Lara Downes

On today's show, we'll hear some highlights from Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker... but in a version that was put together in 1959 by Duke Ellington. Conductor Andrew Grams says the stylistic difference is especially apparent in the section Tchaikovsky called Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy. Duke Ellington called his version the Sugar Rum Cherry. Tune in today to hear Ellington’s take on the Nutcracker.

Composer Tan Dun grew up in the province of Hunan, China. His community practiced a ritual called “ghost opera,” a way of communicating with spirits of the past, future, and nature. On today’s show, we’ll hear a concerto by Tan Dun, inspired by the Chinese ‘ghost opera’ ritual.

Pianist Kathryn Stott and cellist Yo-Yo Ma have a new album, Merci, which will also be their last album together. Kathryn Stott is stepping away from performing to focus on teaching and spending time with her family. Stott and Ma recently spoke with Fred Child about how the two forged a partnership that has lasted more than 40 years. Today, we'll hear their conversation and sample a couple of tracks from their new and final album. 

Deborah Borda has helped orchestras and the classical ecosphere grow into the 21st century. She has served as the CEO of the New York Philharmonic, the LA Philharmonic, and several other orchestras. Borda approaches her work with an unwavering love of music, clear vision, and determination. On today’s show, our 2024 Classical Woman of the Year, Deborah Borda, joins Fred Child as co-host for a special hour.

Melanie Bonis composed captivating music in early 1900s Paris, even surprising her contemporaries. Upon hearing her work, Camille Saint-Saëns exclaimed, "I never imagined a woman could write such music!" Thankfully, this attitude toward female composers is changing, allowing the music to speak for itself. On today’s show, we’ll hear a piano trio by Mel Bonis from a concert presented by the Manhattan School of Music.

Two violins, viola, and cello—usually, we'd call that a string quartet. On today's show, we'll hear from a group that doesn't want to identify as a traditional string quartet. They call themselves ETHEL. We'll hear ETHEL play at a concert presented by the Beaches Fine Arts Series in Jacksonville Beach, Florida.

Celina Anna Kintscher grew up in Germany, attended high school in South Africa, and is now studying composition at UCLA. This mix of cultures informs her work. Today, we'll hear a piece Kintscher wrote last year during ECI, the Emerging Composers Intensive in Carmel Valley, California.

The German word "gemütlich" conveys a particular musical feeling. If you're feeling gemütlich, you're relaxed and at ease, with maybe a touch of happy nostalgia. On today's show, we'll explore ‘gemütlich’ feelings in Fritz Kreisler's music from a concert presented by the Society for Chamber Music in Rochester, New York.

Deborah Borda has helped orchestras and the classical ecosphere grow into the 21st century. She has served as the CEO of the New York Philharmonic, the LA Philharmonic, and several other orchestras. Borda approaches her work with an unwavering love of music, clear vision, and determination. On today’s show, our 2024 Classical Woman of the Year, Deborah Borda, joins Fred Child as co-host for a special hour.

Pianist Jonathan Biss is our special guest this hour. For years, Biss suffered from debilitating performance anxiety and chose to hide it. But he's had a change of heart. He says that honesty is an absolute priority as an artist. His goal is to pull back the curtain on living as a musician with anxiety. Join us today for music and conversation with Jonathan Biss.