Poster Fred Child
Fred Child
MPR

Performance Today®

with host Fred Child

Music for Juneteenth

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This Juneteenth, we feature music by Black composers that reflects the spirit of freedom and resilience. Today's program includes Carlos Simon’s Warmth from Other Suns, inspired by Isabel Wilkerson’s The Warmth of Other Suns, alongside works by Florence Price, Adrian Dunn, and others. Join Fred Child for a celebration of music honoring this historic day.
Performance Today - June 19, 2025
1:59:00

Episodes

The Vienna Philharmonic at the Musikverein

The Vienna Philharmonic at the Musikverein

How does a renowned concert hall influence the sound of an orchestra? Listen and discover as the Vienna Philharmonic performs Brahms' magnificent Double Concerto live from Vienna's Musikverein, a venue that highlights the interaction between soloists and the orchestra. Join us today to experience the sound of the Vienna Philharmonic performing at their iconic home venue, the Musikverein.

1:59:00
The importance of Wynton Marsalis

The importance of Wynton Marsalis

Conductor Cristian Macelaru says that Wynton Marsalis is the most important American composer… of all time. He says, "No one has focused (as) much on showing America's history and identity in both classical and jazz." We'll hear the world premiere of a new piece by Wynton Marsalis on today’s episode.

1:59:00
William Dawson

William Dawson

Two decades after he wrote his Negro Folk Symphony, composer William Dawson traveled to West Africa. Based on what he heard there, he revised his music to convey “...the missing elements that were lost when Africans came into bondage outside their homeland." On today's show, hear Dawson's Negro Folk Symphony played by The Orchestra Now with conductor Leon Botstein.

1:59:00
PT Weekend: Nina Bernat

PT Weekend: Nina Bernat

We're excited to introduce our next 2025 Young Artist in Residence: double-bassist Nina Bernat. In today's show, Nina joins Fred Child for music and conversation at our studio in Saint Paul. Plus, Bruce Adolphe has this week’s Piano Puzzler.

1:59:00
Clarice Assad: Constellation

Clarice Assad: Constellation

In 2023, Clarice Assad composed a piece to honor the universe that is her own family. The first two movements depict her daughters, Antonia and Stella; the final movement celebrates her partner, whom Assad says "radiates the warmth and strength of the sun." We'll hear Clarice Assad's "Constellation" on today's show.

1:59:00
Errollyn Wallen: Mighty River

Errollyn Wallen: Mighty River

In 2007, Composer Errollyn Wallen wrote a piece to mark the anniversary of the Abolition of the British Slave Trade. She says, ‘It is human instinct to be free, just as it is for the river to rush headlong to the sea.’ We'll dive into Errollyn Wallen’s Mighty River on today's show.

1:59:00
Unlocking Julia Perry's legacy

Unlocking Julia Perry's legacy

Julia Perry was a remarkable 20th-century American composer. However, after her passing in 1979, her music was tied up in her estate, preventing anyone from granting permission for its use... until now. Tune in today to learn about the exciting new arrangement to share Julia Perry's music with the world.

1:59:00
Ravel and Gershwin

Ravel and Gershwin

In 1928, Maurice Ravel spent some time hanging out with George Gershwin in Harlem jazz clubs. The sounds Ravel heard in Harlem made their way into some of his subsequent compositions. On today’s show, pianist Inon Barnatan joins the Aspen Music Festival Orchestra to play Ravel's jazz-influenced Piano Concerto in G Major.

1:59:00
Share a farewell message with Fred Child

Piano Puzzler

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Piano Puzzler

Play the Piano Puzzler® for June 25, 2025
Performance Today - Piano Puzzler 6/18/2025
11:15
Performance Today - Piano Puzzler 6/11/2025
12:35
Performance Today - Piano Puzzler 6/4/2025
13:25
Performance Today - Piano Puzzler 5/28/2025
13:02
Performance Today - Piano Puzzler 5/21/2025
14:19
Performance Today - Piano Puzzler 5/14/2025
12:27
Performance Today - Piano Puzzler 5/7/2025
10:16
Performance Today - Piano Puzzler 4/30/2025
18:53
Performance Today - Piano Puzzler 4/23/2025
14:35
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Young Artists

Young Artist in Residence: Nina Bernat

Young Artist in Residence: Nina Bernat

We’re proud to introduce double-bassist Nina Bernat, the next member of our 2025 cohort of PT Young Artists in Residence. Nina recently joined Fred Child in our St. Paul studio. You can listen to Nina’s music and the entire interview here.

42:00
Young Artist in Residence: Emad Zolfaghari

Young Artist in Residence: Emad Zolfaghari

Emad Zolfaghari is the next of our 2025 cohort of PT Young Artists in Residence. He recently joined Fred Child in our St. Paul studio. You can hear Emad’s music and the entire interview here.

43:21
Young Artist in Residence: Victor Ni

Young Artist in Residence: Victor Ni

Clarinetist Victor Ni is the next of our 2025 cohort of PT Young Artists in Residence. Victor recently joined Fred Child in our St. Paul studio. You can hear Victor’s music and the entire interview here.

42:34
Young Artist in Residence: David Lai

Young Artist in Residence: David Lai

We’re proud to introduce you to pianist David Lai, our newest PT Young Artist in Residence. He joined Fred Child in our St. Paul studio — hear his music and the entire interview here!

44:27

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Classical Critters

Classical Critters

Join PT for a 60-minute classical music romp inspired by animals.

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New York Out Loud

New York Out Loud

Explore the sounds of New York City with PT and host Fred Child.

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