PSO Endowed Guest Conductor Marek Janowski leads two consecutive weekends at Heinz Hall. Topics include violinist Arabella Steinbacher (making her Pittsburgh debut), Richard Strauss' Alpine Symphony, and the state of state-run radio and orchestras in Germany.

Pittsburgh Symphony Composer of the Year John Adams talks with Jim Cunningham about his operas "Doctor Atomic" and "Nixon in China," his orchestral work "Slonimsky's Earbox" and more.

Composer Derek Bermel and librettist Wendy S. Walters created "The Good Life," to celebrate Pittsburgh's 250th anniversary. They also advised student composers Scott Wasserman and Matthew Heap who join in the conversation with QED's Jim Cunningham.

PSO Principal Guest Conductor Leonard Slatkin premieres "The Good Life," a choral work by Derek Bermel. Slatkin describes the new piece and talks about working with two living composers; John Adams is present for his "Slonimsky's Earbox." Other topics: Dvorak's "New World" Symphony, Slatkin's Detroit orchestra.

Ted Sohier interviews Pittsburgh Symphony Music Director Designate Manfred Honeck backstage during a live broadcast of the Pittsburgh Symphony on May 9, 2008. Honeck assumes his full duties at a September 19th gala at Heinz Hall.

Tortelier talks about his French Finale with the PSO, Faure's Requiem, Saint-Saens' "Organ" Symphony, French music, Tortelier's own recordings, and summer road trips in France.

Ohlsson talks about his Beethoven cycle on CD, reissues, great pianists of the past, Lorin Maazel, Mozart's Piano Concerto #27, and more.