Performance Today®

Finnish composer Kaija Saariaho died this past June at the age of 70. Her compositions explored themes of nature, spirituality, and human emotions, captivating audiences with their evocative and atmospheric soundscapes. On today's show, we'll hear a concerto for flute and orchestra that was inspired by the flight of birds: Aile du Songe (Wing of the Dream) by Kaija Saariaho.

James Ehnes loves to play Sergei Prokofiev's Violin Concerto No. 2. Ehnes says the piece has "…such a unique mix of lyricism and virtuosity...there's nothing quite like it in the repertoire." Join us today to hear James Ehnes play Prokofiev's second concerto in concert with the Minnesota Orchestra.

So, what is a Piano Puzzler, you might ask? Well, it's a familiar tune that Bruce Adolphe has re-written in the style of a classical composer. See if you can name the hidden tune and the composer whose style Bruce is imitating. Join us for this week’s Piano Puzzler on this episode of Performance Today.

Join us this Independence Day for a multimedia piece that highlights the unifying words of George Washington, set to dramatic music by Samuel Coleridge-Taylor. The Sphinx Symphony Orchestra plays "An American Rhapsody" by Aaron Dworkin on this episode of Performance Today.

The Ekstasis Duo loves to play the "secret jewels," lesser-known works they feel deserve to be heard. Today we'll hear them play a work that was lost for nearly a century: Three Pieces by Austrian composer Alexander Zemlinksy.

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. Hear their story and a highlight from their recent U.S. tour on today's show.

We selected Vijay Venkatesh as a 2022-2023 PT Young Artist in Residence. This expressive and inspiring young pianist recently joined Fred Child at the Maud Moon Weyerhaeuser Recording Studio in St. Paul, Minnesota. Hear the conversation and music right here!

Meet our next 2023 PT Young Artist in Residence, Vijay Venkatesh, a pianist of exceptional artistry and technical prowess. On today's show, Vijay Venkatesh joins Fred Child for music and conversation in our St. Paul studio.

On today’s show, we’ll hear music played by Gabriela Montero. She’s a pianist, improviser, educator, mentor, composer, and human rights advocate—a woman of great personal integrity. Gabriel Montero is also our 2023 PT Classical Woman of the Year!