Pittsburgh Symphony Music Director Manfred Honeck visited the WQED studios for a live conversation on the QED Morning show on August 10th. It was the first in-person interview during the last two years of the pandemic outside of live broadcasts at Heinz Hall. Maestro Honeck ran down the special features of the upcoming 75th Anniversary European Tour of the Orchestra and the special guests Anne Sophie Mutter, Helene Grimaud and Gautier Capucon. He says he has sailed through the pandemic but regrets that so many have suffered and that audiences for music are slowly rebounding. Maestro Honeck mentioned his summer vacation with his family in the Tirol and Tuscany, ran down the special repertoire on the tour including Ligeti's "Lontano" and his transcriptions of music by Erwin Schulhoff. Manfred Honeck thanked the tour report sponsors Thiel College, Botkin Family Wealth Management and Elliot Dinkin of Cowden Associates and promised to provide dressing room commentary whenever possible.

Pianist Igor Levit plays for the first time in Pittsburgh in the Mozart Piano Concerto No. 21.  Also, Manfred Honeck conducts Strauss’ Alpine Symphony.

Pianist Igor Levit plays for the first time in Pittsburgh in the Mozart Piano Concerto No. 21.  Also, Manfred Honeck conducts Strauss’ Alpine Symphony.

On today's episode, Flora Kelly talks with Pittsburgh-based, multi-skilled artist Shori Sims. A recent graduate of Carnegie Mellon University, Shori discusses their plans for the future, the intention behind their work, and what it's like having their first solo show in a gallery.

You can see Shori's exhibit "Dream of a Black Planet" at Pittsburgh Creative Corps Gallery at 8th Street and Penn Avenue Downtown until August 6th. You can also catch their exhibit "Little Girl Urn" at the 707 Gallery on Penn Avenue until August 7th. 

You can find Shori online at the links below!

Website: https://shorisims.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shorisms/?hl=en

St. Paul Cathedral Oakland organist and Choir Director Brian Gurley provides details on his program for the free recital Sunday August 7th at 3:30 pm including Buxtehude and finishing with JS Bach. He has some insight into the role the Cathedral plays in religious life in Western Pennsylvania and has some details on the final concert in the current series.  

Alejandro Pinzón sat down with Avery Barrera to discuss his upcoming performance at the Highline on August 9th. The two also discuss the uncommon instrument that Alejandro performs with, the bandoneon.