American Public Media’s Performance Today® is America’s most popular classical music radio program and a winner of the 2014 Gabriel Award for artistic achievement. The show is broadcast on hundreds of public radio stations across the country, including at 1 p.m. central weekdays on Minnesota Public Radio. More information about our stations can be found at APM Distribution.
Composer Astor Piazzolla was born on March 11, 1921. He revolutionized tango music, adding elements of jazz and classical, and he made the sensual sound of tango popular all around the world. On today's show, join us in celebrating 100 years of Astor Piazzolla!
When composer Victoria Kelly was a kid in New Zealand, she watched an animated show featuring an adorable kiwi bird. At the end of each episode, the kiwi ended the show by turning out the lights. Kelly used this memory to compose a piece of music that ultimately helped her to say "goodnight" to her ailing mother. On today's show, hear pianist Juho Pohjonen perform Goodnight Kiwi, by Victoria Kelly.
Composer Terry Riley was profoundly moved by something author Alice Walker said shortly after 9/11. She said, "We must learn to be kind to one another now." That statement is still true...and it always will be. On today's show, hear pianist Sarah Cahill perform Be Kind to One Another, by Terry Riley, from a concert in Interlochen, Michigan.
In the spring of 2020, Cellist Yo-Yo Ma and pianist Kathryn Stott started a project with a very timely goal: to bring people moments of musical beauty during the pandemic. One of the products of their collaboration is the new album named "Songs of Comfort and Hope". On today's show, hear Yo-Yo Ma and Kathryn Stott describe some of their experiences and hear the music they created.
The cellist and pianist tell host Fred Child that the music we need in difficult times isn't just pretty. It also must spark curiosity and new connections.
On the last day of 2020, millions of people tuned in to a concert in Lugano, Switzerland. It was a chance to hear a living legend perform: pianist Martha Argerich. On today's show, hear Martha Argerich and the Swiss Italian Orchestra play Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 2 at that New Year's Eve celebration.
Composer Lili Boulanger devoted herself to what seemed like an impossible goal. She wanted to win the biggest composition prize of the day, the Prix de Rome, which had only ever been won by men. On today's show, learn about the life and music of Lili Boulanger...and find out if she achieved her goal.
On the last day of 2020, millions of people tuned in to a concert in Lugano, Switzerland. It was a chance to hear a living legend perform: pianist Martha Argerich. On today's show, hear Martha Argerich and the Swiss Italian Orchestra play Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 2 at that New Year's Eve celebration.
A few years ago, Julie Albers had a falling out with her cello, so she bid farewell and started looking for another one. It wasn't an easy process. Hear about Julie Albers' search for her perfect instrument on this edition of Performance Today.
