented in various art mediums, including paintings, short films, and crafts. Tacumba shares why he created the Future is Black, and what the art series hopes to create in the Pittsburgh community. Natalie highlights Brew House Arts upcoming exhibition in January after Oat Milk & HXNY. Venice discusses another event, Steep with Strangers, that hopes to foster genuine connections amongst creatives in a reimagined social gathering that excludes the pressure of alcohol.

Tacumba also talks about the significance of the title of the show, and some of his favorite pieces in the show.

Don't miss this insightful conversation about art, culture, and the power of representation in Pittsburgh's art scene.

Visit "Oat Milk & HXNY: Diaspora Kaleidoscope" at the Brew House on the South Side until December 28th. And find more information at https://brewhousearts.org/event/oat-milk-hxny-diaspora-kaleidoscope/.

WQED-FM broadcast live the River City Brass Christmas Brasstacular from Carnegie Music Hall on Thursday December 12, 2024. During intermission host Jim Cunningham interviewed the Band's Artistic and General Director James Gourlay, as well as the two choral conductors - Stacey Davern of Chatham University and Andrew Roberts of Steel Valley High School.

So many holiday concerts, so little time! Make sure to add this one to your list!

Trumpet player Joe Figliulo, and volunteer Justin Davis, spoke with Jim Cunningham live on the WQED-FM morning show to discuss Shadyside Brass's Holiday Concert on Saturday, December 14th at 5 pm at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church.

Though it is a free concert, free will donations are accepted and will benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, which Justin volunteers with all the time. Joe highlights the groups traditions, including readings by Reverend Ralph Lowe and WQED-FM's very own Jim Cunningham. He also discusses what pieces the group will be performing with the Unity Brass.

For more information, visit https://www.shadysidebrass.com/upcoming-performances/.