Performance Today®

Composer Lalo Schifrin is 87 years old and going strong. You might not immediately recognize his name, but you probably know his music. He's had a wide ranging career, from composing film scores to playing classical piano, and even a stint playing tango with fellow Argentinian Astor Piazzolla. On today's show, hear the Imani Winds play "La Nouvelle New Orleans," by Lalo Schifrin.

In the Celtic Tradition, the Holy Spirit is represented as a bird. Not an elegant and refined bird, but a wild goose... an untamed creature that is difficult to catch and completely unpredictable. On today's show, hear the United States Marine Band play An Ge Fhiain (The Wild Goose), by Ryan George.

In the classical music of North India, there are moments when singers really cut loose and show their vocal virtuosity. It's called a "tarana." Composer Reena Esmail has brought that idea and sound into a Western ensemble. Hear Tuttarana, by Reena Esmail, on this episode of Performance Today.

On September 12, 1962, President John F Kennedy gave a speech encouraging the nation to pursue projects and dreams "not because they are easy, but because they are hard." Composer Michael Gandolfi wrote a new work with that idea in mind. Join us for music that celebrates the courage to fight for change, on this episode of Performance Today.

In 2017, as debates about immigration escalated, composer Valerie Coleman added her voice by writing a piece for wind quartet. She wrote an anthem of support, declaring a person's right live the American Dream. On today's episode, we'll hear "A Right to Be" by Valerie Coleman.

Composer Maurice Greene and George Frederic Handel had a relatively pleasant relationship... until Greene got a job that Handel had wanted. Music by Maurice Greene, frenemy of George Frederic Handel, on this episode of Performance Today.

On September 12, 1962, President John F Kennedy gave a speech encouraging the nation to pursue projects and dreams "not because they are easy, but because they are hard." Composer Michael Gandolfi wrote a new work with that idea in mind. Join us for music that celebrates the courage to fight for change, on this episode of Performance Today.

In New York City, a short walk to the shop down the street is often a journey through sounds from many different cultures. New York native Jessie Montgomery captures that soundscape in a piece called Coincident Dances. We'll hear it performed by the Chicago Sinfonietta, on this episode of Performance Today.

In an orchestra, the double basses are hard-working and dutiful. Necessary, but rarely drawing attention. On this episode of Performance Today, Robin Kesselman steps into the spotlight with the Houston Symphony in a rare solo spotlight for double bass. Jade Simmons guest-hosts.