Studs interview with Danny Newman, Public Relations Council for the Lyric Opera Company. Newman shares his theatrical opera introductions and discusses a variety of performers and operas for the Lyric Opera Company season.

A self-proclaimed underground artist, Ferron, says she may not sell tons of records but she does have a good following of fans. Ferron says people like her music because they're seeking balance in their lives. She further explains that a lot of her lyrics have to do with understanding our purpose in life.

Richard Peaslee discusses his work as a composer in the film "Marat/Sade" directed by Peter Brook and based off Richard Weiss' 1964 play.

Oliver Knussen discusses his adaptation of "Where the Wild Things Are", which was beginning production at the Chicago Opera Theater, Chicago.

Cathy Berberian reflects on the evolution of her avant-garde singing style and her work with various contemporary music composers. Includes an interview with John Cage. Content Warning: This conversation has the presence of outdated, biased, offensive language. Rather than remove this content, we present it in the context of twentieth-century social history to acknowledge and learn from its impact and to inspire awareness and discussion.

Bill Russo talks about the commedia dell'arte production being staged at the Center for New Music at Columbia College Chicago. The production includes two pieces, "Pedrolino's Revenge" and "Isabella's Fortune".

Studs interviews Barbara Cook about her work in musical theater from Broadway to opera. Cook speaks about the composers and writers she has worked with. She explains some of her songs such as “Ice Cream” and “Grass Harp” and describes her first Carnegie concert. Studs quotes Leonard Bernstein, who speaks to Cook’s talent. Cook describes how she went from Broadway to opera and shares how she chooses the songs that she performs. She discusses the art of her talent. The musical pieces are removed from this edited version of the original recording.

German director August Everding discusses his career from theater to opera and shares themes from his current opera productions.

Antonia Brico discusses her life as a conductor, her education as a pianist, and her studies to become a conductor. Studs plays an excerpt of the 1974 documentary on Antonia Brico entitled “Antonia: A Portrait of the Woman.”*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations 

Musician Anthony Braxton speaks with Studs Terkel about his music and the various musicians who have influenced him.

Studs interview with Alexander Tcherepnin about his compositions for opera and a variety of instrumentals. Tcherepnin shares his childhood in Saint Petersburg born into a family with a rich musical background. He also shares his opinion about how Hitler affected the opera in Europe. This edited version does not include the musical recordings played in the original version.

Russian composer Alexander Tcherepnin discusses his travels to China & Japan and their influence on his music, composing for non-traditional instruments, electronic music, teaching young composers, and his "Concerto No. 2".

Russian composer Alexander Tcherepnin discusses his early upbringing, training, and composing in Saint Petersburg, as well as the influence of his composer father, Benois family relatives, and associates of Ballet russes.

Russian composer Alexander Tcherepnin discusses his early upbringing, training, and composing bagatelles in Saint Petersburg, as well as the influence of his composer father, Benois family relatives, Russian/Asian/European cultural influence, electronic music.