Performance Today®

In 'Vltava' (The Moldau), Bedrich Smetana uses a musical technique called tone painting, with swirling musical figures meant to sound like the water of two springs merging, eventually forming the Moldau River in the Czech Republic (Czechia). On today's show, we'll hear an arrangement of Vltava for two pianos from a concert presented by the Georgian Chamber Players.

When violinist Ilya Gringolts was just a kid in the USSR, his first teacher told him to quit the violin, that he had no talent. Fortunately, he didn't let that stop him. Now, he's THRIVING. On today's show, we'll take you to a concert in Switzerland to hear Ilya Gringolts play Pablo de Sarasate's Spanish Dances.

French composer Louise Farrenc grew up in Paris in the early 1800s. She had a great career as a pianist and composer, and she was hired as a professor...but at half the pay as men doing the same work. Louise Farrenc fought for equal pay, and she GOT it. Join us to learn more about Louise Farrenc and hear her Sextet for winds and piano.

When Alexander Scriabin was 20 years old, he was working on playing an extraordinarily demanding piece by Franz Liszt. He pushed himself so hard that he permanently injured his right hand. Scriabin adapted by creating music that is technically demanding, emotional…and particularly demanding for the left hand. Join us today to hear pianist Ilya Yakushev play 'Prelude and Nocturne for the Left Hand Alone’ by Alexander Scriabin.

The West-Eastern Divan Ensemble includes talented young players from Israel and Arab countries. They're a musical ensemble, but they're also a project of cultural diplomacy. Divan founder Daniel Barenboim says, "[In the face of recent violence] ...our message of peace must be louder than ever." Hear their story and a highlight from their recent U.S. tour on today's show.

It seems to be human nature that when something is forbidden it becomes all the more enticing. When Jon Nakamatsu was a boy, no one in his family was allowed to touch the piano. Can see where this is going? On today's show, the story of how Jon Nakamatsu became a pianist.

When Alexander Scriabin was 20 years old, he was working on playing an extraordinarily demanding piece by Franz Liszt. He pushed himself so hard that he permanently injured his right hand. Scriabin adapted by creating music that is technically demanding, emotional…and particularly demanding for the left hand. Join us today to hear pianist Ilya Yakushev play 'Prelude and Nocturne for the Left Hand Alone’ by Alexander Scriabin.

Pianist Lara Downes's passion for sharing the music of Black composers goes beyond performing onstage. She's also been hard at work making this previously overlooked music accessible for other musicians to play. Downes will detail her editing and publishing efforts, plus perform a highlight from the project on today's show.

Amy Beach's Piano Quintet is a technically demanding work, but it is also deeply expressive and emotionally engaging. On today's show, we'll hear Beach’s Piano Quintet played in concert by an ad hoc, all-star quintet at the Spoleto Festival USA in Charleston, South Carolina.