Purlie Victorious Leslie Odom Jr and cast

Great Performances

Arts and Music Series / 5 Seasons

Great Performances brings the best in the performing arts from across America and around the world to a US television audience. It presents a diverse programming portfolio of classical music, opera, popular song, musical theater, dance, drama, and performance documentaries.

Watch Latest: S51 E26

1h 18m / TV-G

Vienna Philharmonic Summer Night Concert 2024

S51 E26 / 1h 18m / TV-G

Enjoy the world-renowned Vienna Philharmonic’s annual open-air concert from the gardens of Austria’s Imperial Schönbrunn Palace, featuring Andris Nelsons as guest conductor joined by soprano Lise Davidsen as guest soloist.

Donate to watch

Rodgers & Hammerstein's 80th Anniversary: Extended Performance

S51 E22 / 2h 24m / TV-PG

Directed and choreographed by Christopher Gattelli, Rodgers & Hammerstein’s 80th Anniversary features an all-star cast at London’s Theatre Royal Drury Lane, including Michael Ball, Daniel Dae Kim, Maria Friedman, Audra McDonald, Julian Ovenden and more.

Donate to watch

Donate to watch

Audra McDonald at the London Palladium

S51 E20 / 1h 22m / TV-PG

The winner of a record-breaking six Tony Awards as well as two Grammy awards and an Emmy, Audra McDonald performs a repertoire of classic Broadway songs, including “I Am What I Am,” “Summertime,” “Climb Ev’ry Mountain” and many more.

Donate to watch

Hamlet

S51 E19 / 2h 33m

From The Public Theater’s Free Shakespeare in the Park at The Delacorte Theater in Central Park, experience this Shakespearean classic directed by Tony Award winner Kenny Leon featuring Tony Award nominee Ato Blankson-Wood (“Slave Play”) in the title role and Solea Pfeiffer as Ophelia (“Hadestown”).

Donate to watch

Now Hear This “The Composer is Yoo”

S51 E17 / 54m 24s / TV-G

Follow host Scott Yoo’s journey to compose a piece of music for the first time. Seeking counsel from other composers, Yoo revisits his heritage in search of ideas, performs landmark pieces for inspiration and ultimately tests his work in progress.

Donate to watch

Now Hear This “Old Friends”

S51 E16 / 53m 54s / TV-G

Explore how virtuosos become maestros and discover their guiding principles through host Scott Yoo’s long friendships with Grammy winner Yo-Yo Ma, pianist Richard Kogan and violinist Lynn Chang.

Donate to watch

Now Hear This “Virtuosos”

S51 E15 / 53m 24s / TV-G

Explore the work of two legendary virtuosos, Niccolò Paganini and Robert Johnson, along with stars of today, Augustin Hadelich and Keb Mo. Joined by Cirque du Soleil acrobats, discover the secrets of being a virtuoso.

Donate to watch

Now Hear This “Rising Stars”

S51 E14 / 53m 54s / TV-G

Visit Julliard Pre-College with Scott Yoo to play with some of tomorrow’s virtuosos and travel to Singapore to meet rising star, Chloe Chua, who reminds Yoo of the dedication and passion required to prepare for a professional career.

Donate to watch

George Jones: Still Playin’ Possum

S51 E11 / 1h 24m / TV-PG

Honor one of the most beloved stars in country music history with this all-star tribute concert featuring Brad Paisley, Dierks Bentley, Wynonna, Jelly Roll, Tanya Tucker, Travis Tritt, Lorrie Morgan, Justin Moore, Trace Adkins and more.

Donate to watch

The LA Phil Celebrates Frank Gehry

S51 E10 / 1h 24m / TV-PG

Celebrate 20 years at Walt Disney Concert Hall with the LA Phil in a tribute to its architect. Led by Gustavo Dudamel, the concert includes a piece composed and conducted by Esa-Pekka Salonen, performances by Herbie Hancock and H.E.R., and more.

Donate to watch

Making Shakespeare: The First Folio

S51 E7 / 1h 53m / TV-PG

Celebrate the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s First Folio, which saved 18 plays from being lost. Tracing the First Folio’s story, the film also spotlights how New York City’s Public Theater presents Shakespeare’s work for today’s audiences.

Donate to watch

Message In A Bottle

S51 E4 / 1h 25m / TV-14

Experience five-time Olivier Award nominee Kate Prince’s dance and theater show set to the songs of 17-time Grammy winner Sting. Telling the story of a migrant family, the show from London’s Sadler's Wells Theatre features a mix of dance styles.

Donate to watch

New York City Ballet in Madrid

S51 E3 / 1h 24m

New York City Ballet presents an evening of works recorded during company’s European tour in spring 2023. Captured in peak performance at Madrid’s Teatro Real, the program features two masterpieces choreographed by NYCB co-founder and original Artistic Director George Balanchine, “Serenade” and “Square Dance.”

Supported by