The quintet of Empire Brass was founded by Rolf Smedvig after he was asked to take part in Leonard Bernstein's "Mass". All the men came from families with musical backgrounds. Currently on tour, Empire Brass plays at Orchestra Hall this evening, the day of the recording. They have been to Europe seven times, Japan twice and they have been to all the United States except for Hawaii.

Music director William Ferris explains various vocal techniques displayed during concerts from the William Ferris Chorale.

Interviewing Giora Feidman, an Argentinian clarinetist who specializes in the klezmer musical tradition.

Interviewing Michael Feinstein, American singer, pianist, and music revivalist, about his music and his work cataloging Ira Gershwin’s collection of phonograph records.

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

Robertson Davies, Canadian writer and professor, discusses his newest book, "Lyre of Orpheus," the third book in the "Cornish Trilogy." The summary of the book and its ties to the King Arthur legend are explained.

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.

Madam Mason discusses her childhood as it pertains to her career. She shares her training and study in Paris. Mason recalls the many composers and conductors she has worked with and the various opera companies she worked for. The musical numbers are removed from this edited version of the original recording.