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

Music for Holy Thursday

Music for Holy Thursday

Over the centuries, a wealth of music has been written for the week before Easter. On Thursday's Performance Today we'll hear music designed specifically for Thursday of this week, including a remarkable composition by Orlando di Lasso.

Sergey Khachatryan

Sergey Khachatryan

Sergey Khachatryan is a 28-year-old violinist who says he has two lives: his love for cars, and his love for music. On Wednesday's Performance Today we'll focus on his musical life, and we'll hear him play Sibelius' dramatic violin concerto in concert in Sydney, Australia.

John Luther Adams wins 2014 Pulitzer Prize
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Charlie Albright

Charlie Albright

On Tuesday's Performance Today we'll catch up with a former PT Young Artist, pianist Charlie Albright. Plus we'll speak with composer John Luther Adams, who just won this year's Pulitzer Prize for music.

Music of the heavens

Music of the heavens

When American composer Aaron Jay Kernis wrote "Musica Celestis," he had in mind the ethereal sound of music from more than 800 years ago. On Monday's Performance Today we'll hear Kernis' celestial composition from a concert by the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra.

Danish folk music

Danish folk music

On this weekend's Performance Today, we'll hear Danish folk tunes arranged and performed by members of the Danish String Quartet. Plus we'll travel to Shakespeare's hometown to hear the Orchestra of the Swan give a graceful performance of a Schumann symphony.

Music inspired by Kerouac

Music inspired by Kerouac

Bryce Dessner is a member of a successful rock band called The National. But he's also a performer and composer in the classical tradition. On Friday's Performance Today we'll speak with composer Bryce Dessner about his latest work, which was inspired by the writings of Jack Kerouac.

Bryce Dessner's 'St. Carolyn by the Sea'
Video game music

Video game music

On Thursday's Performance Today, Emily Reese of Top Score joins Fred in the studio to discuss the classical roots of modern video game music.

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