Tom Huizenga

Opera geeks always surge with excitement when a favorite singer releases a new album. Hear a heart-rending sneak preview from Verismo, from the acclaimed Russian soprano.

A Manhattan socialite, who sold out Carnegie Hall in 1944 despite having a very dodgy voice, inspired a new movie starring Meryl Streep — and aided generations of actual singers.

The beloved band displays its signature country-tinged rock and close harmonies in four stripped-down songs from its newest album, Paging Mr. Proust.

As the Summer Olympics start, celebrate the glories of Brazilian music — from bossa nova to the rollicking Northeastern forró of Luiz Gonzaga and the classical mixology of Villa-Lobos.

Watch the genial violinist commune with nearly 300-year-old music by J.S. Bach, played on an instrument built during the composer's heyday.

The Ukrainian pianist's torrent of notes can sweep one away, like stepping into the current of a fast-flowing river.

"To be a composer, you have to be a fanatic," said the open-minded artist, who journeyed through styles, countries and decades.

Henryk Górecki's rather simple arrangement of a folk song from the Kurpie region of northeast Poland holds power beyond its purpose.

From ragtime to our time, from Scott Joplin to Stephen Sondheim, we've cooked up a five-hour super set of music for your holiday.

In a new video, the cellist plays with time and memory, turning back the clock to when she first heard J.S. Bach's music on a scratchy old LP. It remains, she says, a timeless lodestar for her art.

In time for Father's Day, watch the celebrated pianist play lullabies by Bach and Brahms for his 22-month-old daughter, who nearly steals the show.

In Houston and San Francisco, David Gockley commissioned operas destined for stages worldwide. As he retires, he reflects on reviving Scott Joplin and premiering Nixon in China.

Alt.Latino host Felix Contreras teams up with NPR classical music maven Tom Huizenga to talk about composers from Mexico, Puerto Rico and Brazil, delighting host Linda Wertheimer.

Watch the award-winning Irish pianist play his own arrangements of traditional songs from the homeland, including a haunting rendition of "My Lagan Love."

From the ashes of bankruptcy, can a rebooted company relive its glory days? Its new general director discusses the past, present and future.

When the young composer Tõnu Kõrvits puts a lush, new spin on an old song by one of his compatriots, the long line of singing traditions in Estonia continues unbroken.

Contrasting symphonies by the brilliant but troubled Dmitri Shostakovich get deluxe treatments from conductor Andris Nelsons and the Boston Symphony.

Hear one of today's most charismatic pianists perform music with deep psychological — and physical — dimensions by Beethoven, Schumann and Brahms.

With intrepid pianist Matt Herskowitz in tow, the violinist performs a set of rambunctious tunes from Hungary and Romania that will leave you breathless.

Watch the Grammy-winning Chicago sextet perform new music by David Lang, Bryce Dessner and Robert Honstein.