James Bennett II

Behind every great work of art is the story of a great mentor. Music has had no shortage of them. Here are 10 of the coolest teachers, idols, mentors and mentees.

Leonard Bernstein describes what makes Beethoven's "Eroica" so special. Plus, a performance from the 2012 Proms, and a movie about the piece itself.

Beautiful. Majestic. Fierce. How would you describe a conducting T-rex?

Dorothy DeLay taught many accomplished violinists. For her centennial, let's look at a few star performances that prove she's the teacher everyone wishes they had.

The much-discussed fate of Westminster College Choir has been decided. The school will be sold, though the future location is still uncertain.

Coco is a rescue cockatiel from Sydney, Australia, and almost certainly sings the Queen of the Night's aria from 'The Magic Flute' better than most humans.

Drummer, educator and Marine Jesse Sieff took an orchestral arrangement of Shostakovich's String Quartet No. 8 and spiced it up with an insane snare.

Dotan Negrin of Piano Around the World has kept busy, recently uploading a performance with jack-of-all-trades violinist Andrei Matorin.

Oud player Ahmed Alshaiba recently dropped by the TED studios to play a mini-concert and discuss his connection to the ancient instrument.

Each year on Bach's birthday, musicians all over the world gather in transit hubs to play the music of one of the world's most beloved composers.

In 1962, a 7-year-old Yo-Yo Ma performed at a White House benefit concert. Leonard Bernstein introduced the cellist, and reminded us of the transcendent power of the arts.

You already know we're gearing up for a weekend of all-’80s madness. We're wondering — if each “’80s” were your buddies from high school, how are they holding up now? Let's find out.

Madonna and Mozart both ruled the '80s ... depending on the century. Tune in this weekend to WQXR to hear these great '80s classics from the 15th century onward.

Today, as we reflect on Stephen Sondheim's legacy, watch the composer's 2013 visit to WQXR and an awesome tribute from the 2010 Proms.

Pianist James Rhodes plays a favorite Bach prelude, and tells you how you can play it too.

On J.S. Bach's birthday, not just any performance of “Happy Birthday” will do. In our opinion, this fugal arrangement is the best bet.

Spring is Here! In celebration, check out this weird but captivating music video of Spring from Antonio Vivaldi's "The Four Seasons" featuring violinist Midori Seiler.

The Knights are releasing their new album on March 31. Ahead of the release, they have shared an exclusive first listen of their new work, "Ascending Bird."

Matthew Smith of Nottingham is only 11, but he is a fledgling conductor set to lead a performance of 'Die Fledermaus' next month.

Deborah Borda, who helped revitalize the Los Angeles Philharmonic, is returning to New York and the orchestra she led in the 1990s.