Poster Fred Child
Fred Child
MPR

Performance Today®

with host Fred Child

All Episodes

Power couple: Wu Han and David Finckel

Power couple: Wu Han and David Finckel

In pop music, it's Beyonce and Jay-Z. Here in the classical world, the big power couple is Wu Han and David Finckel. They're musical visionaries, mentors, and chamber musicians with incredible chemistry. On today's episode, they'll play a piece that Bruce Adolphe wrote for them, simply titled "Couple."

Grieg's Lyric Pieces

Grieg's Lyric Pieces

Composer Edvard Grieg found tremendous inspiration in Norwegian history and folklore. His Lyric Pieces for piano are expressions of his country's places, stories, and people. On this episode of Performance Today, Joyce Yang brings those colorful works to life, from a concert in Seattle.

Angele Dubeau and La Pieta

Angele Dubeau and La Pieta

Violinist Angele Dubeau and her all-female ensemble La Pieta are based in Montreal. On Today's show, Dubeau explains that there are many ways to interpret the title of their new album: Pulsations. Join us for music and conversation with Angele Dubeau, on this episode of Performance Today. Elena See guest-hosts.

Max Opferkuch

Max Opferkuch

On today's show, meet our new PT Young Artist in Residence, clarinetist Max Opferkuch. Max joins Fred Child for music and conversation at Performance Today's studio in St. Paul, Minnesota.

The Enchanted Lake

The Enchanted Lake

A huge mysterious creature lurks below the surface of a clear and tranquil lake. It may or may not be dangerous...it's hard to tell. On today's show, you'll hear that creature's presence in The Enchanted Lake, by Russian composer Anatoly Lyadov.

Meet Max Opferkuch

Meet Max Opferkuch

On today's show, meet our new PT Young Artist in Residence, clarinetist Max Opferkuch. Max joins Fred Child for music and conversation at Performance Today's studio in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Young Artist in Residence: Max Opferkuch

Young Artist in Residence: Max Opferkuch

Clarinetist Max Opferkuch is Performance Today's current Young Artist in Residence. Max recently joined Fred Child for conversation and music at our studio in Saint Paul. You can hear it all here!

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Elgar's Enigma Variations

Elgar's Enigma Variations

There's a musical puzzle at the heart of the Enigma Variations by Edward Elgar. Cryptographers have been working on cracking the code for a century. On this episode of Performance Today, we'll share some of the many possible solutions... and enjoy a great performance of the Elgar's Enigma Variations, from the Aspen Festival.

Jackfert: On the Shores of Qingdao

Jackfert: On the Shores of Qingdao

Composer Matthew Jackfert spent six months in the seaside city of Qingdao, China. Memories of the waves and wind and local culture stuck with him. On this episode of Performance Today, hear "On the Shores of Qingdao," by Matthew Jackfert, from a concert by the West Virginia University Symphony Orchestra.