Jan 12th, 2010 · Violist and From the Top alum Lauren Chipman enjoys erasing the borders between classical and pop music. She plays in a string quartet and an indie rock band, teaches classical music to kids and writes film scores. Watch a video of her story.
Aug 22nd, 2009 · For classically trained Iraqi-American violist Dena El Saffar, a trip to Baghdad before the Gulf War launched a musical revolution. On a new self-titled record, her band Salaam takes an Iraqi folk tradition in new directions.
Jun 26th, 2009 · The adventurous harpist joins flutist Joshua Smith and violist Cynthia Phelps in the Performance Today studio to explore the musical connections between two impressionist composers — Toru Takemitsu and his hero, Claude Debussy.
Jan 8th, 2008 · World-famous violist Kim Kashkashian is distinguished by her lyricism: the way her songlike music flows easily with emotion. Kashkashian's ability to make her instrument sing is evident throughout her new CD, Asturiana.
Dec 30th, 2007 · In a musical world where her instrument is often eclipsed by the higher-profile violin, Kim Kashkashian stands out as one of the world's few violists with an solo career. Her new album of songs from Spain and Argentina, transcribed and performed with pianist Robert Levin, underscores the richness of the viola's vocal qualities.
Feb 14th, 2007 · Violinists Caroline Goulding and Mann-Wen Lo, violist Christine Hung, and cellist Tavi Ungerlieder join special guest Bela Fleck to close the program with Fleck's "County Clare." This segment originally aired on Sept. 20, 2006.
Jan 15th, 2007 · Being the principal violist of the New York Philharmonic isn't exactly glamorous. But Cynthia Phelps says her section plays a "subtle but exciting" role in the texture and feel of the music.
Jan 9th, 2007 · Juilliard professor and Performance Today commentator Toby Appel has a violist's-eye view of his colleagues in the orchestra. In this humorous commentary, he characterizes the members of the orchestra and sets the record straight on their roles in the organization.