Music & Culture
Classical Music Posts

A Previously Unreleased Thelonious Monk Concert Is Coming Next Month
In 1968, a teenager convinced Thelonious Monk to play a concert at his high school to ease racial tensions in his community. More than 50 years later, it’s been rediscovered and remastered. Continue Reading A Previously Unreleased Thelonious Monk Concert Is Coming Next Month

Barcelona Opera Reopens With An Audience Of … Plants
As Spain lifts its national state of emergency, the Liceu opera house in Barcelona finds alternative living things to fill nearly 2,300 seats. Continue Reading Barcelona Opera Reopens With An Audience Of … Plants

Someone Finally Remembered William Dawson’s ‘Negro Folk Symphony’
Broadcast nationwide in 1934 and praised by listeners and critics alike, a masterful symphony soon fell silent. A new recording hopes to help revive an American treasure. Continue Reading Someone Finally Remembered William Dawson’s ‘Negro Folk Symphony’

Pre-Pandemic, Cast Of Broadway Musical ‘Hadestown’ Packs In Behind NPR’s Tiny Desk
The cast and musicians of the hit Broadway musical Hadestown pack into the Tiny Desk for a truly glorious performance of its greatest songs. Continue Reading Pre-Pandemic, Cast Of Broadway Musical ‘Hadestown’ Packs In Behind NPR’s Tiny Desk

Play It Forward: Lakecia Benjamin Sings Through Her Saxophone
Ari Shapiro talks to jazz saxophonist Lakecia Benjamin about her new album Pursuance: The Coltranes and an artist she is grateful for: James Blake. Continue Reading Play It Forward: Lakecia Benjamin Sings Through Her Saxophone

Yo-Yo Ma: Goats, Rodeos And The Power Of Music In A Time Of Needing Comfort
Hear the cellist talk about the purpose of music in the face of racial tension and health crises, plus his new album, Not Our First Goat Rodeo, which reunites him with old bluegrass buddies. Continue Reading Yo-Yo Ma: Goats, Rodeos And The Power Of Music In A Time Of Needing Comfort