Marion Anderson, soloist, and James DePreist, conductor, sit down with Studs Terkel prior to their Grand Park Weekend Concert where "Berjack Symphony No. 2 or 7" will be played with the 'Copland Preamble for Solemn Occasion" as well as a group of Negro Spirituals with "Ava Maria". Marian Anderson begins the interview by singing "Erlkonig" and concludes with "Ava Maria". She discusses the early influence of the first Negro arts singer, Roland Hayes had on her in Philadelphia and his "He Never Said a Mumberlin' Word" is played. Both Anderson and DePreist discuss how song becomes drama.

Foldi is also the director of the Lyric Opera Center for American Artists, the professional artist development program of the Lyric Opera of Chicago.

Discussing "The Mikado," by Gilbert & Sullivan with theater and opera director Peter Sellars.

Discussing the opera "Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk," with Liviu Ciulei.

Interviewing producer, director and screenwriter Jean Bach about her Oscar-nominated documentary "A Great Day in Harlem".

Discussing Paul Robeson with actor, teacher, and musician Avery Brooks.

Discussing Indian poetry, music, and drama with Indian musicians, vocalists, and University of Chicago students.

Recorded live on Chicago's South Side. Robeson is ill at the time of recording. Speakers: Earl Dickerson, Etta Moten Barnett, Judge Sidney Jones, J. Mayo "Ink" Williams, Joan Brown (possibly Abena Joan Brown), Charles Hamilton, Margaret Burroughs, [John Gray's sister], [Stevens?]

Music by Robert Ward and text based on the Arthur Miller play.

Bob Koester, record producer and owner of Delmark Records, the United State's oldest independent jazz and blues label, talks about jazz, blues, and bebop musicians.