SPECIALS
Getty Images
America Abroad: Missiles, Money and the Mainland: The Taiwan Dilemma
Monday, May 12, 1:00 p.m.
Taiwan’s political status has the potential to ignite great-power conflict between the United States and China. But Taiwan’s economic dynamism has made the small island the 16th largest economy and a major player on the world stage. “Missiles, Money and the Mainland” travels to the island to explore Taiwan’s identity and politics in the shadow of a rising China. Hosts Ray Suarez and Deborah Amos trace the history of America’s relationship with Taiwan and how those ties have impacted U.S.-China relations. They talk to key officials who served in the Clinton administration about the U.S. management of the Taiwan Strait crisis of 1996, and they examine Panama, one of Taiwan’s most important allies, to understand the global significance of Chinese-Panamanian ties.
Co-anchored by Ray Suarez and Deborah Amos, “America Abroad” examines key issues in international affairs and U.S. foreign policy. It features archival material and original analysis, and provides the historical context essential to understanding pressing international issues.
The Clash: Revolution Rock
Saturday, May 17, 9:00 p.m.
Influential pioneers of the English punk scene are remembered through recent and vintage interviews band members include and rare audio from throughout their 1977-83 heyday and insightful Joe Strummer comments recorded shortly before his death in 2002. Tom Morello (Rage Against the Machine), film director Julien Temple and others discuss how The Clash affected their lives, and why they are still “the only band that matters.”
Returning Series
NPR World of Opera
Saturdays, 1:30 p.m.
“World of Opera” returns with host Lisa Simeone, presenting compelling performances by top American and international opera companies. While “World of Opera” strives to showcase opera as anything but an elitist form of art, it has been described as “a program designed for opera connoisseurs, listeners who know the standard repertoire thoroughly and seek out seldom-heard rarities.”
The format of “World of Opera” makes it possible to present lengthy productions without having to resort to an irregular schedule. Opera lovers can tune in at 1:30 on Saturday afternoons and be confident that they will not have missed the first act.
May 10: W. A. Mozart: Cosi fan tutte
Vienna State Opera; Riccardo Muti, conductor
CAST: Barbara Frittoli (Fiordiligi); Angelika Kirchschlager (Dorabella); Ildebrando D’Arcangelo (Guglielmo); Francesco Meli (Ferrando); Laura Tatulescu (Despina); Natale De Carolis (Don Alfonso)
Deceptively complex, Cosí fan tutte is a comic farce that leaves many of its listeners more than a little bit queasy -- and pondering the future of their most treasured relationships. The libretto may spring plenty of jokes, but Mozart’s music tells you to hold on to your heart; you never really know which way the romantic winds are blowing.
May 17: Vincenzo Bellini: Norma
Vienna State Opera; Friederich Haider, conductor
CAST: Edita Gruberova (Norma); Jose Cura (Pollione); Elina Garanca (Adalgisa); Dan Paul Dumitrescu (Oroveso); Marian Talaba (Flavio); Caroline Wenborne (Clotilde)
In the title role of Bellini’s most popular opera, the legendary soprano Edita Gruberova proves that the bel canto tradition is well-served by mature artistry, as well as vocal brilliance.
May 24: G. F. Handel: Ariodante
Grand Theatre of Geneva; Kenneth Montgomery, conductor
CAST: Joyce DiDonata (Ariodante); Patricia Petibon (Ginevra); Sandrine Piau (Dalinda); Antonio Abete (King of Scotland); Charles Workman (Lurcanio); Marie-Nicole Lemieux (Polinesso)
Handel was nothing if not cosmopolitan -- a German-born composer who became a superstar as the most popular composer of Italian operas in 18th-century London. Completed in 1734, Ariodante premiered at what was then a brand new opera house in a place now synonymous with opera in England -- Covent Garden.
May 31: Gaetano Donizetti: Maria Stuarda
Royal Opera of Wallonie, Liege; Luciano Acocella, conductor
CAST: Patrizia Ciofi (Maria Stuarda); Marianna Pizzolato (Elizabeth); Diana Axentii (Anna); Danilo Formaggia (Leicester); Federico Sacchi (Talbot); Mario Cassi (Cecil)
In operas from Elizabeth at Kenilworth to Anna Bolena, Donizetti seemed fascinated by the intrigues and rivalries of British royalty. This opera, Maria Stuarda, deals with the complex relationship between Elizabeth I and Mary Stuart -- also known as Mary, Queen of Scots
eTown
Fridays, 11:00 a.m.
Performances from many of today’s top musical artists, as well as conversations and information about the world around us, recorded in front of a live audience.
- May 2: Big Head Todd & The Monsters / Kathleen Edwards
- May 9: Nanci Griffith / Piers Faccini
- May 16: Bodeans / Over The Rhine; Interview: Doug Fine
- May 23: David Hidalgo & Louie Pérez / Ray Lamontagne
- May 30: Devotchka / Au Revoir Simone
It’s Friday!
Fridays, 4:00 p.m.
Live performance and conversation with local and visiting musicians.
- May 2: The Cubs; Rose of Athens Theatre
- May 9: Brian Connell; Laura Meyer
- May 16: Would-be Farmers; Curley Maple
- May 23: Commander Chameleon; Solstice Sisters
- May 30: Pearson Perry
Marian McPartland’s Piano Jazz
Fridays, 8:00 p.m.
May 2: Veronica Nunn with Travis Shook
Vocalist Veronica Nunn grew up in Little Rock, AR, absorbing all kinds of music, from jazz to funk to gospel. When she moved to New York in 1978, she split her time between Harlem’s jazz clubs and the Theology department at Lehman College. Now a full-time jazz singer and accompanied by her pianist husband, Travis Shook, Nunn demonstrates her soulful touch on “One Note Samba” and “I’m Old Fashioned.”
May 9: Preempted
May 16: Oscar Peterson
Pianist Oscar Peterson was one of the giants of jazz piano. Fast fingers and a hard-wired sense of swing defined Peterson and made him a favorite musical partner for everyone from Ella to Dizzy to Herbie Hancock. In this encore presentation, Peterson demonstrates his deft touch and amazing technique on his own “Love Ballad” before joining McPartland on Ellington’s “In a Mellow Tone.”
May 23: Laurence Hobgood
Pianist Laurence Hobgood has been a fixture on the Chicago jazz scene for years. He has recently come to prominence as pianist, musical director and co-producer for the much-celebrated jazz singer Kurt Elling. An exceptional soloist and trio leader in his own right, Hobgood performs his own tune “The Smuggler” and joins McPartland on “Things Ain’t What They Used to Be.”
May 30: Frank Morgan
Saxophonist Frank Morgan led a life compelling enough for the big screen. A protégé of Charlie Parker, Morgan’s budding career as a jazz musician took a dark turn that led to drugs, prison, and, ultimately, redemption through music. In this memorial broadcast of his 2004 Piano Jazz appearance, Morgan talks about the ups and downs of his life and performs “Sophisticated Lady” and “Billie’s Bounce.”
Jazzset with Dee Dee Bridgewater
Fridays, 9:00 p.m.
May 2: Daniela Schaechter Quartet at the Mary Lou Williams Women in Jazz Festival at the Kennedy Center
Schaechter, born in Sicily and first place winner of a Kennedy Center Women in Jazz piano competition, features original music for her quartet with Alex Sipiagin on trumpet.
May 9: Preempted
May 16: Highlights of North Sea 2007
Performers to be announced.
May 23: Clayton Brothers at 2008 University of Michigan Jazz Festival
After the Los Angeles bassist John and saxophonist Jeff Clayton spend the day coaching eager students in snowy Ann Arbor, their quintet premieres arrangements of music inspired by other brothers in jazz.
May 30: John Patitucci at Kennedy Center Jazz Club
There’s an array of basses, guitars and drums onstage for John Patitucci, Larry Koonse and Brian Blade. An array of music as well, by Sonny Rollins, Thelonious Monk and Frederic Mompou (1893-1987) of Barcelona. “Jesus is on the Mainline” is the closer. |
