The interview can also be heard on WETA Virtuoso on the following times:
11/12/2026 8:59PM
11/13/2026 1:59PM
11/14/2026 7:08AM
11/16/2026 1:57PM
Dr. Daniel Weinberger, a professor at Johns Hopkins University and Director for the Lieber Institute for Brain Development, will be the guest curator and speaker for the PostClassical Ensemble's upcoming program "Your Brain on Music: Sound, Science and Soul." Dr. Weinberger has long studied the effect of music on the brain and the benefits of using music in treating various cognitive disorders. The musical program will include Pachelbel's Canon, an aria from Bach's St. Matthew Passion and a complete performance of Beethoven's Symphony no. 8. A video will be shown of PCE Music Director Angel Gil-Ordóñez and concertmaster Netanel Draiblate being given fMRI scans while listening to the third movement of the Beethoven and imagining engaging with the music the way they do during a performance. There will also be a remote discussion with actor John Turturro who will talk about his brother’s schizophrenia and how playing music helps mitigate its effects, as well as his thoughts on film music (which the ensemble will help illustrate with the live performance of a selection from Nino Rota’s score for Fellini’s 8 ½). The event will conclude with a panel discussion with Dr. Weinberger’s colleagues about the latest developments in brain studies and music therapy.
You can listen to my fascinating interview with Dr. Weinberger above.
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