Poster Fred Child
Fred Child
MPR

Performance Today®

with host Fred Child

All Episodes

Christian Zacharias

Christian Zacharias

Christian Zacharias began his stellar career as a solo pianist. He then became a conductor, leading orchestras around the world. But Zacharias also wants to do the occasional tour as a solo pianist again. On today's show, we'll hear how Christian Zacharias balances his life as a conductor and soloist, and we'll hear him play Haydn's Piano Sonata No. 62 at a concert at Spivey Hall in Morrow, Georgia.

Inon Barnatan and Summerfest La Jolla

Inon Barnatan and Summerfest La Jolla

Pianist Inon Barnatan keeps busy as a musician, playing on the most prestigious stages around the world. He's also the Music Director of Summerfest La Jolla in California. On today's show, we'll hear a stunning performance at a stunning location—Inon Barnatan, violinist Augustin Hadelich, and cellist Efe Baltacigil play the Piano Trio by Maurice Ravel at Summerfest La Jolla.

Tempesta di Mare

Tempesta di Mare

Discover the poignant journey of Johann Friedrich Fasch's music, from the ashes of Dresden's firebombing to a modern-day revival by Tempesta di Mare – the Philadelphia Baroque Orchestra. Tune in today for an inspiring tale of reconstruction and the enduring power of music.

Mahan Esfahani

Mahan Esfahani

Harpsichordist Mahan Esfahani was born in Tehran, Iran, in 1984. He studied at Stanford University, and over the last dozen years or so, he has been a leading scholar and performer of harpsichord music. If you're someone who finds harpsichord music harsh or brittle, we have a performance that might help change your mind. Hear Mahan Esfahani play music by C.P.E. Bach on today's show.

PT Weekend: Brandon Patrick George

PT Weekend: Brandon Patrick George

Brandon Patrick George is a renowned American flutist and a member of Imani Winds, celebrated for his elegant and virtuosic performances. On today's show, we'll hear him perform two solo pieces for flute, one by Shawn Okpebholo and the other by Ruth Crawford Seeger. Plus, Bruce Adolphe has this week’s Piano Puzzler!

Music from the heart

Music from the heart

Violinist Bella Hristova and composer David Ludwig were married in 2015. In the months leading up to the wedding, Ludwig wrote a piece for Hristova—not a 2-minute bon-bon for the reception, but a full concerto for solo violin and orchestra. On today's episode, we'll hear Bella Hristova play Ludwig's concerto with JoAnn Falletta conducting the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra.

Rossini's 56th birthday?

Rossini's 56th birthday?

If composer Gioachino Rossini were alive today, he'd be 232 years old, but only celebrating his 56th birthday. Rossini was born on February 29th. Music by the Leap Day birthday boy, Rossini, on this episode of Performance Today.

Requiem for the Enslaved

Requiem for the Enslaved

Georgetown University has opened a center to examine the legacy of slavery, including that history within the school itself. In 2021, Georgetown commissioned composer Carlos Simon to write a piece in honor of the people sold by Georgetown in 1838. We'll hear the Requiem for the Enslaved by Carlos Simon on today's show. Plus, Bruce Adolphe has this week's Piano Puzzler!