Episode Details

In this episode, Jim Cunningham speaks with the Executive Director of the National Opera House, Jonnet Solomon, about their upcoming exhibit at Grand Lobby in the City-County Building on Grant Street. Jonnet talks about the history of the National Negro Opera Company that was founded in Pittsburgh by Mary Cardwell Dawson in 1941. It was the first African American opera company in the United States. The house that housed the opera company was a vibrant cultural hub for icons like Cab Calloway, Roberto Clemente, and Ahmad Jamal. The exhibit will feature the inspiring story of Mary Cardwell Dawson, and pictures of the many people who stayed at the house. Jonnet reflects on the challenges of restoring a historic home that is on the National Trust's list of endangered sites. She also discusses the future for the National Opera House and its funding. Jonnet also talks about her father's work as a steel pan maker in Pittsburgh. Jonnet performs with her dad's band regularly, and loves playing classical music on the steel pan. You can catch the opening reception on February 3rd at 6 pm at the City-County Building. There will be a live musical guest, and a chance to ask Jonnet questions about the exhibit. The Black History Month display will be available to visit until February 28th. Visit https://www.pittsburghpa.gov/Recreation-Events/Special-Events/Black-History-Month to learn more. Thanks for tuning in to WQED's Voice of the Arts, Pittsburgh's trusted source for arts and culture in our region. Whether you're passionate about classical music, film, theater, opera, or local music, we’re here to bring you closer to the heart of Pittsburgh's local arts scene. Don’t miss our musician interviews, the latest local music news, and performing arts insights from across the Southwestern Pennsylvania region.  Subscribe and follow to stay connected with the vibrant voices shaping Pittsburgh’s creative community. Visit https://www.wqed.org/ to see what else WQED is doing in our community. Until next time, keep supporting the arts and keep listening to Voice of the Arts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.