Kim Kashkashian, a Grammy winning violist and faculty member at the New England Conservatory, spoke with Jim Cunningham about her new recording of the Bach Suites. In her interview, Kashkashian touched on her work with Music for Food, her unconventional ordering of the Bach suites, and the current state of musical performance education. 

Oboe and Founding member of the Bell'Art Ensemble Lenny Young and soprano Lara McGill preview their concerts December 15th at Third Presbyterian Church and December 16th at First Presbyterian in Beaver, PA. They’ve discovered a woman composer for the concert and bring along holiday favorites too plus they reveal the best pizza in Beaver - Mario’s.

Organist Dr. Edward Allen Moore introduces the Christmas in East Liberty concert for Friday December 14 at East Liberty Presbyterian Church. Brass Roots percussionist Abby Langhorst spills the beans on the brass moments of glory. There will be choral splendor, organ sizzle and Mike Tomaro, jazz star from Duquesne University swings along the way. The concert is free.

WQED’s Rick Sebak joins pianist Tom Roberts and cartoonist Wayno playing ukulele and graphic artist Dave Klug on drums to narrate ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas” in their Christmas Spectacular Saturday December 15 at the Elks lounge on the Northside with dancing and stickers. A preview with music recorded at WQED-FM and conversation with Jim Cunningham.

Mark Anderson, Artistic Director of Pittsburgh Camerata has the plan for ‘ Among Angels’ Saturday night December 15 at Mount Lebanon Lutheran and Sunday afternoon 3pm  at Shadyside Presbyterian with organist Larry Allen , two harps and Fox Chapel singers. Mark introduces recordings from last year’s holiday concert.

The Diamante Trio and Soprano Lilly Abreu perform a mix of Latin American music and Holiday favorites as part of the concert series at Central Presbyterian Church, 305 Allegheny Street, Tarentum, on Sunday, December 9th at 4:00 P.M.   Gary Lenigan talks to Dave Rankin (Central Presbyterian Church) and clarinetist Mary Beth Malek.  

Conductors Brian Worsdale and Andrew Wickesberg join Jim Cunningham to discuss their Sunday December 9th free concert at Carnegie Music Hall with Holst ‘ The Planets and Warlock’s Capriol Suite played by the Three Rivers Young Peoples Orchestra and Symphonette. Sunday December 16 at 1 pm in the PPG Wintergarden there’s more free holiday fun with the Youth Chamber Connection adding in some players from the Pittsburgh Youth Symphony.