Performance Today®

American composer Michael Abels has been getting a lot of attention in the past few years; in particular, for his movie music. He's in high demand after scoring Jordan Peele's satire horror films Get Out and Us. On today's show, hear one of Abels's orchestral pieces: Delights and Dances, from a concert presented by the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra.

Hey diddle diddle, a section of fiddles, the horn jumped over the moon. The audience cheered to hear such sport, and the flute ran away with the tune. On today's show, Matthias Pintscher conducts the Detroit Symphony Orchestra in a performance of the Mother Goose Suite by Maurice Ravel, from a concert in Interlochen, Michigan.

Felix Mendelssohn had a close relationship with his older sister, Fanny. So when she died unexpectedly at age 41, Felix was devastated. He said he would never get over her death. On today's show, hear the piece that Mendelssohn dedicated to his dear departed sister.

What do we mean when we say "American classical music"? Composer Derrick Spiva sought to answer that question in the form of a string quartet. On today's show, hear music that draws on the musical traditions that reflect our multicultural American society: American Mirror by Derrick Spiva Jr.

Thomas Wiggins was born blind and into slavery in Georgia in 1849. He became one of the best-known performers in the country in the late 1800s, but due to the times, the fruits of his success may or may not surprise you. Hear the story and music of Thomas Wiggins on this edition of Performance Today.

Chinese composer Guo Wenjing was born and raised in the province of Sichuan. He's spent his life absorbing the Chinese musical traditions, including traditional Sichuan folk music. On today's show, hear the Folk Song Suite by Guo Wenjing, from a recent concert in Hangzhou, China.

It's the beginning of the New Year in much of Asia. More than a billion people are ushering in the Year of the Ox with food and family celebrations. Join us as we celebrate the Lunar New Year with a concert highlight from Shanghai, China.

Paul Burgett was a leader in classical music. He was known for his warm spirit and as a visionary behind the Gateways Music Festival, an event celebrating classical musicians of African descent. On today's show, join us as we remember the late great Paul Burgett, as well as a concert highlight from the Gateways Music Festival.

Chinese composer Guo Wenjing was born and raised in the province of Sichuan. He's spent his life absorbing the Chinese musical traditions, including traditional Sichuan folk music. On today's show, hear the Folk Song Suite by Guo Wenjing, from a recent concert in Hangzhou, China.