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Mention piano sonatas to a music lover and they probably think of Beethoven. But there were other sonatas before Beethoven wrote his 32, including 62 by Haydn. We’ll enjoy two lovely Haydn sonatas a thrilling performance of Beethoven’s masterful “Waldstein” sonata.

Vivaldi wasn’t the only composer to write music about the seasons. This week we have contrasting selections - not by Vivaldi - but all celebrating the wonderful time of year that is autumn.

Leopold Stokowski championed living composers and was especially taken with the music of Dmitri Shostakovich. We’ll hear an unforgettable live performance of Shostakovich’s Tenth Symphony in concert with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Buckle up…it’s quite a ride.

We continue our remembrance of the great pianist Radu Lupu, who passed away in April 2022. He was “a pianist’s pianist” who earned the highest praise from his professional colleagues. We’ll hear his incredible musicality in two contrasting works by Johannes Brahms.

In this new periodic series, explore different perspectives on a great musical work. This time it’s Bach’s miraculous Passacaglia and Fugue in C BWV 582. We have four different versions, each revealing new insights into the music.

Kansas City native Robert Russell Bennett is best known for his work on 300 Broadway scores, but he also composed significant concert works. We’ll hear excerpts from his major symphonic works, concerti, solo organ music, chamber music, and music for wind band. Bennett’s genius shines through in every one. I’m again joined by George Ferencz, the foremost authority on the life and music of Robert Russell Bennett, who provides excellent background and context.

It’s a holiday tradition! Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker is a beloved tale with exquisite music that brings the story to life. We’ll hear the ultimate list of highlights in a special recording that captures the true balletic soul of the music.

Romanian pianist Radu Lupu was one of the greatest artists on the planet. His ability to communicate the inner truth of mere notes was a wonder to behold and a joy to hear. We celebrate his artistry with music by Mozart and Schubert.

In our second week highlighting the talented George Szell, who went on to transform the Cleveland Orchestra into a magnificent instrument second to none. In this program is Brahms' Symphony No. 1 in a remarkable 1957 recording, plus a little Mozart.

To celebrate the Independence Day weekend, an old-fashioned Concert in the Park. We’ll have all-American selections you might expect, and a few surprises as well.