The Soprano And The Scientist: A Conversation About Music And Medicine

"Renée Fleming and Francis Collins have something unexpected in common: music."

Collins, the director of the National Institutes of Health, plays guitar. Fleming, of course, is a renowned soprano.

"She is also an Artistic Advisor at Large to the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., and the two of them are joining forces this weekend for a program called Sound Health. The two-day event will explore connections between music, health, wellness and science through musical performances and presentations from neuroscientists."

"All Things Considered host Robert Siegel spoke with Fleming and Collins about their work together and what they hope to convey to the public about the intersection between art and science. They also sang a duet. The conversation has been edited for length and clarity."