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

Chris Brubeck's "Affinity" featuring Sharon Isbin

Chris Brubeck's "Affinity" featuring Sharon Isbin

On Tuesday's Performance Today, hear Sharon Isbin and the Maryland Symphony Orchestra perform the world premiere of "Affinity: Concerto for Guitar & Orchestra" by Chris Brubeck. Then we'll travel west for Tchaikovsky's Symphony No. 4 performed by the Los Angeles Philharmonic.

Bill Eddins guest hosts

Bill Eddins guest hosts

Bill Eddins is a pianist, conductor, and all-around music fan. He recently stepped down as Music Director of the Edmonton Symphony. On Monday's Performance Today, he is filling in for Fred. Bill Eddins takes control and of the mic and shares stories, along with some of his favorite music.

Less of a fantasy, more of a nightmare

Less of a fantasy, more of a nightmare

In 1808, the premiere of Beethoven's Choral Fantasy was less of a fantasy, and more of a nightmare. Find out why on Saturday's Performance Today, and then hear a much more successful performance from a recent concert in Berlin.

Sir Arnold Bax's love for Ireland

Sir Arnold Bax's love for Ireland

Arnold Bax was an English composer, but when he went to his beloved Ireland, he adopted the persona of poet Dermot O'Byrne. He tried to keep his alter ego secret but his music betrayed his love of all things Irish. Music by Arnold Bax (aka Dermot O'Byrne) on Friday's Performance Today.

The power of conducting

The power of conducting

30 years ago, Louis Langree was warned about the addictive power of conducting. His mentor said "you won't be able to live without it"... and he was right. On today's show, Louis Langree conducts the Cincinnati Symphony in a recent concert performance of Robert Schumann's Symphony No. 4.

Beethoven's broken fantasy

Beethoven's broken fantasy

In 1808, the premiere of Beethoven's Choral Fantasy was less of a fantasy, and more of a nightmare. Find out why on Wednesday's Performance Today, and then hear a much more successful performance from a recent concert in Berlin.

Remy van Kesteren

Remy van Kesteren

When Remy van Kesteren was 5 years old, he heard something... and followed his ears to a harp. On today's episode of Performance Today, Remy van Kesteren tells of the sound that changed his life, and hear him perform in a concert in Barcelona, Spain.

Rafal Blechacz

Rafal Blechacz

At first, Rafal Blechacz didn't want to play piano. He had dreams of playing the organ... but he came to realize that the piano was the right instrument for him. We won't argue with that! On Monday's Performance Today, pianist Rafal Blechacz plays Brahms in concert with the Minnesota Orchestra and conductor Osmo Vanska.

Connecting the dots with Ernest Chausson

Connecting the dots with Ernest Chausson

It's a story of music inspired by a complicated love triangle and a song with mysterious power. Hear Joshua Bell play the "Poeme" by Ernest Chausson, on Saturday's Performance Today.

YourClassical Radio
0:00
0:00