The Bayer Corp. and Richard Rauh will be the major underwriters this season for WQED-FM 89.3's "Pittsburgh Symphony Radio," which broadcasts performances of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra at Heinz Hall and airs them during the subsequent season. WQED-FM has broadcast the show for 25 seasons on more than 70 stations across the country.

It airs locally at 8 p.m. Sundays and is hosted by Jim Cunningham. Additional support comes from the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts and the PSO musicians. Rauh is a board member of the PSO.

(Andrew Druckenbrod, Post-Gazette classical music writer)

Sprout fund-raiser Hothouse, a party to benefit The Sprout Fund, offers 15 musical acts on five stages, 9 p.m. to midnight next Saturday, at the Union Trust Building, Downtown. The nonprofit group will showcase projects representing Sprout's Seed Award, Public Art, Engage Pittsburgh and Community Connections programs, and local establishments will provide food and drink. To attend: $40 in advance, $50 at the door, $25 with a valid student ID; VIP (including a reception from 7-9 p.m.), $150. More info: www.sproutfund.org.