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

The sound of the American West

The sound of the American West

Aaron Copland was from Brooklyn. He was a city slicker who captured -- and to a certain degree, created -- what we think of as the sound of the old American West. On Monday's Performance Today, we'll hear selections from his cowboy ballet, "Billy the Kid."

Highlights from across the globe

Highlights from across the globe

Every week, composer Bruce Adolphe joins us for a musical game. Play along; see if you can name the tune, and the composer whose style Bruce is mimicking. On this weekend's Performance Today, we'll play the Piano Puzzler, plus we'll hear highlights from concert halls around the world.

Christmas around the world 2015

Christmas around the world 2015

On Christmas Day, join us for a musical journey around the world. On Friday's Performance Today, we'll sample musical highlights from concert halls, churches, and museums around the globe as part of our annual Christmas celebration.

A delicacy for Christmas Eve

A delicacy for Christmas Eve

The first conductor who saw Sergei Rachmaninoff's All-Night Vigil thought it was too difficult. Singers who can actually sing it, he said, are "as rare as asparagus at Christmas." On Thursday's Performance Today, we have a delicacy for Christmas Eve; the Kansas City and Phoenix Chorales performing highlights from the All-Night Vigil.

Highlights from around the world

Highlights from around the world

Every week, composer Bruce Adolphe joins us for a musical game. Play along; see if you can name the tune, and the composer whose style Bruce is mimicking. On Wednesday's Performance Today, we'll play the Piano Puzzler, plus we'll hear highlights from concert halls around the world.

Christmas cheer with Tesfa Wondemagegnehu

Christmas cheer with Tesfa Wondemagegnehu

Tesfa Wondemagegnehu is a singer, teacher, conductor, and an all-around good guy. On Tuesday's Performance Today, he'll join Fred in the studio to talk about how music changes lives. Plus, he'll bring along a stack of his favorite holiday music, and share his tips for avoiding common caroling pitfalls.

Christmas Favorites with Tesfa Wondemagegnehu

Christmas Favorites with Tesfa Wondemagegnehu

PT host Fred Child is joined in the studio by his friend and special co-host, Tesfa Wondemagegnehu. Tesfa has chosen a special playlist of his favorite Christmas performances, and he'll reveal the secret to singing the perfect version of Silent Night.

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'Tis the season

'Tis the season

'Tis the season for winter holiday music. On Monday's Performance Today, we'll hear performances from near and far; music for the Christmas season from concert halls, churches, and auditoriums around the world.

The Piano Puzzler

The Piano Puzzler

Every week composer Bruce Adolphe joins us for a musical game; our Piano Puzzler. Bruce re-writes a familiar tune in the style of a great composer, and we get one of our listeners on the phone who tries to guess the hidden tune and the composer whose style Bruce is imitating. Play along with the Piano Puzzler, on this weekend's Performance Today.

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