Music director and contemporary conductor of the Brno Orchestra, Grammy winner, and pianist Dennis Russell Davies discusses his innovative techniques when conducting pieces by musicians such as Philip Glass and his work with music fusion.

Studs interviews David Diamond who is in Chicago for a concert at Thorn Hall. Diamond reflects on his family background and his exposure to diverse theater and movies of a variety of cultures that influenced his music. He explains his training and how he uses emotion and then structure to create his work. Studs and David discuss McCarthyism and its affect on performers and the personal affect it had in Diamond's life. The musical pieces are removed from this edited version of the original recording.

Discussing the 1983-1984 Lyric Opera of Chicago season with publicist Danny Newman.

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.

Danilo Dolci discusses his life in Italy, his book "The Man Who Plays Alone", architecture, agriculture, social activism, his inspirations, and his career. Tom Cornell translates for Danilo Dolci. Includes at the end of the program an Italian song by Jerre Mangione and an Italian song called "Bella Ciao".

Studs interviews Chicago Tribune reporter turned opera composer, Dan Tucker. He discusses how his music was inspired by poets Federico García Lorca and William Shakespeare and authors Peter S. Beagle and Christopher Fry. Sasha Gerritson, soprano and founder of the L'Opera Piccola opera troupe, David Laub, bass baritone, and David Richards, L'Opera Piccola music director and pianist are in studio and talk about their work and thoughts on the opera songs.

Studs interviews Dale Clevenger about his music with the Chicago Symphony and his jazz group, Ears, playing at Orphans in Chicago. They discuss the improvisation of Jazz and Bach. Clevenger mentions various Jazz musicians and their style. The music is removed from this edited version of the original recording.

Studs interviews Dale Clevenger about his music with the Chicago Symphony and his jazz group, Ears, playing at Orphans in Chicago. Clevenger discusses his work with the symphony. He explains why he credits David Amram for his interest in Jazz music. He names artists like Billie Holiday, Jack Teagarden, and Clark Terry as musical influences in his life. The music is removed from this edited version of the original recording.

Terkel interviews Corky Siegel and the West End String Quartet. Corky Siegel and the West End String Quartet also performs during the broadcast. They also discuss the musical genre of chamber blues.

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

Claudia Cassidy discusses being a critic of theater and opera etc. Includes about 1.5 minutes of another interview.