Suzanne Bona

Antonio Vivaldi was not only a virtuoso violin player and composer, for many years he was a teacher at a school in Venice. The musically talented students at the all-girls school were his muses. These are concertos he composed for one of those outstanding young musicians — Anna Maria — played by Romanian violinist Mariana […]

On this Labor Day edition of Beautiful Music, I present TWO exceedingly hard-working musicians: the extraordinary classical and jazz trumpet virtuoso Wynton Marsalis playing music by the exceptionally prolific baroque composer Georg Philipp Telemann. Not only is Mr. Marsalis a talented, multiple-award-winning performer and composer, in this selection he is playing a Concerto for three

STELLA CAELI … Star of Heaven. The 14th century prayer was set to music by 17th century Moravian composer Philipp Jakob Rittler in response to an outbreak of the plague in Vienna. Here is this Beautiful Music offering of Rittler’s setting from Philadelphia-based ensemble Tempesta di Mare.  

Bibi Black started studying trumpet at age 11, and only a few years later her hard work and talent earned her a spot at the prestigious Curtis Institute of Music, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree. By age 24, she won the Second Trumpet seat in the Philadelphia Orchestra, the first woman to ever hold

Lorraine Hunt Lieberson’s Beautiful artistry as a singer evolved from her career as a viola player. Both her parents were musicians — her mom was also an opera singer — and in her 30s she pursued her singing more seriously. Today’s Beautiful Music offering is Lorraine Hunt singing O LET ME WEEP from Henry Purcell’s

Today you can treat your ears and imagination to some captivating ancient music — the exotic melting pot of Sephardic and Arabic songs. Soprano Amanda Powell weaves these Beautiful Musical tales with APOLLO’S FIRE, led by Jeannette Sorrell.

Violinist Itzhak Perlman just celebrated his 75th birthday a few days ago, on August 31. These are some Beautiful and noteworthy collaborations featuring the masterful musician who is also an ambassador for music and peace, and an advocate for humanity. Enjoy his 1978 performance with Pinchas Zukerman of the Sonata for two violins Op. 3

On this first day of September, I’m happy to share with you Beautiful Music by Christopher Simpson. The 17th century English musician was one of the greatest viol players ever, and he composed a set of fantasias for his instrument called THE MONTHES. September is a fantasia for 3 viols with organ continuo.    

Wow! Beautiful Music with a beat! Cellist Kevin Olusola puts his exciting and unique twist on the prelude from Johann Sebastian Bach’s Suite #1 for Unaccompanied Cello. He augments his artistry on the cello with beatboxing, which is a form of vocal percussion using the mouth, lips, tongue, and voice.  

Some Beautiful Music from George Frideric Handel’s oratorio MESSIAH. The extraordinary singer Wendy Waller is featured soaring above the instruments. Ms. Waller has a varied career as a performer of many different genres. You will also find a link to her website so you can learn more about this talented musician. Wendy Waller’s website www.WendyWaller.com