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

Ben Folds

Ben Folds

On Friday's Performance Today, Fred's joined in the studio by a special guest: pianist, singer-songwriter, and composer Ben Folds. He'll pick out some of his favorite classical pieces, and introduce us to his new piano concerto.

In studio with the Ancia Saxophone Quartet
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Friend of Fred: Ben Folds

Friend of Fred: Ben Folds

A rock star knows about classical music? Of course he does. Read about the day Ben Folds stopped by to co-host an hour of PT.

Sergey Khachatryan's two loves

Sergey Khachatryan's two loves

Sergey Khachatryan has two loves; his car, and his violin. He tunes both himself and lives to take them both out for spins. On Thursday's Performance Today, we'll hear Khachatryan, mechanic and violinist, play Beethoven's Violin Concerto in concert with the L.A. Philharmonic.

Clara Schumann's Romance

Clara Schumann's Romance

On Wednesday's Performance Today, we'll hear a Romance by Schumann. By Clara Schumann, that is -- the great pianist who gave up composing when she married Robert Schumann. Plus, Bruce Adolphe joins us for this week's Piano Puzzler.

Ravel's Noble and Sentimental Waltzes

Ravel's Noble and Sentimental Waltzes

When Maurice Ravel's Noble and Sentimental Waltzes premiered in Paris in 1911, the audience had to guess who the composer was. There's no need to guess anymore; these waltzes have become a concert hall favorite. On Tuesday's Performance Today, we'll hear them played in concert by the Los Angeles Philharmonic.

Saint-Saens' Egyptian Concerto

Saint-Saens' Egyptian Concerto

During a trip down the Nile, French composer Camille Saint-Saens was captivated by an old Nubian song. In fact, he was so inspired by the tune that he transformed it into a piano concerto. On Monday's Performance Today, we'll hear pianist Stephen Hough and the Nashville Symphony play that very piece; Saint-Saens' Egyptian Concerto.

The tip of the musical iceberg

The tip of the musical iceberg

According to conductor JoAnn Falletta, most orchestras only explore the tip of the musical iceberg; largely ignoring vast amounts of repertoire waiting to be discovered. On this weekend's Performance Today, Falletta joins Fred in the studio to co-host a special hour of PT, and to discuss her thoughts on musical repertoire, conducting, and more.

JoAnn Falletta

JoAnn Falletta

According to conductor JoAnn Falletta, most orchestras only explore the tip of the musical iceberg; largely ignoring vast amounts of repertoire waiting to be discovered. On Friday's Performance Today, Falletta joins Fred in the studio to co-host a special hour of PT, and to discuss her thoughts on musical repertoire, conducting, and more.

YourClassical Radio
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