Performance Today®

Pianist Andras Schiff calls it a 'finger breaking piece.' Stephen Kovacevich said he worked on it for so long, he nearly paralyzed his hands. On today's show, Yefim Bronfman takes us beyond the strenuous side of Bartok's Piano Concerto No. 2 in a thrilling performance with the Houston Symphony.

The movie "The Red Violin" follows one particular violin for centuries. It passes from one owner to another, leaving a rather bloody trail behind. John Corigliano wrote the lush and haunting music for the film. On today's show, hear violinist Bella Hristova play highlights from the Corigliano's score at the Music@Menlo Chamber Music Festival.

Pianist Joyce Yang feels that George Gershwin's "Concerto in F" is full of optimism, freedom and magic... and we all could probably use a little more of that in our lives right now. On today's show, hear Joyce Yang and the Aspen Festival Orchestra perform Gershwin's iconic piano concerto.

In 1867, Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen wrote a play about a young man who spends his life avoiding responsibility. The play features amorous milkmaids, a runaway bride, a cave full of trolls, and a sojourn in the deserts of Egypt. The drama never became one of Ibsen's biggest hits, but the music that Edvard Grieg wrote for it did. On today's show, hear Grieg's Peer Gynt Suite No. 1, performed by the Grand Teton Music Festival Orchestra.

In 1894, at the age of 27, Amy Beach became the first American woman to compose and publish a symphony. She was the first woman to establish a reputation as a great American composer. On this episode of Performance Today, hear Beach's Piano Quintet in F-sharp minor, from a concert presented by the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra.

We may not be able to sit down in restaurants or cafes right now, but with a little imagination, we can play "restaurant" at home. Light some candles, dish up a favorite meal, and tune in for music inspired by an old-school steakhouse. On today's episode, hear Paul Schoenfield's Cafe Music, from a concert presented by the Seattle Chamber Music Society.

Pianist Joyce Yang feels that George Gershwin's "Concerto in F" is full of optimism, freedom and magic... and we all could probably use a little more of that in our lives right now. On today's show, hear Joyce Yang and the Aspen Festival Orchestra perform Gershwin's iconic piano concerto.

Jaakko Kuusisto has been meaning to write a concerto that would highlight his unique skills on the violin. He hasn't written a concerto for himself yet, but he HAS written one for his friend, violinist Elina Vahala. On this episode of Performance Today, Elina Vahala, backed by the Minnesota Orchestra, play the fiery Violin Concerto by Jaakko Kuusisto.

As a teacher, she's inspired hundreds of students. She's a talented flutist, a founder of groundbreaking ensembles, and she's a composer with a unique personal voice that speaks to all of us. On today's show, we celebrate Valerie Coleman, our PT Classical Woman of the Year.