Performance Today®

An orchestra of talented young players from Cuba recently traveled to Berlin. Join us today for a highlight from that extraordinary concert. It's the Havana Lyceum Orchestra, on this edition of Performance Today.

Jiji is a guitarist from Seoul, South Korea. When she was nine, she performed for a well-known guitarist...who was harshly critical of her playing. So, she hatched an 18-year "revenge" plan - to become a professional guitarist. On today's show, Jiji plays Asturias, by Isaac Albeniz, from a recent concert at the Honest Brook Music Festival in Delhi, New York.

Composer and guitarist Agustín Barrios was in a cathedral listening to heavenly music...then he then walked out into the city and felt assaulted by the sudden change from serenity to noise. On today's show, hear the music he wrote in response to that experience: The Cathedral, by Agustín Barrios.

When violinist Noah Bendix-Balgley was a kid, his family Hanukkah included lots of latkes and lots of klezmer. On today's show, Noah Bendix-Balgley shares memories and music for Hanukkah, and tells us who makes the best latkes in the world.

23 year-old Jess Gillam is the youngest radio host to be on BBC Radio 3. She's the first saxophonist to sign with Decca Classics, and when you hear her play, you'll understand what the hype is all about. On today's show, hear saxophonist Jess Gillam give a riveting performance in Hanover, Germany.

Composer Gilad Cohen grew up in Israel listening to Pink Floyd. He also played classical piano, and when he moved to the United States, he heard klezmer music in synagogue for the first time.  On today's show, hear members of Musici Ireland play a piece that combines each of those styles: "A Trio for Spry Clarinet, Weeping Cello, and Ruminating Harp" by Gilad Cohen.

On this Thanksgiving holiday, we're thankful for being able to share music with you. Whether you're gathering with a few loved ones, or are settling in for a quiet weekend of solitude, we've got a cozy Thanksgiving soundtrack to share with you. Join us for nourishing music and reflections on gratitude.

23 year-old Jess Gillam is the youngest radio host to be on BBC Radio 3. She's the first saxophonist to sign with Decca Classics, and when you hear her play, you'll understand what the hype is all about. On today's show, hear saxophonist Jess Gillam give a riveting performance in Hanover, Germany.

Harpist Emmanuel Ceysson says he needs to forget all of the harp cliches when he plays the Harp Concerto by Alberto Ginastera. He and his harp need to sound strong and aggressive in order to project from the orchestra. Hear Ceysson play the Ginastera Harp Concerto with the Prague Philharmonia, from a concert at Dvorak Hall in Prague.