Poster Fred Child
Fred Child
MPR

Performance Today®

with host Fred Child

All Episodes

Rachel Barton Pine

Rachel Barton Pine

At the age of ten, American violinist Rachel Barton Pine debuted with the Chicago Symphony. She was also the first and youngest American to win the gold medal at the International Johann Sebastian Bach Competition. We'll hear from one of Rachel Barton Pine's most recent projects on today's show.

Brandon Patrick George

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.

PT Weekend: William Grant Still

PT Weekend: William Grant Still

In 1948, American composer William Grant Still was inspired by some poems about the natural beauty of the American South. On this episode of Performance Today, take a break with us and hear Wood Notes, William Grant Still's work of quiet musical contemplation. Plus, Bruce Adolphe has this week's Piano Puzzler!

Kirill Gerstein plays Rachmaninoff

Kirill Gerstein plays Rachmaninoff

Sure, it's a flashy showpiece for piano, but Kirill Gerstein says, "If you dig deeper, it's also a sincere expression straight from the heart." On today's show, hear Kirill Gerstein play Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No. 2 with conductor Hannu Lintu leading the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra.

Michael Abels

Michael Abels

For composer Michael Abels, the early 90s felt like a time of warming international relations. With the Cold War ending, he wrote a piece highlighting the connections among traditions worldwide. We'll hear 'Global Warming' by Michael Abels on this episode of Performance Today.

William Grant Still: Wood Notes

William Grant Still: Wood Notes

In 1948, American composer William Grant Still was inspired by some poems about the natural beauty of the American South. On this episode of Performance Today, take a break with us and hear Wood Notes, William Grant Still's work of quiet musical contemplation. Plus, Bruce Adolphe has this week's Piano Puzzler!

Lara Downes plays Florence Price

Lara Downes plays Florence Price

Pianist Lara Downes is passionate about sharing the music of Black composers and strives to make previously overlooked music accessible for other musicians to play. On today's show, Lara Downes plays Florence Price's 'Piano Concerto in One Movement' with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra.

A Tone Parallel to Harlem

A Tone Parallel to Harlem

In 1950, composer Duke Ellington visited the White House and presented President Harry S. Truman with the score to a piece that depicts a Sunday stroll through Harlem—and the people you'd meet along the way. On today's show, conductor JoAnn Falletta leads the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra in a performance of 'Harlem' by Duke Ellington.

PT Weekend: A Strauss masterpiece

PT Weekend: A Strauss masterpiece

Richard Strauss was aiming, not just for our greatest hopes and fears, but for the meaning of life when he wrote one of his most monumental pieces. On today's show, we'll take you to a concert in Cincinnati to hear Death and Transfiguration by Richard Strauss. Plus, Bruce Adolphe has this week’s Piano Puzzler!