Performance Today®

The cellist and pianist tell host Fred Child that the music we need in difficult times isn't just pretty. It also must spark curiosity and new connections.

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.

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.

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.

A few years ago, Julie Albers had a falling out with her cello, so she bid farewell and started looking for another one. It wasn't an easy process. Hear about Julie Albers' search for her perfect instrument on this edition of Performance Today.

Violinist Ray Chen is often up for new challenges. He has has hundreds of thousands of followers on social media and is a pioneer in how musicians are interacting these days. On today's show, hear selections from Ray Chen's new album Solace, recorded at his home in Taiwan.

Composer Anna Clyne was asked to write something "exuberant" for a festival in London. She created an energetic fanfare...with an old English drinking song thrown in for good measure. On today's show, hear the BBC Symphony Orchestra play Anna Clyne's exuberant Masquerade.

Mahani Teave grew up on the remote island of Rapa Nui... or Easter Island. As a concert pianist, her career took her all around the world, but she always felt Rapa Nui calling her name. On today's show, learn about Mahani Teave and her mission to share music with the children of her home island.

Nelson Mandela used to talk about Ubuntu, a concept that embraces the idea of a universal bond among all of us; a sense of mutual respect and community. On today's show, hear a Minnesota Orchestra performance of a piece called "Harmonia Ubuntu", from a concert in Soweto, South Africa.