As a boy, Ramzi Aburedwan threw stones at Israeli soldiers. Then he learned to play the violin, and these days, he fights for peace -- with music. On Tuesday's Performance Today, journalist Sandy Tolan and Palestinian music teacher Ramzi Aburedwan join Fred to discuss the power of music and Tolan's new book, "Children of the Stone."
When he was 8 years old, Ramzi Aburedwan became the poster child for the first Palestinian Intifada with a photo of him throwing a rock at an Israeli tank. Then, as he says, "music chose him.' He began to play the viola, removing him from violence and giving him another means of personal expression. A new book about Aburedwan and the music school he began has just been published. Fred Child interviews the author Sandy Tolan along with Aburedwan.
Coming up, music from Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by John Williams. Plus, an entertaining set of variations on Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, and a piece composed by the 16-year-old Mozart. It's music for the kid in all of us, on Monday's Performance Today.
PT has spent the past week at one of the great musical gatherings on the planet: the Aspen Music Festival and School in Aspen, Colorado. On this weekend's Performance Today, we'll hear concert highlights from Aspen, played by all-stars and talented students. Plus, reflections on the synergy between music and nature.
For students at the Aspen Music Festival and School, the experience is not just about the music. On Friday's Performance Today, we'll hear cellist Alisa Weilerstein's take on the Aspen experience. Plus, we'll hear her play a cello solo by Osvaldo Golijov live from Aspen's Harris Hall.
The Jupiter String Quartet and cellist Alisa Weilerstein joined Fred onstage for PT's live event at Harris Hall in Aspen, Colo. for an evening of musical performances and conversation.
Ten years ago, 19-year-old pianist Joyce Yang surprised everybody, including herself, by taking the Silver Medal at the Cliburn Piano Competition; now she has an international career. On Thursday's Performance Today, she'll join us for conversation and music from the Aspen Festival.
Pianist Joyce Yang and student musicians Emma Gerstein, Sofia Nikas and Katherine Siochi joined Fred onstage for PT's live event at Harris Hall in Aspen, Colo. for an evening of musical performances and conversation.
The natural world has always been a source of inspiration for musicians -- but there's another side to it as well. On Wednesday's Performance Today, we'll speak with student violist Cynthia Phillippi on how she copes with the more creepy crawly side of nature at the Aspen Music Festival and School.
