The music that haunts the Oscar-nominated film ‘Tár’ is a calling card for conductor Rafael Payare.  


Rafael Payare analyzes what 'Tár' can tell us about Mahler's Symphony No. 5

On her new album, Dark with Excessive Bright, the vibrant, young composer coaxes unusual sounds from a symphony orchestra. 


Missy Mazzoli is a symphonic composer with a photographer's eye

The composer of Breaking the Waves speaks candidly about equity in her field, the importance of role models and the unglamorous side of writing music every day.


For Missy Mazzoli, composing is the hard work of making life easier

Watch pianist Marc-André Hamelin, who's been called 'a performer of near-superhuman prowess,' play a smart set that spans six centuries as part of NPR's Tiny Desk concert series.


Marc-André Hamelin performs a Tiny Desk Concert that spans six centuries

Discover a broad spectrum of this year's most compelling classical music, from booby-trapped string quartets and chilled-out piano to full-throttle percussion, electric guitars and high-flying vocals.


The 10 Best Classical Albums of 2022

Failure was not an option when Léon arrived in New York, a determined 24-year-old pianist from Cuba. At nearly 80, she says some things haven't changed.  


The unplanned, unstoppable career of composer Tania León 

A composer, performer and installation artist from the Navajo Nation, Chacon's winning piece, Voiceless Mass, was composed for chamber orchestra and a specific Milwaukee pipe organ.


Meet Raven Chacon, the first Native American to win the Pulitzer Prize for music

Watch the rising young cellist transform a Bob Marley classic, explore brand new preludes and unspool a weepy Welsh ballad.


Cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason performs a personal Tiny Desk Concert

Hear what's been called "America's most astonishing choir" sing brand new music by Shara Nova that looks at how we handle difficult emotions. 


"America's most astonishing choir," the Crossing, performs its Tiny Desk Concert

Hear vocalist and composer Shara Nova in a mesmerizing moment from a new song cycle, The Blue Hour, written by five celebrated women.  


Tom Huizenga

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