If This Hall Could Talk
If This Hall Could Talk is a new podcast series created by Carnegie Hall, in collaboration with WQXR and Sound Made Public. Across eight episodes hosted by Broadway star Jessica Vosk, the series takes listeners behind the scenes for a look at the unforgettable performances, fascinating figures, and shaping of American culture as witnessed at New York City’s Carnegie Hall.
For more than 130 years, Carnegie Hall has been the destination for top musical talents, entertainers, speakers, activists, and distinguished leaders from around the world. Each episode of If This Hall Could Talk focuses on a unique object selected from Carnegie Hall’s Rose Archives—including Judy Garland’s signed 1961 album recorded live at Carnegie Hall, Benny Goodman’s clarinet, Ella Fitzgerald’s glasses, a Women’s Suffrage Party Convention booklet, and a T-shirt made solely for the ushers to wear at rock and popular music concerts by such acts as The Beach Boys, Pink Floyd, Joni Mitchell, and Chicago. These artifacts illuminate the Hall’s rich (and sometimes quirky) history, while also serving as a fascinating framing device for stories of broader musical, cultural, and political significance.
Alongside host Jessica Vosk, each episode features voices that range from marquee musical talents to historical experts—including members of Carnegie Hall’s own Rose Archives team—guiding listeners on a journey through incredible moments that have helped shape the culture in which we live today.
If This Hall Could Talk is available wherever you get your podcasts. New episodes are released every other week.
Episodes
Episode 1: Judy Garland’s Autographed Album Cover
Release Date: May 2
Delve into the life and legend of Judy Garland, whose magnificent and complex character, fascinating public and private personas, and landmark 1961 concerts and subsequent recording have made her a Carnegie Hall icon. Guests include John Fricke.
Episode 2: Carnegie Hall’s 1891 Opening Night Ticket
Release Date: May 16
Travel back to Carnegie Hall’s 1891 Opening Night concert and the Gilded Age in New York City. This episode explores what made Andrew Carnegie’s Music Hall unlike any concert venue and how it remains one-of-a-kind today. Guests include Carol Binkowski, Phillip Lopate, Emanuel Ax, and Kent Tritle.
Episode 3: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Tribute Concert Flyer
Release Date: May 30
Discover the roles the Rat Pack and many other artists played in supporting Dr. King and his Southern Christian Leadership Conference at a pivotal moment of inflection and growth. Guests include Jonathan Eig, Tom Santopietro, Will Friedwald, Emilie Raymond, and Davóne Tines.
Episode 4: Ella Fitzgerald’s Glasses
Release Date: June 13
Celebrate the musical legacy and singular style of Ella Fitzgerald, who made her Carnegie Hall debut in 1947 and appeared on its stage more than 40 times throughout her career. Guests include Samara Joy and Fran Rosman.
Episode 5: Carnegie Hall’s Rock T-shirt
Release Date: June 27
Hear how some of the most famous rock and popular music acts re-shaped Carnegie Hall’s visible identity—including replacing ushers’ formalwear with T-shirts—and revolutionized how (and where) rock music could be heard. Guests include Ron Delsener, Lee Loughnane, and Alan Light.
Episode 6: Benny Goodman’s Clarinet
Release Date: July 11
Relive Benny Goodman’s 1938 Carnegie Hall debut and hear how his clarinet played a key role in the creation of the Hall’s Rose Museum. Guests include Rachel Edelson, Jon Hancock, Tomoji Hirakata, and Paquito D’Rivera.
Episode 7: Woman Suffrage Party Convention Booklet and Button
Release Date: July 25
Learn how a series of meetings at Carnegie Hall in the early 20th century contributed to the evolving national dialogue on women’s rights in the United States.
Episode 8: Horowitz’s Nails
Release Date: August 8
Discover how Carnegie Hall stagehands knew the precise spot that famed pianist Vladimir Horowitz needed to place his piano. Guests include Gary Graffman, David Dubal, and Yulianna Avdeeva.
Podcast illustrations by Rob Wilson.