WQED’s Jimmy Cunningham sat down with the Verona Quartet (Jonathan Ong, Dorothy Ro, Abigail Rojansky, and Jonathan Dormand) to talk about their debut album, “Diffusion,” featuring Janáček’s “Intimate Letters,” Szymanowski’s Quartet No. 2, and Ravel’s String Quartet. Embracing worldwide cultural exchange and celebrating folk cultures through music, this diverse group of internationally acclaimed musicians has put together a phenomenal first album you won’t want to miss!

From June 7th to 27th, visual artist Stephen Towns is in residency at the Fallingwater Institute, where he is researching local chef Elsie Henderson and making artwork that will be exhibited in the Westmoreland Museum of American Art in 2022. WQED-FM talks with Stephen and Pittsburgh-based art historian Kilolo Luckett, who is guest curator for Stephen’s upcoming exhibition at the Westmoreland. They will also be speaking at a webinar open to the public on June 23 called Live from Fallingwater: Stephen Towns and Kilolo Luckett in Conversation.

Lorraine Mszanski, Executive Director of South Park Theater, has the summer plan for outdoor productions of Jerry Mayer's 2 Across and Cinderella. Why you should go and how to get there using the T system or by car. You can order a meal too if you don't bring your picnic equipment. Lorraine tells us there's no business like show business especially after a pandemic.

Mark Fleischer, Executive Producer for Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera, discusses the 75th Anniversary of the company to be celebrated at Heinz Field in a partnerhsip with the Pittsburgh Steelers -- Summer Under the Stars, which includes "The Wizard of Oz" (July 8th throught 10th) and a Gala 75th Celebration (July 21st through 24th) with the CLO Orchestra. Why they've lasted 75 years and why Mark is looking forward to his expanded role talking on responsibilities from Van Kaplan who will retire but remain in a peaceful transition working on special efforts for CLO. The conversation with Jim Cunningham includes a few history personal favorites and a recap of the WQED partnership that presented A Christmas Carol with Richard Thomas in December 2020.

Tribune Review Fanfare writer emeritas Jean Horne joins Mendelssohn Choir regular Christine Thompson and Jim Cunningham to speak about the work of the Pittsburgh Symphony Association in creating Symphony Splendor taking place Sunday June 27th from 11am to 5pm. The event features 16 members of the Pittsburgh Symphony and other musical guests performing in 12 glorious and often unknown gardens in Shadyside and Squirrel Hill. The proceeds benefit the Pittsburgh Symphony in a self-guided rain or shine tour with check-in at the Mansions on Fifth - 5105 Fifth Avenue. Jean and Christine tell us we'll see "12 urban sanctuaries that are ablaze with floral fireworks, lavish beds and borders, soothing spaces with splashing water and darting elegant fish. Elegant and informal gardens where wonders never cease including one of the most talked about botanical marvels - a Smithsonian Institution designated garden." For additional information pittsburghsymphonyassociation.org or 412-392-3303.

Christoph Konig conducts the Overture to Belfagor by Respighi and Beethoven’s Symphony No. 6.  Tim Fain performs the Violin Concerto No. 2 by Philip Glass.