Studs engages the former Chicago Symphony Orchestra conductor, Sir Georg Solti, in a wide-ranging conversation about his life and career. From his early studies in Budapest with Béla Bartók, his string of good-luck opportunities before, during, and after World War II, meeting Toscanini in Lucerne, and starting on top conducting in Frankfurt, London, and finally Chicago. He discusses his many German and European musical influences and contemporaries, and stresses the importance of education, arts funding, and hard work.

Composer and Pulitzer prize winner for music Roger Sessions discusses his music and its reception by the Russian people. Sessions is known for his admiration for music genres such as modern music and its influence in his compositions.

Self-taught composer Maurice Weddington talks about his music career from his early years when he was raised on the West Side of Chicago to his performances around Western Europe.

John Cage discusses his music, life, influences, and career. Rebroadcast of an interview with John Cage to celebrate his life and what would have been soon his 80th birthday. Includes a clip of John Cage reading/ telling a story in 1969 to Studs Terkel.

Considered one of the most influential 20th-century composers, John Cage and musician/composer Peter Gena discuss their upcoming performance at the Rubloff Auditorium. Cage's pieces will be featured at this performance, including Hymnkus.

Presenting music published by Chicago record label Cedille Records including the music of composer and pianist Easley Blackwood along with David Schrader and Ramon Salvatore.

Donald Gramm discusses working with composers and comparing contemporary and classical opera. He also talks about his approaches to different performances and his experiences singing in multiple languages. Music is played throughout the interview and performances include his role as Creon from Stravinsky's "Oedipus Rex"and selections from Ned Rorem's "War Scenes": "As Adam", "O You Whom", "To You", "Look Down, Fair Moon", and "A Night Battle". Next, a performance as Leporello singing "Madamina, il catalogo è questo" from "Don Giovanni" and "Zwei Gesänge, Op. 1: I.