On this week's Crossover, hear the stunning artistry of French pianist and composer Jean-Michel Pilc. Hailed by critics as a musical genius, Pilc is largely self taught. A composer of depth who reveres the classics, in many cases he uses them as a point of departure. He has recorded over a dozen albums, and this week he'll discuss his latest: New Dreams.

"Jean-Michel Pilc is a dazzlingly inventive pianist"
--The New York Times

More Information:

Are you curious to know what five works are essential to a classical music collection, according to Dave Conant? Wondering who Dave's heroes from history are? Or what books are sitting on his nightstand?

If you're losing sleep pondering these questions and more, don't fret. They're all answered in a recent profile of WRTI's executive director and classical host that was featured in The Philadelphia Inquirer in May.

Read the profile about Dave.

Jill Pasternak speaks with Gordon Turk, organist in residence at the Great Auditorium in Ocean Grove, New Jersey. Turk discusses upcoming organ recitals on the 100-year-old, 10,000 pipe Great Auditorium Organ. Performances are scheduled throughout July and August.

More Information:

Have an "enchanted" morning with music by the Great American Songwriter Richard Rodgers on the 106th anniversary of his birth.

With nearly 1,000 songs and over 40 musicals to his credit, Richard Rodgers (1902-1979) left an indelible mark on American music and popular culture. To honor Rodgers' legacy, WRTI will play selections from some of his most popular musicals, including South Pacific, Oklahoma!, and The King and I, as well as excerpts from the Emmy-winning television documentary series Victory at Sea.

By Jim Hilgen

Insurance Fraud

Philadelphia, PA – WRTI's Jim Hilgen discusses the costs associated with insurance fraud with members of fraud prevention organizations, and Philadelphia District Attorney Lynne Abraham. Hear what they have to say on this topic.

Jim Cotter speaks with artist Mark Dion. He's just spent seven months retracing a four-year voyage made by the celebrated botanist William Bartram in the 1770s. An exhibition of art Dion created from objects found on his journey opens at Bartram's Garden in West Philadelphia this week.

Susan Lewis looks at the intersection of politics, business, and the arts at the annual convention of Americans for the Arts in Philadelphia this weekend.

Tune to WRTI on June 18 when Bob Perkins brings you live performances of world-class jazz musicians including Trio 3 with Oliver Lake, Reggie Workman, and Andrew Cyril, as well as The Mingus Big Band--straight from the Main Stage of the 20th Annual Clifford Brown Jazz Festival in Wilmington, Delaware.

One of the leading composers of the 20th century, Igor Stravinsky (1882-1971) was a musical chameleon, employing myriad musical styles and innovations throughout his career ranging from atonal serialism to neoclassicism. The Russian-born cosmopolitan spent much of his life in France and Switzerland before settling in America where he became a naturalized citizen and lived until his death in 1971.

Jim Cotter speaks with Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts President and CEO Ann Ewers.

David Patrick Stearns on the rise and fall of the Pottstown Symphony Orchestra.

Jason Peifer takes a look at the historic role of the theater director. We'll hear from the Wilma Theater's Blanka Zizka, and Seth Rozin of the InterAct Theatre.

Susan Lewis visits several area carillons; they're large musical instruments consisting of bells that live at the top of tall towers.

More Information:

Jill Pasternak talks to the legendary jazz cabaret singer, who is in Philadelphia at the Prince Music Theater from June 11 to 15.

Maye's career has been multi-faceted, including 76 appearances on the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson, singing alongside jazz icon Ella Fitzgerald, and performing at jazz clubs in NYC from the Copacabana to Birdland.

Discovered by Steve Allen in a Kansas City nightclub almost five decades ago, she went on to sing for Princess Grace in Monaco, with Peter Nero and the Philly Pops, and at Lincoln Center.