Poster Fred Child
Fred Child
MPR

Performance Today®

with host Fred Child

All Episodes

The night before...

The night before...

On today's show, we celebrate the joys and blessings of the holiday season with music for a cozy Christmas Eve.

1:59:00
A Christmas Carol

A Christmas Carol

In "A Christmas Carol," Ebenezer Scrooge hates Christmas and generosity itself... at least until three uninvited house guests demonstrate what greed might cost him. Join us today for a musical retelling of "A Christmas Carol" by Charles Dickens.

1:59:00
PT Weekend: Ellington's take on The Nutcracker

PT Weekend: Ellington's take on The Nutcracker

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.

1:59:00
Celebrating the Solstice

Celebrating the Solstice

It's the Winter solstice in the Northern Hemisphere, with the shortest daylight hours and the longest of nights. It feels like a good moment for a quiet break. We invite you to pause, reflect, and join us for some musical contemplation.

1:59:00
Where Carlos Simon finds inspiration

Where Carlos Simon finds inspiration

Carlos Simon is a contemporary American composer known for blending classical music with influences of jazz, gospel, and neo-romanticism. We’ll hear some of Simon’s music on today's show, including his arrangement of Irving Berlin’s White Christmas.

1:59:00
The Dance of the Sugar Rum Cherry

The Dance of the Sugar Rum Cherry

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.

1:59:00
Tan Dun

Tan Dun

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.

1:59:00
Kathryn Stott and Yo-Yo Ma: Merci

Kathryn Stott and Yo-Yo Ma: Merci

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. 

1:59:00
PT Weekend: Deborah Borda

PT Weekend: Deborah Borda

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.

1:59:00