/tags/npr-classical NPR Classical en-US Copyright Thu, 23 Apr 2026 15:53:20 GMT /npr-news/2026-04-23/michael-tilson-thomas-renowned-conductor-and-composer-dies-at-81 Thomas led the San Francisco Symphony from 1995 to 2020, helping to establish its reputation as a world-class orchestra. In 2021, he was diagnosed with glioblastoma multiforme, a type of brain cancer. Thu, 23 Apr 2026 15:53:20 GMT /npr-news/2026-04-23/michael-tilson-thomas-renowned-conductor-and-composer-dies-at-81 Lisa Hirsch /2026-04-21/the-dissenting-musical-life-of-john-luther-adams The Pulitzer-winning composer, whose unconventional music reflects the rugged landscapes he lives in, talks about his relationship to nature and his new piece Horizon. Tue, 21 Apr 2026 09:00:00 GMT /2026-04-21/the-dissenting-musical-life-of-john-luther-adams Tom Huizenga /2026-04-16/get-happy-why-smiling-through-the-pain-is-the-dna-of-american-songs Linguist and New York Times columnist John McWhorter joins pianist Lara Downs to explore the history of American music as a joyful noise, even in the toughest times. Thu, 16 Apr 2026 15:51:31 GMT /2026-04-16/get-happy-why-smiling-through-the-pain-is-the-dna-of-american-songs Lara Downes /2026-04-03/going-up-elevator-songs-is-a-high-concept-emotionally-turbulent-ride On a new album, the experimental vocal group Roomful of Teeth and songwriter Gabriel Kahane take up residence in a multidimensional hotel with a time-traveling elevator and a quirky clientele. Fri, 03 Apr 2026 15:57:46 GMT /2026-04-03/going-up-elevator-songs-is-a-high-concept-emotionally-turbulent-ride Tom Huizenga /2026-03-23/kronos-quartet-tiny-desk-concert The rejuvenated band, sporting three new members, is having more fun than ever. And it shows in these vigorous performances of pieces that are whimsical and socially conscious. Mon, 23 Mar 2026 09:00:00 GMT /2026-03-23/kronos-quartet-tiny-desk-concert Tom Huizenga /2026-03-17/adam-gopnik-salutes-the-immigrant-experience-that-shaped-american-music In a conversation with pianist Lara Downes, the New Yorker staff writer says music in America will keep evolving as long as the country keeps an open door to new people and new sounds. Tue, 17 Mar 2026 18:30:11 GMT /2026-03-17/adam-gopnik-salutes-the-immigrant-experience-that-shaped-american-music Lara Downes /2026-02-24/4-years-into-the-war-a-ukrainian-pianist-processes-russias-invasion In a new album, the Ukranian-born, New York-based pianist and composer Vadim Neselovskyi channels the horror and hope he's felt since Russia's incursion. Tue, 24 Feb 2026 09:42:48 GMT /2026-02-24/4-years-into-the-war-a-ukrainian-pianist-processes-russias-invasion Leila Fadel, Olivia Hampton /2026-02-20/violinist-pekka-kuusisto-is-not-afraid-to-ruffle-a-few-feathers On his new album, the violinist completely rethinks The Lark Ascending by Ralph Vaughan Williams, and leans into old folk songs with the help of Sam Amidon. Fri, 20 Feb 2026 16:39:03 GMT /2026-02-20/violinist-pekka-kuusisto-is-not-afraid-to-ruffle-a-few-feathers Tom Huizenga /2026-02-19/to-public-interest-lawyer-bryan-stevenson-u-s-history-is-a-deep-river The classic spiritual conjures themes of freedom and resilience, which flow through a conversation between pianist Lara Downes and the founder of the Equal Justice Initiative. Thu, 19 Feb 2026 17:11:13 GMT /2026-02-19/to-public-interest-lawyer-bryan-stevenson-u-s-history-is-a-deep-river Lara Downes /npr-news/2026-02-19/how-epstein-and-maxwell-used-an-elite-midwest-arts-school-to-prey-on-girls Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell lavished money on the Interlochen Center for the Arts to gain access, documents show. In the process, two teenagers were pulled into their orbit. Thu, 19 Feb 2026 10:25:51 GMT /npr-news/2026-02-19/how-epstein-and-maxwell-used-an-elite-midwest-arts-school-to-prey-on-girls Ava Berger, Scott Neuman