Great Performances

Ring in 2025 with the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra in the Golden Hall of the Musikverein in this beloved annual concert. PBS favorite Hugh Bonneville hosts the traditional concert for the eighth consecutive year, commemorating the 200th birthday of Johann Strauss. Two-time Grammy winner Riccardo Muti guest-conducts for the seventh time. Showcasing the talents of the orchestra accompanied by on-location dance sequences with the Vienna State Ballet, the program also takes audiences on a tour of The Leopold Museum, the grand Südbahn Hotel, the mountains of the Semmering Hirschenkogel ski resort and more.

Tony-winning playwright David Henry Hwang's comedy from Roundabout Theatre Company stars Daniel Dae Kim ("Lost," "Hawaii Five-0") as an Asian American playwright who protests yellowface casting in the blockbuster musical "Miss Saigon," only to mistakenly cast a white actor as the Asian lead in his own play. The repercussions resonate in this farce about the complexities of race. Directed by Leigh Silverman ("Violet," "Suffs"), "Yellow Face"is an "is-he-or-isn't-he" comedy of identity, show business and autobiography.

In 1934 Duluth, Minnesota, a group of wayward travelers' lives intersect in a guesthouse filled with music, life and hope. Written and directed by celebrated playwright Conor McPherson, this musical features 20 reimagined, legendary Bob Dylan songs, including "Forever Young," "All Along The Watchtower," "Hurricane," and "Like A Rolling Stone."

With a score by Cole Porter, this "Golden Age" Broadway musical comedy features classic songs, including "Another Op'nin'", "Another Show," "So In Love," and "Brush Up Your Shakespeare." Tony Award winner Stephanie J. Block makes her West End debut as Lilli Vanessi joined by Adrian Dunbar as Fred Graham in a backstage comedy of star-crossed romance. Tony winner Bartlett Sher directs.  

Led by a guest conductor at Schönbrunn Palace Park, a guest soloist joins the renowned Vienna Philharmonic in this annual concert tradition.

This documentary recounts the story of the African American Missouri native who became the toast of the 1960s international opera scene. Her fairytale rise began in the 1950s era of racism when she was prevented from studying at the St. Louis Institute of Music, despite having won a radio competition at the age of 17. She first achieved international renown with her breakthrough performance in "Tannhäuser" at the 1961 Bayreuth Festival where she received 40 ecstatic curtain calls, leading up to her celebrated performance in the 1966 production of "Carmen" directed by legendary German conductor Herbert von Karajan.

Capturing one of America's greatest modern-day prima ballerinas, this documentary explores Tiler Peck's battle against challenging injuries, fighting her way back as an elite dancer and choreographer with the New York City Ballet. With intimate access, Peck looks back at her past successes and faces her fears for the future, along with her desire to overcome the greatest physical and emotional crisis of her life: a spinal cord injury following a contentious public divorce from another NYCB principal dancer. With her return to the stage, she takes on the creative challenge of her career: a prestigious invitation to choreograph for the New York City Ballet, culminating in performances of her debut work as choreographer set to Poulenc's "Concerto for Two Pianos and Orchestra." Meeting with mentors, iconic choreographers, and other dance contemporaries, Peck pushes to create a ballet for the company that will make a lasting mark on the dance world.

Continuing GREAT PERFORMANCES' partnership with The Public Theater's Free Shakespeare in the Park, this new production of Shakespeare's audience favorite follows the romantic misadventures of shipwrecked twins, starring Peter Dinklage, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Lupita Nyong'o, Sandra Oh, and Daphne Rubin-Vega. The production is recorded from Central Park's newly renovated Delacorte Theater and is directed by Tony Award nominee Saheem Ali. 

English National Ballet brings Tchaikovsky's beloved holiday favorite to life in a new production featuring over 100 dancers and musicians. Set in Edwardian-era London, the 1892 classic ballet's young heroine Clara sets off on a fantastical Christmas adventure with her enchanted nutcracker doll to a magical realm where anything is possible. The production is choreographed by ENB Artistic Director, Aaron S. Watkin, and Olivier Award winner Arielle Smith. 

The famed orchestra rings in the New Year with its annual concert from Vienna's Musikverein conducted for the first time by Yannick Nézet-Séguin with performances by the Vienna State Ballet and location segments hosted by Hugh Bonneville. 

Celebrate the new year with this beloved annual concert featuring the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra in the Golden Hall of the Musikverein. Hosted for the seventh consecutive year by PBS favorite Hugh Bonneville, the concert will include waltzes and polkas by Johann Strauss II, Josef Strauss, Eduard Strauss as well as favorites by Joseph Hellmesberger, Jr. and others. Guest conducted by three-time Grammy nominee Christian Thielemann and featuring dances choreographed by Davide Bombana with soloists from the Vienna State Ballet.

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.

Ring in the new year with Vienna Philharmonic's annual concert from the Golden Hall of the Musikverein in Vienna. Guest conducted for the third time by Cleveland Orchestra Music Director Franz Welser-Möst, the program features many selections never before played at these traditional concerts, including works by Josef Strauss, Joseph Hellmesberger Jr., Johann Strauss Jr., and more. PBS favorite Hugh Bonneville returns as host for a sixth year. The broadcast also features performances by Vienna Boys and Girls Choirs and the Vienna State Ballet, with choreography by Ashley Page.

Iconic and beloved screen and stage performer Alan Cumming returns as host for this awards show in which two-time Golden Globe winner and Emmy nominee Jamie Lee Curtis receives the Career Achievement Award.

Glimpse behind the curtain at opera legends Kathleen Battle and Jessye Norman's famed concert at Carnegie Hall on March 18, 1990, featuring performance clips and new interviews with opera star Angel Blue, Met Opera General Manager Peter Gelb and more.

Experience Academy Award nominee David Strathairn as reluctant World War II hero and Holocaust witness, Jan Karski, in this one-man true story of moral courage and individual responsibility.

Renée Fleming makes her return to the Met with Kelli O'Hara and Joyce DiDonato in this new opera from a Pulitzer Prize–winning composer inspired by Virginia Woolf's "Mrs. Dalloway."

Exploring the evolution of the tango music genre and composer Astor Piazzolla's work in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Visit Scotland, Germany and France with host Scott Yoo as he investigates the connection between Robert Schumann's bipolar disorder and creative genius via experts, musical performances and examining the work of other artists outside world of music.

Japanese American composer Andy Akiho creates music using found instruments; developing a music video.

A look at the musical inspirations that Spain provided composer Isaac Albéniz with Scottish guitarist David Russell, along with musicians from Albéniz's birthplace in the Pyrenees mountains.

Great Performances continues its tradition of ringing in the New Year with the Vienna Philharmonic at the world-famous Musikverein. Under the baton of Grammy-winning and third-time guest conductor Daniel Barenboim, the Vienna Philharmonic performs a selection of favorite Strauss Family waltzes. The concert also features dancers from the Vienna State Ballet performing on location at Schönbrunn Palace and its park grounds and a performance by the world-famous Lipizzaner horses from The Spanish Riding School. Hugh Bonneville (Masterpiece: Downton Abbey) hosts the New Year's Concert for a fifth consecutive year. 

Experience Shakespeare's comedic masterpiece from the Public Theater's Shakespeare in the Park set in South Harlem telling the story of the trickster Falstaff and the wily wives who outwit him in a celebration of Black joy, laughter and vitality.

A theatrical biography features Holland Taylor as Ann Richards, who served as governor of Texas from 1991-1995.

As the world eagerly bids farewell to 2020, Great Performances continues its beloved tradition of ringing in the New Year with the Vienna Philharmonic at the world-famous Musikverein. PBS favorite Hugh Bonneville (Masterpiece: Downton Abbey) returns as host for a fourth year with Riccardo Muti as guest conductor for the sixth time. The Vienna Philharmonic orchestra performs favorite waltzes by Strauss, and the celebration features the Vienna State Ballet dancing on location from notable Vienna landmarks. Due to COVID-19 travel restrictions, Bonneville will host the concert remotely from England on location at Goodwood House, the country estate of the Duke and Duchess of Richmond and Gordon, located north of Chichester. Also, the concert occurs without a live audience due to COVID-19. This year's telecast marks the 37th broadcast of the event on PBS. 

Celebrate the orchestra's centennial led by three renowned conductors including Gustavo Dudamel.

Enjoy Ravinia Festival's production of Leonard Bernstein's musical led by Tony winner Paulo Szot.

Enjoy a revealing look at iconic Texas governor Ann Richards in this play starring Holland Taylor.

Experience a unique interpretation of Gloria Steinem's life starring Emmy winner Christine Lahti.

Explore the work of famed composer Joseph Haydn's career with host Scott Yoo and guest artists.

Celebrate the work of Franz Schubert with host Scott Yoo as he plays with young musicians.

Travel with host Scott Yoo and pianist Stewart Goodyear as they visit Yoo's Festival Mozaic.

Revel in this 1960s-era comedy featuring a Tony-winning hilarious performance by James Corden.

Travel through the musical's history featuring appearances by Jerry Bock, Sheldon Harnick and more.

Enjoy hits from the internationally acclaimed singer performed at the Sydney Opera House.

Tap-dance to this musical extravaganza about a young performer who gets her big Broadway break.

Kelli O'Hara and Ken Watanabe star in the Tony Award-winning revival of the classic musical.

Experience the passion of painter Mark Rothko in this six-time Tony-winning play with Alfred Molina.

From The Public Theater's Shakespeare in the Park, this 2019 production features an all-black cast.

Enjoy the Tony-winning musical about friendship and extraordinary shoes with songs by Cyndi Lauper.

As the world welcomes a new decade, Great Performances continues the tradition of ringing in the New Year with the Vienna Philharmonic at Vienna's famous Musikverein. Under the baton of three-time GRAMMY Award-winning guest conductor and Boston Symphony Orchestra Music Director Andris Nelsons, the concert spotlights the talent of the Vienna State Ballet and the Vienna Philharmonic with beloved waltzes by Strauss and more. PBS favorite Hugh Bonneville (Masterpiece: Downton Abbey) returns as host for a third year, touring Musikverein's archives, which hold the largest collection of Beethoven manuscripts in the world, the Beethoven museum and other locations associated with the legendary composer in honor of his 250th birthday (December 17, 2020).The Vienna Philharmonic performs approximately 40 concerts in Vienna annually, among them the New Year's concert and the Summer Night concert Schönbrunn, which broadcast in numerous countries around the world.

The Vienna Philharmonic presents a festive concert that features Strauss Family waltzes and also celebrates the 150th anniversary of the Vienna State Opera; Hugh Bonneville hosts.

Watch an adaptation of the play about suspicion leading to a battle of wills at a Catholic school.

Celebrate the world-renowned tenor's career with new performances by Andrea Bocelli and Josh Groban.

Celebrate singer-songwriter Joni Mitchell's singular musical artistry with an all-star line-up.

Celebrate the life of Swedish soprano Birgit Nilsson, the face of opera in the 1950s-70s.

Experience Shakespeare as never before in an all-female production set in prison.

A concert pays tribute to the 2016 Grammy special merit award recipients Ruth Brown, Celia Cruz, Earth, Wind & Fire, Jefferson Airplane, Herbie Hancock, Linda Ronstadt and Run-DMC.

War rages and divisions within the English court threaten the crown; the scene is set for civil war.

Queen Margaret overshadows King Henry; Edward IV takes the throne, but Richard eyes the crown.

Edward IV takes the throne, but youngest brother Richard has his eyes on the crown.

The Vienna Philharmonic celebrates the New Year with Strauss Family waltzes, accompanied by the Vienna City Ballet; host Julie Andrews.

Experience composer Jimmy Lopez and Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Nilo Cruz' operatic adaptation of Ann Patchett's best-selling novel inspired by a true-life hostage crisis in the 1990s in Lima, Peru, with soprano Danielle de Niese.

The New York City Ballet performs an all-Balanchine program that includes the Walpurgisnacht Ballet and La valse, set to music by Charles Gounod and Maurice Ravel.

Enjoy two Balanchine gems: Bizet's Symphony in C, and Sonatine to Ravel music, recorded in Paris.

Gustavo Dudamel conducts the Los Angeles Philharmonic in a program featuring Latin tangos.

A film about the World War I experience features dancers from the BalletBoyz company.

Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Alicia Keys performs in various locations around New York, including the Circle Line harbor tour, the Unisphere in Queens and Harlem's Apollo Theater.

Take a musical journey to Cuba with evocative performances hosted by Raul Malo of the Mavericks.

Salute Shirley Caesar, Charley Pride, Jimmie Rodgers, Nina Simone, the Velvet Underground and more.

Enjoy the musical about feuding clerks who are romantic pen pals; with Laura Benanti & Zachary Levi.

Experience the 50th anniversary live performance of the band's seminal album, with full orchestra.

See Paula Vogel's Tony Award winner that looks at an explosive moment in theatrical history.

Hear Sondra Radvanovsky, Joyce DiDonato and Joseph Calleja in Bellini's masterpiece.

Witness a symphonic rendition of Nas' debut album Illmatic with the National Symphony Orchestra.

GREAT PERFORMANCES continues the cherished tradition of ringing in the new year with the Vienna Philharmonic at the opulent Musikverein, under the baton of Italian conductor and Chicago Symphony Orchestra Music Director Riccardo Muti, featuring favorite Strauss Family waltzes accompanied by the dancing of the Vienna State Ballet. This year's program welcomes new host Hugh Bonneville, best known as the Earl of Grantham, Robert Crawley in Masterpiece's global phenomenon, Downton Abbey, for which he received a Golden Globe Award and two Emmy nominations.

Explore the history of the Met Opera's Lincoln Center home and life in 1950s-60s New York City.

THIRTEEN's Great Performances and Pacific Symphony, led by music director Carl St.Clair, pay tribute to America's history with a performance of composer Peter Boyer's "Ellis Island: The Dream of America," a Grammy-nominated contemporary classical work celebrating the historic American immigrant experience.

Celebrate the city's vibrant music with Renee Fleming, Jessie Mueller, Michelle Williams and more.

Enjoy the Vienna Philharmonic's open-air concert led by Valery Gergiev with soprano Anna Netrebko.

See Grammy Award-winning trumpeter with vocalist Sy Smith, violinist Caroline Campbell and more.

Enjoy an all-star concert honoring Neil Diamond, Tina Turner, Queen, John Williams and more.

A U.K. production of "The Sound of Music," the long-running musical about the von Trapp Family Singers and their escape from Austria at the height of Nazism.

Join host Julie Andrews for the annual New Year's celebration from Vienna's opulent Musikverein.

Observe fledgling artists in one-on-one mentoring sessions with iconic singers in various genres.

Relish this 1988 "work of genius" in which dancers embody the ecstasy of art that transforms.

Enjoy performances by Angela Lansbury and James Earl Jones in a play about the power of friendship.

Travel to Austria's Schönbrunn Palace for the annual concert, this year conducted by Zubin Mehta.

Enjoy a special celebration performance of Elton John's Tony-winning musical from London's West End about a young boy in a North East England mining community and his journey from the boxing ring to the ballet barre, based on the popular 2000 film.

Legendary Broadway performer Chita Rivera has been lighting up Broadway and international stages for over 70 years. With starring roles in such iconic Broadway shows as West Side Story , Bye Bye Birdie , The Rink, Chicago and Kiss of the Spider Woman (to name only a few), Rivera was also a frequent guest star during the golden age of television variety specials. In April, 2015, Rivera returned to Broadway in a Tony-nominated starring role in the final John Kander/Fred Ebb/Terrence McNally musical The Visit at the Lyceum Theatre. No matter the venue, Rivera has always wowed audiences with her peerless show biz virtuosity. In addition to archival clips from Chita's many shows and TV appearances, also featured are interviews with choreographer Graciele Daniele , The Visit director John Doyle , John Kander , original West Side Story star Carol Lawrence , Terrence McNally , Dick Van Dyke , choreographer Dee Dee Wood , Ben Vereen and Chita's daughter Lisa Mordente .

From the internationally famous Dolby Theater in the heart of Hollywood, Andrea Bocelli pays musical tribute to the silver screen in a lush concert of beloved songs from the movies. Joined by Grammy- winning producer David Foster , the renowned tenor performs memorable favorites from blockbuster classics including The Godfather , Scent of a Woman , Dr. Zhivago , Once Upon a Time in America , Breakfast at Tiffany's and many more.

The Vienna Philharmonic under the baton of Mariss Jansons performs favorite Strauss Family waltzes at the opulent Musikverein accompanied by the Vienna City Ballet. Stage and screen legend Julie Andrews returns as host, touring the picturesque city.

Enjoy Christopher Plummer's portrayal of theater and film titan John Barrymore.

Celebrate the Royal National Theatre's 50th year with performances by alumni and archival excerpts.

Hear Sting perform highlights from his Broadway-bound show about the demise of ship-building.

Watch this highly theatrical production choreographed by Matthew Bourne to Tchaikovsky's music.

Thrill to a concert presentation of the towering Requiem in commemoration of Verdi's bicentennial.

Join Paul McCartney and Diana Krall for a collection of songs beloved by McCartney since childhood.

Learn why Graceland was so controversial in 1986 and why Paul Simon faced such vehement criticism.

Enter a world of dance, the artists who dedicate their lives to it and a place where it flourishes.

Enjoy the Vienna Philharmonic's annual open-air concert, this year saluting "Wagner & Verdi.".

Witness Ben Whishaw's performance as Richard in this television adaptation of Shakespeare's play.

Follow Prince Hal's path to reconciliation with his father and his ascension to the throne.

Follow the action as England prepares for war and Henry rallies his forces for battle at Agincourt.

Hear stories from GREAT PERFORMANCES alumni about what the series and public TV have meant to them.

Witness Jay Hunter Morris' bravura performance as Ahab in an operatic adaptation of Melville's novel.

Revel in the rebirth of Rodgers & Hammerstein's landmark American musical starring Hugh Jackman.

Join legendary superstar Barbra Streisand in her first Brooklyn concert since her childhood years.

Meet a range of individuals who are confronting the price and politics of health, all portrayed by Anna Deavere Smith.

Featuring his greatest hits, performed by today's biggest stars, Duets II was recorded live in studios from Los Angeles to London, New York to Italy, with Nashville in between. The stunning musical segments are highlighted by insights on the process from the performers, making for an entertaining and fascinating profile of one of the year's most celebrated recordings.

Turn back the dial to the 1950s in this Tony Award-winning musical about an interracial couple whose love for music, and each other, is put to the test.

Celebrate the San Francisco Symphony's centennial with music director Michael Tilson Thomas and Itzhak Perlman and Lang Lang performing works by Copland, Mendelssohn and Britten.

The PBS Arts Summer Festival expands the scope and diversity of the arts on television, with a multi-part weekly series and new original online content that takes viewers across the country and around the world. Award-winning television, film and stage star Anna Deavere Smith ("Nurse Jackie") hosts.

Join Gustavo Dudamel and the Vienna Philharmonic in the magnificent gardens of Schönbrunn Palace.