Poster Fred Child
Fred Child
MPR

Performance Today®

with host Fred Child

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A special gift for a friend

A special gift for a friend

When composer Reena Esmail was a student at Yale, she became close friends with the one other woman in her program, Suzana Bartal. When Suzana got married, Esmail flew to France for the wedding and brought along a special gift. On today's show, hear the story and the gift: "Saans" by Reena Esmail.

Astor Piazzolla

Astor Piazzolla

Composer Astor Piazzolla was born on March 11, 1921. He revolutionized tango music, adding elements of jazz and classical, and he made the sensual sound of tango popular all around the world. On today's show, join us in celebrating 100 years of Astor Piazzolla!

Victoria Kelly: Goodnight Kiwi

Victoria Kelly: Goodnight Kiwi

When composer Victoria Kelly was a kid in New Zealand, she watched an animated show featuring an adorable kiwi bird. At the end of each episode, the kiwi ended the show by turning out the lights. Kelly used this memory to compose a piece of music that ultimately helped her to say "goodnight" to her ailing mother. On today's show, hear pianist Juho Pohjonen perform Goodnight Kiwi, by Victoria Kelly.

Riley: Be Kind to One Another

Riley: Be Kind to One Another

Composer Terry Riley was profoundly moved by something author Alice Walker said shortly after 9/11. She said, "We must learn to be kind to one another now." That statement is still true...and it always will be. On today's show, hear pianist Sarah Cahill perform Be Kind to One Another, by Terry Riley, from a concert in Interlochen, Michigan.

A collaboration for the times

A collaboration for the times

In the spring of 2020, Cellist Yo-Yo Ma and pianist Kathryn Stott started a project with a very timely goal: to bring people moments of musical beauty during the pandemic. One of the products of their collaboration is the new album named "Songs of Comfort and Hope". On today's show, hear Yo-Yo Ma and Kathryn Stott describe some of their experiences and hear the music they created.

Yo-Yo Ma, Kathryn Stott search for comfort and hope
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Martha Argerich

Martha Argerich

On the last day of 2020, millions of people tuned in to a concert in Lugano, Switzerland. It was a chance to hear a living legend perform: pianist Martha Argerich. On today's show, hear Martha Argerich and the Swiss Italian Orchestra play Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 2 at that New Year's Eve celebration.

Lili Boulanger

Lili Boulanger

Composer Lili Boulanger devoted herself to what seemed like an impossible goal. She wanted to win the biggest composition prize of the day, the Prix de Rome, which had only ever been won by men. On today's show, learn about the life and music of Lili Boulanger...and find out if she achieved her goal.

Martha Argerich

Martha Argerich

On the last day of 2020, millions of people tuned in to a concert in Lugano, Switzerland. It was a chance to hear a living legend perform: pianist Martha Argerich. On today's show, hear Martha Argerich and the Swiss Italian Orchestra play Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 2 at that New Year's Eve celebration.

YourClassical Radio
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