Performance Today®

In 1918, Sergei Prokofiev was inspired by a collection of tunes that were often played at Jewish weddings and dances. Prokofiev improvised on the klezmer melodies, borrowed a gorgeous wedding tune, and created an expressive work of music. On today's show, hear the Overture on Hebrew Themes by Sergei Prokofiev, from a concert in Pittsburgh.

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.

After a long break from composing, Steven Bryant found himself struggling to write music again. He discovered that he couldn't force the music, that when he turned inward and just listened, he was able to write the music he wanted to hear, music intended to spread joy. On today's show, hear the United States Marine Band perform "Radiant Joy" by Steven Bryant.

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.

What does it mean to be a 21st century classical musician? Ray Chen devotes several hours a day to practicing his violin, AND he devotes time every day to making videos for social media. On today's show, hear 21st century violinist Ray Chen play Camille Saint-Saens's "Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso" with the Los Angeles Philharmonic.

Composer Wang Jie is a fervent believer in the unique and personal conversation that each listener has with a composer through the music. On today's show, find your own musical dialog with the composer in the Symphony No. 1 by Wang Jie, from a concert by the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra and conductor JoAnn Falletta.

This month marks the 250th anniversary of Beethoven's birth. We'll be celebrating with plenty of his music, and with works by living composers that find inspiration in Beethoven. On today's show, hear a track from pianist Pamela Howland's new album "Christmas with Beethoven".

Jazz legend Dave Brubeck was born a century ago, and his legacy lives on. His son, Chris Brubeck, is also a renowned musician and composer. On today's show, hear the world premiere performance of the Time Out Suite, an orchestral work that Chris Brubeck arranged in celebration of his father's centennial.

An Tran's childhood in Vietnam is reflected in his music, with sonic images that convey the beauty of his home country. On today's show, meet guitarist An Tran and hear his musical memories of Vietnam.