/tags/npr-classical NPR Classical en-US Copyright Tue, 13 May 2025 13:05:09 GMT /2025-05-13/abel-selaocoe-tiny-desk-concert The versatile artist offers his singular blend of global, jazz and classical sounds, pushing both his cello and his voice into uncharted territory. Tue, 13 May 2025 13:05:09 GMT /2025-05-13/abel-selaocoe-tiny-desk-concert Tom Huizenga /2025-05-13/steve-reich-has-always-been-able-to-hear-the-pulse The 88-year-old composer, who talks as fast as the interlocking phrases of his music, looks back on crucial moments in a career that moved minimalism into the mainstream. Tue, 13 May 2025 13:04:17 GMT /2025-05-13/steve-reich-has-always-been-able-to-hear-the-pulse Tom Huizenga /2025-05-13/jean-yves-thibaudet-tiny-desk-concert The famed Frenchman brings all his elegance and colorful playing to music by Ravel, Brahms and Villa-Lobos. Tue, 13 May 2025 13:04:00 GMT /2025-05-13/jean-yves-thibaudet-tiny-desk-concert Tom Huizenga /2025-05-13/composer-carlos-simon-carries-his-ancestors-with-him The rising composer talks about the influence of the church on his music and the premiere of his Good News Mass at the Los Angeles Philharmonic. Tue, 13 May 2025 13:03:43 GMT /2025-05-13/composer-carlos-simon-carries-his-ancestors-with-him Lara Downes /2025-05-13/ashley-jackson-brings-spirituals-to-the-harp The rising harpist explores spirituals, musical ancestors and the influence of church on her new album, Take Me to the Water. Tue, 13 May 2025 13:03:27 GMT /2025-05-13/ashley-jackson-brings-spirituals-to-the-harp Michel Martin, Olivia Hampton /2025-05-13/julia-bullock-christian-reif-tiny-desk-concert The soprano and her pianist husband offer a deeply considered look at the human condition through seven distinct songs. Tue, 13 May 2025 13:01:34 GMT /2025-05-13/julia-bullock-christian-reif-tiny-desk-concert Tom Huizenga /2025-05-13/sandbox-percussion-tiny-desk-concert From plumbing pipes and rice bowls to vibraphones and one big bass drum, Sandbox Percussion makes mesmerizing music that you have to see to believe. Tue, 13 May 2025 13:01:16 GMT /2025-05-13/sandbox-percussion-tiny-desk-concert Tom Huizenga /2025-05-13/sharon-isbin-amjad-ali-khans-strings-for-peace-tiny-desk-concert The classical guitarist offers a mesmerizing East meets West collision, teaming up with a family of Indian musicians who play the sarod, a darker-toned cousin of the sitar. Tue, 13 May 2025 13:00:58 GMT /2025-05-13/sharon-isbin-amjad-ali-khans-strings-for-peace-tiny-desk-concert Tom Huizenga /2025-05-13/pope-francis-the-music-nerd-a-playlist The pontiff, who possessed a sizable record collection, was a keen listener. Hear his favorite tracks — from Bach to Piazzolla — and a few more that might have caught his discerning ear. Tue, 13 May 2025 13:00:08 GMT /2025-05-13/pope-francis-the-music-nerd-a-playlist Tom Huizenga /2025-05-13/jennifer-higdon-wont-apologize-for-writing-accessible-music As one of the most-performed living composers, the Pulitzer winner insists that her music communicate to everyone — from farmers to children to the classical music intelligentsia. Tue, 13 May 2025 12:59:41 GMT /2025-05-13/jennifer-higdon-wont-apologize-for-writing-accessible-music Tom Huizenga