Episodes

Conductor Gemma New leads the orchestra with a focus on creating a collective musical experience. She reflects on the unique challenge conductors face in connecting with each musician while remaining sensitive to the ensemble as a whole. Though the orchestra’s dynamic can shift, New thrives on the excitement and the sense of risk that comes with live performance.

From the careful preparation of her reeds to long rehearsals, bassoonist Eleni Katz shares a glimpse of her musical journey. Born to a family of artists in Wisconsin, she began playing clarinet until her teacher suggested she tried bassoon as a way to stand out. Now, she is tasked with blending in with the New World Symphony orchestra as they take on Tchaikovsky's Symphony No. 5 in E minor.

Iconic and beloved screen and stage performer Alan Cumming returns as host for this awards show in which Adam Sandler receives the Career Achievement Award.

From the careful preparation of her reeds to long rehearsals, bassoonist Eleni Katz shares a glimpse of her musical journey. Born to a family of artists in Wisconsin, she began playing clarinet until her teacher suggested she tried bassoon as a way to stand out. Now, she is tasked with blending in with the New World Symphony orchestra as they take on Tchaikovsky's Symphony No. 5 in E minor.

Violinist James Zabawa-Martinez opens up about his life as a musician, reflecting on long practice sessions, battles with stage fright, and the passion that keeps him performing. Born in Austin, James knew from an early age that he wanted to play the violin. Now, he is particularly inspired by seeing young people in the audience, reminding him of why music is important.

The famed Vienna Philharmonic rings in the New Year with its annual concert from Vienna's Musikverein conducted for the first time by Yannick Nézet-Séguin with performances by the Vienna State Ballet and location segments hosted by Hugh Bonneville.

Experience the holiday classic in a new light, featuring over 100 dancers and musicians performing at the London Coliseum.

The Shakespearean comedy of mistaken identity tells the romantic misadventures of twins Sebastian and Viola after they survive a shipwreck, including revenge plots and tricks of love. Featuring Lupita Nyong'o, Sandra Oh, Peter Dinklage, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Junior Nyong'o and more. Directed by Tony Award nominee Saheem Ali in the newly reopened Delacorte Theater in Central Park.

Captured in peak performance at Madrid’s Teatro Real, New York City Ballet performs two masterpieces choreographed by NYCB co-founder and original Artistic Director George Balanchine, “Serenade” and “Square Dance" as well as a piece by current resident choreographer Justin Peck.

Follow acclaimed ballerina Tiler Peck as she overcomes injury to reclaim her place on stage and debut her own choreography with New York City Ballet, revealing the resilience and artistry behind a modern-day prima ballerina.

Enjoy a powerful and revealing look at legendary, larger-than-life Texas governor Ann Richards who enriched the lives of her followers, friends and family in this critically acclaimed play written by and starring Emmy Award-winner Holland Taylor.

Rossini’s effervescent comedy retakes the stage in Bartlett Sher’s madcap production. Aigul Akhmetshina headlines a winning ensemble as the feisty heroine, Rosina, alongside Jack Swanson in his Met debut as her secret beloved, Count Almaviva. Andrey Zhilikhovsky stars as Figaro, the infamous barber of Seville, with Peter Kálmán as Dr. Bartolo and Alexander Vinogradov as Don Basilio.

Cellist Tommy Mesa's love of music began with his interest in playing drums. Selecting orchestra class in middle school, he learned violin before picking up the cello. Performing works by Ernesto Lecuona and Debussy on his 1767 cello made by Nicolò Gagliano, Mesa celebrates both his Cuban and French heritage.

Following in his brother’s footsteps, Joshua Brown picked up the violin at age two. He now plays a Nicolò Amati violin from 1635-40 on loan from the Mary B. Galvin Foundation and the efforts of the Stradivari Society. A fan of Schumann, he performs his Fantasie for violin and orchestra with violin and piano.

Discover Grace Bumbry’s inspiring rise to global opera fame. Spotlighting her historic performances, the film explores the racial barriers she overcame to triumph in her 1966 performance as "Carmen."