Kevin Noe talks about performing on July 4; also the solo works Arches for violin by Kevin Puts and Etudes by Ryan Francis; Time Gallery by Paul Moravec, and Arrows by David Heuser. Noe is Executive Artistic Director and Conductor of the PNME.

Cathy Rigby tells why she returned to her signature Broadway role for Pittsburgh CLO two years after her 2006 "Peter Pan" farewell tour. She talks about the art of flying, learning to sing, and her other theater projects.

Pittsburgh New Music Ensemble Executive Artistic Director Kevin Noe talks about the first concert of the 2008 season, a ticket policy change, and the keys to PNME's success.

Legendary Irish actor and director Alan Stanford of Dublin's Gate Theatre talks about the history of Oscar Wilde's "Salome," and his reimagining of the play for Pittsburgh Irish and Classical Theater.

Producing Director Van Kaplan previews CLO's 2008 shows: Peter Pan, Mame, Smoky Joe's Café, Annie Get Your Gun, and West Side Story. Kaplan recalls the 2008 Richard Rogers Awards, won by CLO alumni and siblings Rob & Kathleen Marshall.

Multi-talented comedienne Joan Rivers talks about her comedy act, philanthropic work, her new play, performing for Queen Elizabeth, working with Fred Rogers and Betty Aberlin, Marvin Hamlsich, Johnny Carson, amateur painting, and her love of opera.

An overview covering the "greening" of this year's event, the "Contained" project's reuse of shipping containers, the Fourth River Project, plays, performances, the Artists' Market and more with festival spokeswoman Lauren Bracey.

Art Critic Diana Jannetta reviews "Life on Mars," the 55th Carnegie International, curated by Douglas Fogle and now on view through Jan. 11, 2009. The International is America's longest-running and most prestigious periodic exhibtion of contemporary art.

Festival founder and director Aron Zelkowicz talks about Israeli connections for the 2008 Festival's "Israel at 60" theme, the orchestral concert on May 28th and the chamber concert on June 1st.

Pianist Becky Billock plays for the Bach's Lunch series on Tue., May 20th in downtown Pittsburgh. She performs in our studio and discusses her background and repertoire. For info on reserving a complimentary lunch, see the QED Cultural Calendar