She played for President Obama's inauguration, then made her inaugural PSO appearance in Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue." Pianist Gabriela Montero may be elected a winner at the Grammy Awards for her CD of Baroque improvisations.

Pittsburgh Symphony 2008-2009 Composer of the Year (and guest conductor) John Adams talks about his "Doctor Atomic" symphony, highlights from "Nixon in China," and "On the Transmigration of Souls," as well as his recently-published autobiography, titled "Hallelujah Junction."

Pianist Jonathan Biss talks about performing Mozart's Piano Concerto #22, which he recently recorded with the conductorless Orpheus Chamber Orchestra.

PSO Endowed Guest Conductor Marek Janowski leads two consecutive weekends at Heinz Hall. Topics include violinist Arabella Steinbacher (making her Pittsburgh debut), Richard Strauss' Alpine Symphony, and the state of state-run radio and orchestras in Germany.

Pittsburgh Symphony Composer of the Year John Adams talks with Jim Cunningham about his operas "Doctor Atomic" and "Nixon in China," his orchestral work "Slonimsky's Earbox" and more.

Composer Derek Bermel and librettist Wendy S. Walters created "The Good Life," to celebrate Pittsburgh's 250th anniversary. They also advised student composers Scott Wasserman and Matthew Heap who join in the conversation with QED's Jim Cunningham.

PSO Principal Guest Conductor Leonard Slatkin premieres "The Good Life," a choral work by Derek Bermel. Slatkin describes the new piece and talks about working with two living composers; John Adams is present for his "Slonimsky's Earbox." Other topics: Dvorak's "New World" Symphony, Slatkin's Detroit orchestra.