Performance Today

KPBX Mondays-Thursdays 2-4 p.m.

Coming up on the next PT:

Performance Today has been a staple of KPBX afternoon programming for two decades, featuring classical music in concert from studios, festivals, and concert halls around the world. But you may have noticed one slight change: Fred Child’s announcement that this is “American Public Media,” not “NPR.” Control of the program shifted from National Public Radio in mid-January 2007.

American Public Media is the national production and distribution arm of Minnesota Public Radio and its sister group, Southern California Public Radio. It is responsible for such programs as A Prairie Home Companion and Marketplace. It also has a deep interest in classical music, broadcasting the seasons of the Minnesota Orchestra and Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra.

Fred moved to Minneapolis to continue hosting PT. “No other media company in the country has comparable experience, expertise and creativity in broadcasting Performance Today moves to Minneapolis classical music,” Fred says. “The team of producers, hosts and audio engineers at American Public Media is unmatched in their dedication to music. I’m proud and honored to be joining the team.”

“American Public Media’s mission is to share the finest classical music offerings from around the around with audiences on the radio and online,” says Sarah Lutman, senior vice president of Content and Media at APM. “We are absolutely delighted Fred Child is staying with the program. His experience with leading artists and ensembles around the world, and lively on-air presence have informed and inspired millions of classical music listeners everywhere.”

While growing up in Portland, Oregon, Fred studied classical piano. He also dabbles in guitar, percussion, and the bagpipes. His percussion band opened for the Grateful Dead at the Oakland Coliseum.

Performance Today was created in 1987 to showcase live concerts by world-renowned classical musicians. Listeners experience the finest solo, chamber and symphonic works - not on CD, but in richly textured live performances recorded for broadcast. The two-hour program also offers intriguing features, engaging and entertaining interviews and in-depth commentary by nationally known music experts to help listeners learn more about this vibrant art form and enjoy firsthand the creative vitality of the classical music world.