Heifetz on Air
Each week, Heifetz On Air presents captivating performances by students, faculty, and alumni of the renowned Heifetz International Music Institute, located in the Staunton, VA. The program is hosted by Benjamin K. Roe, President and CEO of the Heifetz Institute, and a Peabody Award-winning public media veteran. The Heifetz Institute is distinguished by its intensive six-week summer program, which assembles the most promising young musicians from across the globe to study and perform under the tutelage of the premier pedagogues in the field, led by Artistic Director Nicholas Kitchen of the Borromeo String Quartet. Each episode of Heifetz on Air focuses on a particular theme, composer, or style, and explores the boundaries of both familiar masterworks and underrepresented repertoire through the dazzling solo performances and inspiring chamber music collaborations captured live on the Heifetz stage. Heifetz On Air is produced in partnership with NPR station WTJU, Charlottesville, VA, and distributed via PRX, the Public Radio Exchange.
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Episodes
Wednesday Dec 31, 2025
Wednesday Dec 31, 2025
It’s the most wonderful time of the year in HeifetzLand…when we get to experience the artistry of our outstanding alums in a joyous celebration of the season! The 2025 edition of the Heifetz Holiday Homecoming features Artistic Director Nicholas Kitchen leading a troupe of great Heifetz alums in music of the season and much much more – including a Heifetz holiday sing-a-along! Benjamin Roe hosts this broadcast of the stirring final Heifetz concert of the year in the Institute’s home arena of Francis Auditorium at Mary Baldwin University in Staunton. Featuring Heifetz alums Clark Snavely, violin; Jiwon Kim, viola; Hun Choi, cello; and Heifetz faculty pianist Yandi Chen. Enjoy the concert, have a happy, healthy, and harmonious holiday season, and we look forward to many shared musical memories ahead!
Fritz Kreisler: 3 Old Viennese DancesI. LiebesfreudClark Snavely, violin; Yandi Chen, pianoFrancis Auditorium, Mary Baldwin University, Staunton, VAHeifetz Institute Recording | 12.20.2025
arr. Nicholas Kitchen: World Holiday SongsI. Dreidel, Dreidel (Hanukkah)II. Twinkle, Twinkle (Kwanzaa)III. O Come, All Ye Faithful (Christmas)Clark Snavely, violin; Nicholas Kitchen, violin; Jiwon Kim, viola; Hun Choi, cello; Yandi Chen, pianoFrancis Auditorium, Mary Baldwin University, Staunton, VAHeifetz Institute Recording | 12.20.2025
Ralph Vaughan Williams, arr. Nicholas Kitchen: Suite for Viola & Small OrchestraII. Carol. Andante con motoIII. Christmas Dance. AllegroJiwon Kim, solo viola; Clark Snavely, violin; Nicholas Kitchen, viola; Hun Choi, cello; Yandi Chen, pianoFrancis Auditorium, Mary Baldwin University, Staunton, VAHeifetz Institute Recording | 12.20.2025
Anon: Greensleeves to a Ground [excerpt]Rachell Ellen Wong, violin; Coleman Itzkoff, celloFrancis Auditorium, Mary Baldwin University, Staunton, VAHeifetz Institute Recording | 12.20.2025
Gabriel Fauré: Violin Sonata No. 1 in A major, Op. 13I. Allegro MoltoClark Snavely, violin; Yandi Chen, pianoFrancis Auditorium, Mary Baldwin University, Staunton, VAHeifetz Institute Recording | 12.20.2026
Sergei Rachmaninoff: Sonata for Cello and Piano in G Minor, Op. 19III. AndanteHun Choi, cello; Yandi Chen, pianoFrancis Auditorium, Mary Baldwin University, Staunton, VAHeifetz Institute Recording | 12.20.2025
Niccolò Paganini arr. Fritz Kreisler, arr. William Primrose: Violin Concerto No. 2, Op. 7III. La CampanellaJiwon Kim, viola; Yandi Chen, pianoFrancis Auditorium, Mary Baldwin University, Staunton, VAHeifetz Institute Recording | 12.20.2026
Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky: December, fr. The Seasons, Op. 37 [excerpt]Stefan Petrov, pianoLinehan Concert Hall, UMBC, Baltimore, MDHeifetz Institute Recording | 12.17.2017
Johannes Brahms: Piano Quintet in F minor, Op. 34IV. Finale. Poco sostenuto - Allegro non troppo - Tempo I - Presto, non troppoNicholas Kitchen, violin; Clark Snavely, violin; Jiwon Kim, viola; Hun Choi, cello; Yandi Chen, pianoFrancis Auditorium, Mary Baldwin University, Staunton, VAHeifetz Institute Recording | 12.20.2025
Thursday Oct 16, 2025
Thursday Oct 16, 2025
This episode features highlights from the debut of the Heifetz Institute's Sunday matinee concerts at the sparkling Forbes Center for the Performing Arts, on the campus of James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia. Featuring works by Haydn, Shostakovich, Brahms, Ravel, and more.
Eugène Ysaÿe: Sonata for Solo Cello, Op. 28II. Intermezzo. Polo allegretto e graziosoCarson Ling-Efrid, celloForbes Center Recital Hall, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VAHeifetz Institute Recording | 07.20.2025
Franz Joseph Haydn: Cello Concerto No. 1 in C MajorIII. Allegro moltoNicholas Wong, cello; Sheng-Yuan Kuan, pianoForbes Center Recital Hall, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VAHeifetz Institute Recording | 06.27.2025
Felix Mendelssohn: String Quartet No. 3 in D Major, Op. 44 No.1III. Andante Espressivo ma con moto [excerpt]Rachell Wong, violin; Shuxiang Yang, violin; Stephanie Block, viola; Ben Fried, celloFrancis Auditorium, Mary Baldwin University, Staunton, VAHeifetz Institute Recording | 07.16.2016
Johannes Brahms: Violin Concerto in D Major, Op. 77II. AdagioRuna Matsushita, violin; Rohan De Silva, pianoForbes Center Recital Hall, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VAHeifetz Institute Recording | 07.20.2025
Dmitri Shostakovich: String Quartet No. 3 in F Major, Op. 73II. Moderato con motoIII. Allegro non troppoMerrimack Quartet: Lily Sullivan, violin; Josie Kelleher, violin; Jane Morrison, viola; Anni Tian, celloForbes Center Recital Hall, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VAHeifetz Institute Recording | 07.20.2025
Sergei Rachmaninoff: Cello Sonata in D minor, Op. 19III. AndantePrestin Kim, cello; Seonmi Lee, pianoForbes Center Recital Hall, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VAHeifetz Institute Recording | 07.27.2025
Leonard Bernstein: Trio (1937)II. Tempo di Marcia [excerpt]Tempest Trio: Ilya Kaler, violin; Amit Peled, cello; Alon Goldstein, pianoFrancis Auditorium, Mary Baldwin University, Staunton, VAHeifetz Institute Recording | 09.05.2016
Maurice Ravel: TziganeHaesung Nam, violin; Beilin Han, pianoForbes Center Recital Hall, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VAHeifetz Institute Recording | 07.20.2025
Wednesday Sep 24, 2025
Wednesday Sep 24, 2025
We celebrate the budding talent of the Heifetz Institute’s youngest students…all participants in our 2025 Junior Division. The “Junior Jubilee,” features young violin, viola, and cello players aged 7 - 14, who whose artistry belies their age.
Franz Schubert: Violin Sonatina No. 1 in D major, D. 384I. Allegro moltoSophie Ko, violin (7); Minji Lee, pianoFrancis Auditorium, Mary Baldwin University, Staunton, VAHeifetz Institute Recording | 07.09.2025
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: String Quartet in F Major, K. 168IV. AllegroOphelia Quartet: Victoria Zhang, violin (9); Florence Lau, violin (11); Olivia Hsu, viola (9); Chelsea Jang, cello (10)Francis Auditorium, Mary Baldwin University, Staunton, VAHeifetz Institute Recording | 08.02.2025
Niccolo Paganini: Moses FantasiaKeruixi Ma, cello (11); Allison Freeman, pianoFrancis Auditorium, Mary Baldwin University, Staunton, VAHeifetz Institute Recording | 07.30.2025
Franz Schubert: Notturno in E-flat Major, D. 897 [excerpt]Masha Lakisova, violin (14); Isaiah Kim, cello (14); Anton Smirnoff, pianoFrancis Auditorium, Mary Baldwin University, Staunton, VAHeifetz Institute Recording | 04.16.2016
Traditional, arr. Zili Li: Fisherman’s Harvest SongHenna Lam, violin (14); Jeremiah Padilla, pianoFrancis Auditorium, Mary Baldwin University, Staunton, VAHeifetz Institute Recording | 07.12.2025
Sergei Rachmaninoff: Cello Sonata in D minor, Op. 19III. AndanteLyra Song, cello (11); Elizabeth Hill, pianoFrancis Auditorium, Mary Baldwin University, Staunton, VAHeifetz Institute Recording | 07.23.2025
Henryk Wieniawski: Violin Concerto No. 2 in D minor, Op. 22III. Allegro con fuoco – Allegro moderato (à la Zingara)Graham Schaub, violin (14); Hsiao-Ying Lin, pianoFrancis Auditorium, Mary Baldwin University, Staunton, VAHeifetz Institute Recording | 08.02.2025
Aleksander Borodin: String Quartet No. 2 in D majorIII. Notturno [excerpt]Illyrian Quartet: Rino Ohashi, violin; Hugo Lin, violin; Maddie Yan, viola; Naomi Aires, celloFrancis Auditorium, Mary Baldwin University, Staunton, VAHeifetz Institute Recording | 07.12.2025
Max Bruch: Violin Concerto No. 1 in G minor, Op. 26II. AdagioIII. Allegro energicoChristopher Yun, violin (12); Minji Lee, pianoFrancis Auditorium, Mary Baldwin University, Staunton, VAHeifetz Institute Recording | 07.19.2025
Tuesday Sep 16, 2025
Tuesday Sep 16, 2025
The newest installment of the annual “September to Remember" episode from the Heifetz Institute. Featuring milestones and memorable performances by Heifetz students, alums, and faculty from the summer of 2025. Featuring works by Schubert, Shostakovich, Mendelssohn, and more.
Bach, arr. N. Kitchen:Sinfonia (Preludio) in E major from Cantata BWV 29, after BWV 1006Nicholas Kitchen, solo violin w/ Susquehanna QuartetJisoo Kim, violin; Sofia Hashemi-Asasi, violin; Wesley O'Brien, viola; Rachel Lin, celloFrancis Auditorium, Mary Baldwin University, Staunton, VAHeifetz Institute Recording | 06.27.2025Kreisler: Praeludium & AllegroClark Snavely, violinBeilin Han, pianoFrancis Auditorium, Mary Baldwin University, Staunton, VAHeifetz Institute Recording | 07.012025Shostakovich: Concertino for 2 Pianos, Op. 94a [excerpt]Jessica Osborne, piano; Miki Sawada, pianoFrancis Auditorium, Mary Baldwin University, Staunton, VAHeifetz Institute Recording | 07.17.2022Shostakovich: Sonata for Cello and Piano in D minor, Op. 40I. Allegro non troppoII. AllegroOlivia Cho, cello; Allison Freeman, pianoFrancis Auditorium, Mary Baldwin University, Staunton, VAHeifetz Institute Recording | 06.30.2025Chausson: Concert for piano, violin, and string quartet Op. 21II. Sicilienne [excerpt]Bela Horvath, violin solo; Desirée Ruhstrat, violon I; Itamar Zorman, violin II; Caroline Coade, viola; YiQun Xu, cello; Seonmi Lee, pianoFrancis Auditorium, Mary Baldwin University, Staunton, VAHeifetz Institute Recording | 08.01.2025Schubert: Rondo in A Major for Violin and Piano, D. 438Muriel Oberhofer, violin; Yandi Chen, pianoForbes Center Recital Hall, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VAHeifetz Institute Recording | 07.20.2025Mendelssohn: String Quintet No. 2 in B-flat major, Op. 87IV. Allegro molto vivaceCaeli Smith, viola, w/Lynnhaven Quartet:Adriel Sloss, violin; Evan Pyne, violin; Hana Jang, viola; Jiayi Lu, celloFrancis Auditorium, Mary Baldwin University, Staunton, VAHeifetz Institute Recording | 07.17.2025
Tuesday Sep 02, 2025
Tuesday Sep 02, 2025
An hour of chamber music masterworks from the 2025 Heifetz summer season performed at the American Shakespeare Center’s Blackfriars Playhouse in the heart of Staunton Virginia. Music by Schubert, Brahms, Beethoven and more, all made “In The Bard’s Nest.” More at https://heifetz.institute/HeifetzOnAirE137
Host: Benjamin K. Roe
Johann Sebastian Bach: Violin Sonata No. 3 in C Major, BWV 1005III. LargoDaniel Qi, violinBlackfriars Playhouse, American Shakespeare Center, Staunton, VAHeifetz Institute Recording | 07.25.2025
Johannes Brahms: String Quartet No.3 in B-flat Major, Op. 67I. VivaceHousatonic Quartet: Haseung Nam, violin; Jessica Kartawidijaja, violin; Diogo Pimentel, viola; Prestin Kim, celloBlackfriars Playhouse, American Shakespeare Center, Staunton, VAHeifetz Institute Recording | 06.27.2025
Franz Schubert: Notturno in E-flat Major, D. 897 [excerpt]Masha Lakisova, violin; Isaiah Kim, cello; Anton Smirnoff, pianoFrancis Auditorium, Mary Baldwin University, Staunton, VAHeifetz Institute Recording | 04.16.2016
Franz Schubert: String Quartet No. 14 in D minor, "Death and the Maiden" D. 810II. Andante con motoAnson Leung, violin; Belle Wang, violin; Syara Robert, viola; Serge Kalinovsky, celloBlackfriars Playhouse, American Shakespeare Center, Staunton, VAHeifetz Institute Recording | 08.01.2025
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Duo in B-flat for Violin & Viola, K. 424I. Adagio [excerpt]Rachell Ellen Wong, violin; Andrew Gonzalez, violaBlackfriars Playhouse, American Shakespeare Center, Staunton, VAHeifetz Institute Recording | 05.21.2020
Ludwig van Beethoven: String Trio No. 2 in G major, Op. 9, No. 1IV. PrestoMaury Trio: Jiwoo Son, violin; Tėa Bowers, viola; Seah Katherine Yu, celloBlackfriars Playhouse, American Shakespeare Center, Staunton, VAHeifetz Institute Recording | 07.18.2025
Antonín Dvořák: Terzetto in C Major, Op. 74I. IntroduzionePamlico Trio: Jingyun Zhang, violin; Yiqian Peng, violin; Steven Baloue, violaBlackfriars Playhouse, American Shakespeare Center, Staunton, VAHeifetz Institute Recording | 07.11.2025
Monday Aug 25, 2025
Monday Aug 25, 2025
The excitement and energy of the first Heifetz concert of the season! Featuring performances by a quartet of Heifetz alums at the first concert of the 2025 summer season in works by Beethoven and Brahms, and bookended by Antonin Dvořák’s magnificent Piano Quintet.
Johannes Brahms: Sonata for Viola and Piano in E-flat Major, Op. 120, No. 2II. Allegro appassionatoSteven Baloue, viola; Sheng-Yuan Kuan, pianoFrancis Auditorium, Mary Baldwin University, Staunton, VAHeifetz Institute Recording | 06.26.2025
Antonín Dvořák: Piano Quintet No. 2 in A major, Op. 81, B. 155I. Allegro, ma non tantoKitty Amaral, violin; Runa Matsushita, violin; Steven Baloue, viola; Amelia Zitoun, cello; Yandi Chen, pianoFrancis Auditorium, Mary Baldwin University, Staunton, VAHeifetz Institute Recording | 06.26.2025
Beethoven: Piano Trio in B-flat Major, Op. 97 "Archduke"III. Andante cantabile [excerpt]Madison Vest, violin; Kevin Mills, cello; Carlos Avila, pianoFrancis Auditorium, Mary Baldwin University, Staunton, VAHeifetz Institute Recording | 10.15.2015
Ludwig van Beethoven: 7 Variations on Bei Männern welche Liebe fühlen, WoO 46Amelia Zitoun, cello; Yoon Lee, pianoFrancis Auditorium, Mary Baldwin University, Staunton, VA
Johannes Brahms: Violin Concerto in D major, Op. 77III. Allegro giocoso, ma non troppo vivace — Poco più prestoRuna Matsushita, violin; Jessica X. Osborne, pianoFrancis Auditorium, Mary Baldwin University, Staunton, VAHeifetz Institute Recording | 06.26.2025
Antonín Dvořák: From The Bohemian Forest, Op. 68I. In The Spinning Room [excerpt]Tae Kim, Allison Freeman, piano four-handsFrancis Auditorium, Mary Baldwin University, Staunton, VAHeifetz Institute Recording | 07.07.2024
Antonín Dvořák: Piano Quintet No. 2 in A major, Op. 81, B. 155IV. Finale. AllegroRuna Matsushita, violin; Kitty Amaral, violin; Steven Baloue, viola; Amelia Zitoun, cello; Yandi Chen, pianoFrancis Auditorium, Mary Baldwin University, Staunton, VAHeifetz Institute Recording | 06.26.2025
Sunday May 11, 2025
Sunday May 11, 2025
Looking ahead to a mini-tour and full-length 2025 season, this episode featuring four outstanding Heifetz alums – all returning on full scholarships to Heifetz 2025. Featuring fiddle tunes, ballet transcriptions, and a gripping quartet by Shostakovich.
This Episode’s Playlist
J.S. Bach: Violin Partita No. 2 in D minor, BWV 1004I. AllemandeRuna Matsushita, violinFrancis Auditorium, Mary Baldwin UniversityHeifetz Institute Recording | 07.24.2022
Trad, arr. Shane Cook: Hangman’s ReelKitty Amaral, violinVirtual Performance, Elk Creek, VAHeifetz Institute Recording | 07.11.2020
Prokofiev, arr. Vadim Borisovsky: Suite from Romeo & Juliet, Op. 64I. IntroductionV. Dance of the KnightsSteven Baloue, viola; Allison Freeman, pianoFrancis Auditorium, Mary Baldwin University, Stuanton, VAHeifetz Institute Recording | 07.12..2022
Antonín Dvořák: Bagatelles, Op. 47 [excerpt]III. Allegretto scherzandoYezu Woo, violin; Julia Angelov, violin; Coleman Itzkoff, cello; Florence Jowers, harmoniumGreat Hall, Blackburn Inn & Conference Center,Staunton, VAHeifetz Institute Recording | 03.26.2021
Shostakovich: Cello Sonata in D minor, Op. 40I. Allegro non troppoAmelia Zitoun, cello; Yoon Lee, pianoFrancis Auditorium, Mary Baldwin University, Staunton, VAHeifetz Institute Recording | 07.14.2022
Florence Price: Piano Sonata in E minor II. Andante [excerpt]Andrew Rosenblum, pianoHeifetz Institute recordingFirst Presbyterian Church, Staunton, VA | 07.21.2021
Shostakovich: String Quartet No. 3 in F Major, Op. 73I. AllegrettoII. Moderato con motoIII. Allegro non troppoMattaponi SQ: Runa Maatsushita, violin; Chunyi Zhou, violin; Robert Fomos, viola; Amelia Zitoun, celloSouth Market Stage, Grace Christian School, Staunton, VAHeifetz Institute Recording | 07.22.2022
Samuel Coleridge-Taylor, arr. Maud Powell; arr. Paul Neubauer:Deep River, fr. 24 Negro Melodies, op. 59Steven Baloue, viola; Jessica Osborne, pianoMonroe’s Highland, Charlottesville, VAHeifetz Institute Recording | 07.04.2024
Sunday Apr 13, 2025
Sunday Apr 13, 2025
An hour-long-exploration into the emotional worlds of both Robert - and Clara! - Schumann - all played live on Heifetz Institute stages and studios by students and faculty alike. The title is also a nod to Robert Schumann’s manic personality; the wild mood swings that are a signature of his style.
Robert Schumann: Romance in F-sharp major, Op. 28, No. 2Lynne Mackey, pianoPrivate Studio Recording, Staunton VAHeifetz Institute recording | 11.18.2020
Robert Schumann: Adagio & Allegro, Op. 70Zexun (Jason) Shen, cello; Miki Aoiki, pianoPrivate studio recording, New York, NY | 07.20.2020
Robert Schumann: Kinderszenen, (“Scenes from Childhood”) Op. 15I. Von fremden Ländern und Menschen (“Of Foreign Lands and Peoples”) [excerpt]Lynne Mackey, pianoStudio Recording, Staunton VAHeifetz Institute recording | 11.18.2020
Robert Schumann: Märchenbilder (“Fairy Tale Pictures”) Op. 113III. RaschIV. Langsam, mit melancholischem AusdruckCaleb Georges, viola; Yoon Lee, pianoFirst Presbyterian Church, Staunton, VAHeifetz Institute recording | 08.08.2019
Robert Schumann: Violin Sonata no. 2 in D minor, Op. 121I. Ziemlich langsam - LebhaftRachell Ellen Wong, violin; Andrew Rosenblum, pianoFrancis Auditorium, Mary Baldwin UniversityHeifetz Institute recording | 07.12.2016
Robert Schumann: Piano Quintet in E-flat major, Op. 44IV. Allegro, ma non troppoIlya Kaler, violin; Youjin Lee, violin; Paul Neubauer, viola; Antonio Lysy, cello; Stefan Petrov, pianoFrancis Auditorium, Mary Baldwin UniversityHeifetz Institute recording | 07.17.2017
Robert Schumann: Fantasy Pieces, Op. 73Lebhaft, leicht [excerpt]Antonio Lysy, cello; Steven Van Hauwaert, pianoDorothy Chandler Pavilion | Los Angeles, CA 01.13.2013
Clara Schumann: Piano Trio in G minor, Op. 17I. Allegro moderatoKing William Trio: Sophia Steger, violin; Hannah Rubin, cello; David Ji, pianoFrancis Auditorium, Mary Baldwin UniversityHeifetz Institute recording | 08.07.2019
Communcicate. Engage. Inspire.
The Heifetz International Music Institute is a non-profit organization dedicated to the artistic growth and career development of the most talented and promising young musicians in the world. We believe there are specific factors that distinguish a good performance from a great one, an emerging musician struggling to form their artistic identity from a complete performer who will establish a notable career. We seek to know, and to teach, what those factors are and how to achieve them. Through the innovative Performance & Communication Training method, the Institute leads musicians to convey the emotion of the music they’re performing, explore their full creative potential, express their individuality, and redefine the concert experience. As a summer program, we are uniquely positioned to guide our students at this critical point in their development in a non-competitive, supportive environment outside of the trials of conservatories and competitions.
Learn more about the Heifetz Institute
From the Institute's industry-leading multimedia archives and updates about upcoming performances, visit our website to learn more about the latest and greatest from the Heifetz Institute. https://heifetzinstitute.org/