Piedmont Arts Podcast

Piedmont Arts, WDAV’s arts and culture podcast, has an updated look and a fresh sound. Part of the transformation is new music composed specifically for the podcast by Charlotte’s own Madison Bush. On the new episode, you’ll hear from two of the musicians who helped make it happen: violist Marcus Pyle and clarinetist Samuel Sparrow. Plus, the FanFare segment has plenty of great local and regional events to put on your calendar. Guests: Marcus R. Pyle, Ph.D., Franco Professor of Humanities, Davidson College Director, Martin Program on Arts and Public Life Assistant Professor of Musicology Samuel Sparrow, Clarinetist Related Resources and Further Reading: WDAV’s Piedmont Arts Podcast Debuts New Look and Sound Support the Podcast: https://wdav.org/ways-to-give

Internationally acclaimed pianist Orion Weiss has an expansive repertoire. In 2025 he was a guest soloist with the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra, he played two dissimilar concertos by Stravinsky and Bach. In October 2026, he joined them again for Samuel Barber’s Piano Concerto, a work he says people should hear more often. Weiss is the guest on this Piedmont Arts podcast, and he talks about the merits and challenges of the Barber concerto as well as some of his upcoming projects.

On this Piedmont Arts podcast, get to know Kendall Ramseur, an award-winning cellist, composer, and recording artist who grew up and got his musical start in Charlotte. Now based in Boston, Ramseur was a founding member of the quartet Sons of Serendip, who were finalists on America’s Got Talent. He’s performed for Oprah and been principal cellist with the Grammy Awards orchestra. Now he’s composing large-scale concertos. Listen to the conversation with Kendall Ramseur to hear more about his interesting music career. Discover how Charlotte-born cellist Kendall Ramseur went from Sons of Serendip and America’s Got Talent to composing major concertos. Tune in to Piedmont Arts for an inspiring conversation on his remarkable musical journey.

The Italian painter Caravaggio had a massive influence on the art of the late 16th and early 17th centuries including baroque music. To complement the Mint Museum’s Caravaggio exhibition, 7th Street Concerts is presenting a mash-up performance that combines theatre, art, and music from Caravaggio’s time. On this Piedmont Arts episode, Kristin Olson, 7th Street’s artistic director, and lutenist John Lenti discuss this unique production. Plus, FanFare with plenty of great events for you to explore.

Founded in 2016 by two members of the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra, Chamber Music for All performs throughout the greater Charlotte region. On this episode of Piedmont Arts, you’ll hear violinists Calin Lupanu and Monica Boboc talk about their journey from Romania to Charlotte, and the educational mission behind their ensemble. There’s also an edition of FanFare filled with fun events and activities for you to explore.

Printmaking has always been an important artistic medium in Latin America, and some very interesting technical innovations have been introduced by Latin American artists through the decades. The Bechtler Museum of Modern Art opened an exhibition called Making an Impression: Pioneering Latin American Printmakers. Works by four artists who’ve pushed the boundaries of the genre will be on display. On this Piedmont Arts podcast episode, we talk to Bechtler curator, Dr. Katia Zavistovski about the artists and the exhibition.

Music @ St. Alban’s is a monthly concert series held on Sunday afternoons at St. Alban’s Episcopal Church in Davidson. Established in 2005, it features musicians from near and far performing a wide variety of musical genres. On this episode of Piedmont Arts, board member David Wilson talks about the series and what’s coming to St. Alban’s this season, including a return performance by the Ciompi Quartet. You’ll also hear the latest edition of FanFare with plenty of sounds, sights, and bites across the region.

The North Carolina School of the Arts opened in 1965 as America’s first public arts conservatory and become part of the University of North Carolina system in 1972 with programs in music, drama, dance, filmmaking, and more. UNCSA’s Dean of Dance, Endalyn Taylor Outlaw, is our guest on this episode of Piedmont Arts and she shares an overview of the school’s ballet and contemporary dance programs. You’ll also hear about upcoming dance performances in our region and the latest installment of FanFare to fill out your calendar.

Piedmont Opera launches their 50th season with performances that include Rossini’s Barber of Seville and an appearance by Renee Fleming. Their emphasis this season is on celebrating and fostering community. General Director and Principal Conductor Joseph Mechavich share on this Piedmont Arts podcast details about the season. We also speak to Maggie Pate, Director of Communications for the North Carolina Symphony, about their performance happening at Davidson College.

Charlotte Master Chorale is about to launch its 76th season, and their chamber choir kicks off WDAV’s new Small Batch concert series season. This year the group will celebrate community, belonging, and the power of voices singing together through a variety of concerts that include recent choral compositions as well as classics like Faure’s Requiem. Artistic Director Kenney Potter is the guest on this episode of Piedmont Arts. He tells us about the season and other interesting projects the organization is undertaking. Plus, plenty of fun activities are recommended in our FanFare segment.

The Children’s Theatre of Charlotte got its start shortly after World War II. After many years on Morehead Street, the theater company moved to ImaginOn, where they’ve been delighting audiences since 2005. On this Piedmont Arts, Children’s Theatre of Charlotte Artistic Director Adam Burke talks about their exciting new season. You’ll also get a preview of our region’s other theatrical offerings, plus a quick look at even more events and activities with FanFare.

Explore the history and return of Davidson College's iconic art competition. Founder Herb Jackson and curator Lia Newman discuss the 1970s print and drawing landmark and its 50th-anniversary rebirth on Piedmont Arts.

Discover what's coming to the stage for Western Piedmont Symphony's 62nd season! Maestro Matthew Troy previews the 2026-2027 lineup, plus hear other regional orchestra highlights and upcoming arts events with FanFare.

Master storyteller Donna Washington breaks down what makes a compelling story. Plus, we preview the International Black Theatre Festival in Winston-Salem with organizer Brittany Giles-Jones, and share fun activities in FanFare!

Conductor James Meena joins the Piedmont Arts podcast to discuss how the Charlotte Lyric Theatre helps emerging classical artists transition to the stage. Plus, plan your weekend events with FanFare.

On this episode of Piedmont Arts, poet Cheryl Wilder discusses her latest collection, Singing Riptide, and what set her writing career in motion. Plus, learn about upcoming arts and culture happenings across our region with FanFare.

At An Appalachian Summer Festival in Boone this month, you can do everything from enjoying classical concerts to watching international films. And if you’re in the Greensboro area, the newly launched Eastern Festival of Music offers numerous concerts, many of them led by music director Gerard Schwarz. Find out more about both festival’s offerings by listening to this Piedmont Arts podcast episode.

Discover how Moravian music shaped early NC history with Dr. Christopher Ogburn, and preview the powerful modern military opera 'The Falling and Rising' coming to the Brevard Music Center in July 2026.

Discover how Charlotte's International Choral Composers Institute is shaping the future of classical music. Founder Sherry Blevins joins Piedmont Arts to share practical career advice and hands-on instruction for choral composers and lyricists.

Davidson Community Players marks 61 years since its 1965 debut as Steve Kaliski previews Evita, Million Dollar Quartet and more. Soprano Karen Slack discusses African Queens with Piedmont Opera in Winston-Salem, plus FanFare events.

Piedmont Shakespeare Company executive director David McGraw discusses the power of Shakespeare today and the magic of summer productions as the troupe tours Much Ado About Nothing across the Triad, from Winston-Salem to Burlington.

Revolutionary yet notorious Baroque painter Caravaggio takes center stage in a new Mint Museum exhibition in Uptown Charlotte. Curator and CEO Todd Herman joins Piedmont Arts, plus reports from Spoleto USA and FanFare summer picks.

Explore the 2026 Charlotte Bach Festival with Bach Charlotte executive director Garrett Murphy. Hear Bach’s links to French composers, his influence on Brahms, and Handel’s major oratorio beyond Messiah, plus concerts and experiences in Charlotte.

On this edition of the Piedmont Arts podcast, pianist Phillip Bush talks about his music education in Charlotte as well as his love of contemporary music.

Davidson, NC’s Orchestra of the Carolinas shares what powers the nonprofit orchestra, previews its season finale featuring Grammy-winning vocalist Carmen Bradford, and offers a fresh FanFare to fill your arts & culture calendar.

Charlotte Ballet marks America’s 250th Anniversary with Alejandro Cerrudo’s first full-length ballet, One Thousand Pieces. Hear how Marc Chagall’s “America Windows” inspired the Charlotte premiere this May at Knight Theatre.

Discover America 250 through an immersive history museum experience at Charlotte Museum of History, “American Revolution: The Augmented Exhibition.” Listen for insider details, plus summer arts camps for kids and FanFare’s best weekend picks.

Goodyear Arts, an artist-led nonprofit at Camp North End, supports local artists and musicians with galleries, studios, and performance space. Hear Amy Bagwell, Kadey Ballard, and Nathan Matthews on how they connect creatives and fuel community.

Artist David McGee and Bechtler curator Katia Zavistovski talk about “The Griot and The Nightingale,” an exhibit which brings together more than 100 of McGee’s paintings.

Artist Jeremy Okai Davis joins Piedmont Arts to discuss Presence of Color at the Harvey B. Gantt Center—reimagining Kodak’s “Shirley” cards and questioning who gets to define “correct” skin tone in images.

Landis Wade joins Piedmont Arts to discuss his new Charlotte-history murder mystery, Deadly Gold Rush. Plus, the Avett Brothers’ push to restore a historic theater in Mount Pleasant, NC, and FanFare picks for your calendar.

Piedmont Opera will present Bizet’s masterpiece at High Point Theatre with mezzo Zoie Reams singing the title role. On this Piedmont Arts podcast hear her talk about how she got into opera and why she finds Carmen’s character so compelling.

What goes into creating a children’s book? On this episode of Piedmont Arts, you’ll learn about that process from Charlotte-based author and editor Maya Myers. You’ll also hear about her new book Good Morning, Morning.

On this Piedmont Arts podcast episode, CEO David Fisk talks about some of the 2026-2027 Charlotte Symphony season highlights.

Jane Cain & David Wilson of the NCBO speak about the 2nd annual Davidson Bach Festival. And explore the intersection of classical and video game music with Charlotte wind ensemble Phoenix Down RPG, who are headlining WDAV’s next Small Batch concert.

Not every organist incorporates jazz and gospel into their repertoire, but Alcee Chriss III does. He’s one of America’s most talented young organists, and he’s coming to Charlotte’s Covenant Presbyterian Church for a masterclass and recital. In this episode, learn more about Alcee Chriss and what audiences can expect from his Charlotte appearance.

Fresh off a Grammy win, Charlotte Symphony Music Director Kwamé Ryan reflects on his award-winning season and conducting Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess at the Metropolitan Opera in New York.

Go inside the Charlotte Symphony’s new Spotlight Series with inaugural Spotlight Artist Gabriel Kahane. The singer-songwriter and composer joins Piedmont Arts to talk collaboration, creativity, and musical curiosity.

On this episode, we talk to UNCSA School of Music Dean, Saxton Rose, about launching The American Roots Institute.

Hear from Charlotte Master Chorale’s Artistic Director Kenney Potter on what makes the ensemble shine and their upcoming Rachmaninoff Vespers. Plus a look at the new reality show Kings of the Queen City.

Bach Charlotte’s executive director Garrett Murphy talks about their very first Bach WinterFest concerts happening in venues around the Queen City.

Cellist Anita Graff reflects on a life in music, from Bach to jazz, and previews her Charlotte debut. Opera Carolina director Dr. Shante Williams discusses the new Classical Artist Fund, supporting singers and the many creatives behind the scenes.

For opera singers, the path to the Met is through the Laffont Competition. We talk with Artistic Director Steven LaCosse about this prestigious audition and its upcoming North Carolina district round in Charlotte.

On this Piedmont Arts podcast, hear a conversation with Jack Boul’s son David who helped organize the Blowing Rock exhibition to help ensure his father’s legacy.

On this Piedmont Arts podcast, Phil Vavra and Dan Drayer preview concerts, opera and dance performances, plays and musicals, as well as where to take in the big displays of festive lights across the region.

Charlotte’s BNS Productions brings its hit show Be A Lion back to the Booth Playhouse. In this Piedmont Arts episode, award-winning creator Rory D. Sheriff joins us to discuss the production’s legacy, inspiration, and impact.

Get to know WDAV’s weeknight evening host Keenan Harmon a little better as he takes questions from Phil Vavra.

On this episode, take a tour of Charlotte’s murals with Charlotte is Creative’s Makayla Binter. She shows us around Luminous Lane, a once grim alleyway between 3rd and 4th Streets in Uptown that has been transformed into a colorful uplifting space. And get to know WDAV’s new weeknight evening host Keenan Harmon a little better as he takes questions from Phil Vavra.

Creator Kevin Hammonds and Blumenthal Arts’ CEO Tom Gabbard talk about the immersive experience of The Magicians Table.

Davidson College unveiled “With These Hands,” a sculpture by Hank Willis Thomas honoring the enslaved and exploited people who built and served the college. Davidson alumnus and author Clint Smith reflects on its meaning for the campus and community.