Performance Today®

with host Valerie Kahler

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.

All Episodes

Lili Boulanger

Lili Boulanger

Nadia Boulanger was a composer and teacher who made a huge impact on a generation of composers, but she wasn't the only Boulanger contributing to the classical scene. On this episode of Performance Today, hear music by Nadia's younger sister, French composing pioneer Lili Boulanger.

Francesco Piemontesi

Francesco Piemontesi

If pianist Francesco Piemontesi could take a time machine back to any point in history, he'd choose to go back to the 19th century to hang out with Franz Liszt. For now, Piemontesi settles for playing Liszt's music. On this episode of Performance Today, hear Piemontesi in concert, playing a selection from "Years of Pilgrimage," Franz Liszt's set of three suites for solo piano.

The mining of musical gems

The mining of musical gems

A central part of music director JoAnn Falletta's legacy at the Buffalo Philharmonic has been the exploration and performance of lesser known musical gems. On this episode of Performance Today, hear them play one of those gems: The Fantastic Scherzo by Josef Suk.

Live Music Meditations at Princeton University

Live Music Meditations at Princeton University

When was the last time you listened to music without distractions or expectations? What about the last time you listened to your mind and body? Here's your chance to do both! Inspired by the Live Music Meditations at Princeton, we teamed up with Princeton University Concerts to make a mini-meditation you can do wherever you are. Take 15 minutes out of your day to try this guided meditation and experience a deeper form of listening.

Esa-Pekka Salonen: Pollux

Esa-Pekka Salonen: Pollux

Composer and conductor Esa-Pekka Salonen says that he loves to take risks, even to teeter on the brink of losing control. On this episode of Performance Today, hear the Los Angeles Philharmonic world premiere concert performance of Pollux, by thrill-seeker Esa-Pekka Salonen.

2019 Classical Woman of the Year: JoAnn Falletta

2019 Classical Woman of the Year: JoAnn Falletta

We received over 120 nominations for our inaugural award celebrating the impact of women on classical music and music lovers. Read about the winner, the six finalists, and all of the nominees.

Francesco Piemontesi

Francesco Piemontesi

If pianist Francesco Piemontesi could take a time machine back to any point in history, he'd choose to go back to the 19th century to hang out with Franz Liszt. For now, Piemontesi settles for playing Liszt's music. On this episode of Performance Today, hear Piemontesi in concert, playing a selection from "Years of Pilgrimage," Franz Liszt's set of three suites for solo piano.

Ricardo Lorenz: Dance Unlikely

Ricardo Lorenz: Dance Unlikely

There's a photo from 1961 of Fidel Castro is sitting in a restaurant with his guards and four musicians who might be just a little tense. That photo inspired a new piece of music. On this episode of Performance Today, join us for a ROCO performance of "Dance Unlikely" by Ricardo Lorenz.

Tessa Lark

Tessa Lark

Tessa Lark is an acclaimed classical violinist, but she's also highly adept at other musical traditions. On this episode of Performance Today, hear Tessa Lark perform her "Appalachian Fantasy," new music with classical and folk roots.

YourClassical Radio
0:00
0:00