Anxiety and panic attacks crippled pianist Simone Dinnerstein on stage, despite a stellar career. She shares how one common device helped her overcome the fear.


How the iPad cured a top pianist's stage fright

Adolphus Hailstork's 2022 requiem cantata "A Knee on the Neck" pays tribute to George Floyd. NPR speaks with librettist Herbert Martin, who initiated the work, five years after police killed Floyd in Minneapolis.


George Floyd musical tribute poet warns of 'worse' racial tensions five years after the murder

French violinist and social media influencer Esther Abrami releases her new album, Women, featuring music by female composers in a bid to redress historic biases.


Violinist Esther Abrami uncovers 'hidden treasure' of music by women

The rising harpist explores spirituals, musical ancestors and the influence of church on her new album, Take Me to the Water.


Ashley Jackson brings spirituals to the harp

South African cellist and composer Abel Selaocoe talks about his new album "Hymns of Bantu," which highlights the healing power of song across cultures.


South African cellist Abel Selaocoe fosters dialogue across time and cultures in a new album

Alvin Ailey's seminal Revelations is considered the most widely viewed modern dance work in the world. Lost songs from the 1960 premiere are featured in a new work and an album this season.


Lost songs from Alvin Ailey's 'Revelations' find voice in new piece

In his album Amours Interdites (Forbidden Love) French pianist David Kadouch explores music by gay composers who concealed their sexuality in societies that wouldn't otherwise accept them.


Pianist David Kadouch probes gay composers' hidden loves, through music

NPR's A Martínez speaks with Dutch brothers Lucas and Arthur Jussen about their new EP, Rêve, featuring piano duets by lesser-known composers influenced by — or rejecting — French Impressionism.


Lucas & Arthur Jussen release 'little diamonds' EP of lesser-known piano duets

Rapper RZA, who helped launch the Wu-Tang Clan hip-hop group in the 1990s, tries his hand in classical music by composing for a ballet inspired by Greek musical scales during the pandemic.


Wu-Tang Clan's RZA goes classical with ballet score

A box set featuring previously unreleased recordings sheds new light on the life and legacy of Paul Robeson, a bass-baritone concert artist, actor, professional football player and activist.


Olivia Hampton

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