Performance Today®

On September 12, 1962, President John F Kennedy gave a speech encouraging the nation to pursue projects and dreams "not because they are easy, but because they are hard." Composer Michael Gandolfi wrote a new work with that idea in mind. Join us for music that celebrates the courage to fight for change, on this episode of Performance Today.

In New York City, a short walk to the shop down the street is often a journey through sounds from many different cultures. New York native Jessie Montgomery captures that soundscape in a piece called Coincident Dances. We'll hear it performed by the Chicago Sinfonietta, on this episode of Performance Today.

In an orchestra, the double basses are hard-working and dutiful. Necessary, but rarely drawing attention. On this episode of Performance Today, Robin Kesselman steps into the spotlight with the Houston Symphony in a rare solo spotlight for double bass. Jade Simmons guest-hosts.

50 years ago this week, humans achieved something that we'd been dreaming about for millennia. On this episode of Performance Today, we'll share memories, dreams, and music in celebration of Apollo 11's successful mission to the moon and back.

It's one page of music shared among musicians, but Terry Riley's work "In C" contains infinite possibilities... including the ensembles that can play it. On today's show, hear Riley's work performed by the Apollo Chamber Players, along with the gorgeous sound of an instrument called the chitravina. Jade Simmons guest-hosts.

50 years ago this week, humans achieved something that we'd been dreaming about for millennia. On this episode of Performance Today, we'll share memories, dreams, and music in celebration of Apollo 11's successful mission to the moon and back.

Trolls, goblins, and gnomes. On this episode of Performance Today, we'll join them all in the Hall of the Mountain King, when we hear Edvard Grieg's Peer Gynt Suite performed at the Artosphere Festival. Then, we'll head to New York to hear two special pieces: one old, one new...but both blue.

Scathing reviews are just part of life for musicians, but what about the reviews that go from musical...to personal? On today's show, hear how violinist Jennifer Koh gets beyond a nasty review and focuses on the music.

The mission of The Anderson and Roe Piano Duo is to make classical music a relevant and powerful force in society On today's episode of Performance Today, hear Greg Anderson and Elizabeth Joy Roe's fiery take on a tango by Astor Piazzolla.