Performance Today®

with host Valerie Kahler

American Public Media’s Performance Today® is America’s most popular classical music radio program and a winner of the 2014 Gabriel Award for artistic achievement. The show is broadcast on hundreds of public radio stations across the country, including at 1 p.m. central weekdays on Minnesota Public Radio. More information about our stations can be found at APM Distribution.

All Episodes

Cell phones off

Cell phones off

The pandemic has profoundly affected the musical world, with concerts and festivals having been cancelled worldwide. There is hope though...in some places, concerts with audiences are safely back underway. On today's show, hear a highlight from a concert presented just last month by the Taipei Music Academy & Festival.

Jonathan Bailey Holland

Jonathan Bailey Holland

In 2014, composer Jonathan Bailey Holland was grappling with profound sadness about the number of Black Americans killed by police. He couldn't express his feelings in words, so he turned to music. On today's show, hear the world premiere concert performance of Dream Elegy by Jonathan Bailey Holland.

Jason Moran: Cane

Jason Moran: Cane

When Marie Therese Coin Coin was granted her freedom in 1778, she used her business skills to become a landowner, with the goal of purchasing her children's freedom. Composer Jason Moran is Coin Coin's great-great-grand-nephew. On today's show, hear the Imani Winds play "Cane" by Jason Moran - music inspired by Maran's family history.

Of Our New Day Begun

Of Our New Day Begun

In 2015, nine people were killed at a church in Charleston, SC. On today's show, the Dallas Winds plays a piece written to honor the lives of those who died: Of Our New Day Begun, by Omar Thomas.

A venue with a view

A venue with a view

Join us for a concert highlight from from the base of the Teton Range in Wyoming. On today's show, conductor Donald Runnicles leads the Grand Teton Music Festival Orchestra in a performance of Beethoven's Symphony No. 9.

Valerie Coleman: Requiem Milonga

Valerie Coleman: Requiem Milonga

A few weeks ago, the Lakes Area Music Festival in Minnesota did an online concert with a theme of remembering those we've lost due to the pandemic. On today's show, join us for a highlight from that concert: Requiem Milonga by Valerie Coleman.

Of Our New Day Begun

Of Our New Day Begun

In 2015, nine people were killed at a church in Charleston, SC. On today's show, the Dallas Winds plays a piece written to honor the lives of those who died: Of Our New Day Begun, by Omar Thomas.

It Perched for Vespers Nine

It Perched for Vespers Nine

Composer Joel Puckett's grandfather-in-law always had the right line of poetry for any situation...including his poignant final words. On this episode of Performance Today, hear music inspired by the final words of a loved one: It Perched for Vespers Nine, by Joel Puckett.

Watch: Go behind the scenes of the Piano Puzzler
YourClassical Radio
0:00
0:00