Pulling Strings

Soundcheck | May 3, 2010
Singer-songwriter Sufjan Stevens has embarked on an ambitious project, to write an album for each of the 50 states. The first state in the series was Michigan. Today, he discusses how he traveled the state of Illinois to uncover its oddities and misfits as research for the series' newest installment. Also on the show: Puppeteer Basil Twist's production of Respighi's long forgotten "La bella dormente nel bosco" (Sleeping Beauty in the Woods) gets its New York premiere as part of the Lincoln Center Festival. Twist joins us along with Neal Goren, artistic director of Gotham Chamber Opera and conductor of the production, to discuss how they brought to life this captivating opera.
» View a slideshow of today's guests

WNYC is funded by sponsors and member donations

Top Stories

The World Cup, the Knicks, and LeBron James’s Fate: An All-Time Summer in Sports

The staff writer Louisa Thomas on the U.S. men’s national soccer team, the N.B.A. off-season, and Serena Williams.
The New Yorker Radio Hour |

The near-collapsed Midtown building is now stable, but its finances may not be

Experts say the structural failure at the Pfizer Building could cause financial problems and a lingering stigma — but that the city’s housing shortage means renters will probably move in anyway.
Gothamist |

NYC DSA on Their Big Wins, and the Future

NYC-DSA co-chairs Grace Mausser and Gustavo Gordillo talk about the DSA's recent big wins.
The Brian Lehrer Show |

Get Lit: Laila Lalami's 'The Dream Hotel,' and Imal Gnawa Performs

All Of It with Alison Stewart |
YOU ARE ONLINE