The Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra is known for its signature Viennese sound, which is defined by the instruments it plays and the way its musicians play them.

Whether a matter of affirmative action or simply a search for the best talent, the balance of gender in many American orchestras is moving closer to parity. Tradition dies harder in Europe, including at the Vienna Philharmonic.

This morning, Elliott Forrest is featuring Ottorino Respighi's The Three Botticelli Pictures. Each movement is insprired by one of Sandro Botticelli's paintings. Here are links to each painting so you can view them while listening.

In this hour-long musical biography, host Terrance McKnight interweaves musical examples with Dr. King's own speeches and sermons to illustrate the powerful place that music held in his work.

We received a lovely letter this week from a listener asking about Kerry Nolan's sweet potato recipe, which was mentioned on the air at Thanksgiving. Here it is so you can try it, too.

In recent years, entering the glass-enclosed atrium across from Lincoln Center could be a dismal experience, but now that bleak facility is a memory.

Each week leading up to the Grammy Awards on January 31, WQXR will spotlight one of categories in which classical performances are nominated. This week's category: Best Classical Album.

Throughout the month of December, we asked listeners to vote for 50 favorite pieces of classical music. Here are the results.

It was the decade when Luciano Pavarotti died, the New York Philharmonic went to North Korea and Gustavo Dudamel became the director of the LA Philhamonic. WNYC's Soundcheck looks at the decade in classical music and opera.

Continuing a favorite holiday tradition, WQXR celebrates the final hours of 2009 with the Classical Countdown. The Countdown lasts until Midnight, December 31. See a list of the pieces that have already been played.

David Garland hosts a performance of George Frideric Handel's Messiah by New York's Trinity Baroque Orchestra and the Trinity Choir.

In honor of Ludwig van Beethoven's birthday, WQXR is holding a week-long party. Each night at 8PM, we'll play a different Beethoven concerto.

Continuing a favorite holiday tradition, WQXR announces the 2009 Classical Countdown. Vote for your favorite piece of classical music and we'll countdown your choices beginning at 9AM on December 30.

WNYC's John Schaefer talks to the composer about his Pulitzer Prize-winning piece "Little Match Girl Passion" and the story that influenced him.

Elliott Forrest interviews the renowned flutist Sir James Galway on the occasion of his 70th birthday. WQXR presents an hour of conversation and music.

The genesis of some holiday songs is pretty self-evident, but others don't reveal themselves so easily. Here are the stories of fifteen classic songs and carols. 

WQXR is pleased to present special programming throughout the holiday season. Here is a listing of the Chanukah and Christmas music you will hear in December.

This Thanksgiving, WQXR is saying a big 'Thank You!' to all the listeners who participated in The Gratitude Project. We'll be playing your selections throughout the holiday weekend.

Host Naomi Lewin blew away the competition at the second annual WNYC/WQXR Thanksgiving Pie bake-off on Tuesday. She's been kind enough to share the recipe for her winning Black Pepper Maple Walnut pie with us.