Arts and Humanities

Today, All Things Considered asks an intriguing question. It's a scene we take for granted: the orchestra cues up and plays at the direction of the baton-wielding, tuxedoed conductor. But if orchestra musicians play with sheet music in front of them, do they really need conductors? Shankar Vedantam consults not art, but science--a study from the University of Maryland that tracked how orchestra players followed conductors: 

The Kentucky Arts Council is launching a new grant program to fund arts experiences for underserved populations. The first fiscal year of funding for the new Arts Access Assistance program will go to programs and organizations offering “creative aging and lifelong learning” arts programs for senior citizens across the state. 

"There’s great evidence to support the fact that arts are beneficial, both for life and health of older Americans," says program director Sarah Schmitt.

The Actors Theatre of Louisville acting apprentices take the stage tonight and tomorrow evening with a free workshop performance of "Run Like Children," an original play created by the members of the company.

Directed by Kate Eminger, "Run Like Children" features seven acting apprentices: Noelia Antweiler, Ethan Dubin, Chalia La Tour, Andy Reinhardt, Madison Welterlet, Christa Wroblewski and Michael Zuccola.

As a pianist, Seth Rudetsky has played for more than a dozen Broadway shows, including "Ragtime," "Les Miserables" and "Phantom of the Opera." Listeners to Sirius/XM's On Broadway channel know afternoon host Rudetsky, also the hose of "Seth Speaks" on Sirius/XM Stars, is obsessed with Broadway.