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
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
Sunday Mar 16, 2025
Sunday Mar 16, 2025
On this episode of Heifetz On Air: “MORE Bach Around the Clock.” Host Benjamin Roe shares some brand-new performances from the annual Bach birthday marathon from Christ Lutheran Church in Staunton, Virginia. Featuring intimate solo works, grand cantatas, as well as preludes, sinfonias, arias and more. Celebrate the timeless music of Johann Sebastian Bach on Heifetz On Air, from WTJU and the Heifetz International Music Institute.
Learn more at https://bacharoundtheclock.org/
Bach: Cantata BWV 147, Herz und Mund und Tat und Leben (“Heart and mouth and deed and life”)3. Schäme dich, o Seele, nicht ("Do Not Be Ashamed, Oh Soul")Charles Humphries, countertenor; Brian Thorsett, tenor; Jessica Warren, Oboe D'amore; Coleman Itzkoff, cello; Florence Jowers, organChrist Lutheran Church, Staunton, VAHeifetz Institute Recording | 03.18.2021
Cantata BWV 42: Am Abend aber desselbigen Sabbats ("In the evening of the same Sabbath")SinfoniaStaunton Bach Orchestra; Paul Weber, conductorChrist Lutheran Church, Staunton, VAHeifetz Institute Recording | 03.18.2023
Bach: Cello Suite No. 1 in G Major, BWV 1007 [excerpt]PreludeEn-Chi Cheng, violaFrancis Auditorium, Mary Baldwin University, Staunton, VAHeifetz Institute Recording | 07.15.2015
Bach: Cello Suite No. 6 in D major, BWV 1012VI. GigueAndrew Gonzalez, violoncello da spallaoChrist Lutheran Church, Staunton, VAHeifetz Institute Recording | 03.22.2024
Bach: Toccata in E minor, BWV 914Jeannette Fang, pianoChrist Lutheran Church, Staunton, VAHeifetz Institute Recording | 03.18.2022
Bach: Little Prelude No. 2 in C minor, BWV 934Peter Blanchette, archguitar; Mané Lareggla, archguitarChrist Lutheran Church, Staunton, VAHeifetz Institute Recording | 03.22.2022
Bach: Easter Oratorio, BWV 2499. Saget, Saget, mir geschwinde ("Tell me, tell me")Charles Humphries, countertentor; Brian Thorsett, tenor; Jessica Warren, oboe d'amore; Julia Angelov, Yezu Woo, violins; Matt Cohen, viola; Coleman Itzkoff, cello; Florence Jowers, portative organChrist Lutheran Church, Staunton, VAHeifetz Institute Recording | 03.18.2021
Cello Suite No. 6 in G Major, BWV 1012 [excerpt]V. Gavottes I & IIAndrew Gonzalez, violoncello da spallaBlackfriars PlayhouseAmerican Shakespeare Center, Staunton, VAHeifetz Institute Recording | 07.17.2018
Bach: Cantata BWV 97: In allen meinen Taten ("In all that I have”)4. Ich traue seiner Gnaden ("I trust his mecy”)Brian Thorsett, tenor; Nicholas Kitchen, violin; Yeesun Kim, cello; Florence Jowers, organChrist Lutheran Church, Staunton, VAHeifetz Institute Recording | 03.21/2019
Bach: Cantata BWV 75: Die Elenden sollen essen ("The miserable shall eat")1. Sinfonia8. Finale ChoraleBATC Chamber Choir & Orchestra; Paul Weber, Music Director & Conductor; Florence Jowers, organ
Bach: Chorale Prelude, BWV 1116, Was Gott tut, das ist wohlgetanFlorence Jowers, organ
Bach: Cantata BWV 99: Was Gott tut, das ist wohlgetan ("What God does is well done")6. Finale ChoraleBATC Chamber Choir & Orchestra; Paul Weber, Music Director & Conductor; Florence Jowers, organChrist Lutheran ChurchHeifetz Institute Recording | 03.23.2024
Monday Feb 24, 2025
Monday Feb 24, 2025
Borrowing our title from the landmark book by Charles Rosen, this episode celebrates the major composers of the so-called Romantic Generation, brought to life in HeifetzLand. Featuring works by Robert Schumann, Fryderyk Chopin, Felix Mendelssohn, and more.
Niccolò Paganini: Andante CantabileWillard Carter, cello (UK); Yoon Lee, piano (New York, NY)Virtual RecordingHeifetz Institute recording | 08.08.2020
Robert Schumann: Fantasy Pieces, Op. 73I. Zart und mit AusdruckII.Lebhaft, leichtIII. Rasch und mit FeuerNicholas Tsang, cello; Seonmi Lee, pianoFrancis Auditorium, Mary Baldwin University, Staunton, VAHeifetz Institute Recording | 07.12.2022
Franz Liszt: Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2 [excerpt]Beilin Han, Yoon Lee, piano four-handsFrancis Auditorium, Mary Baldwin University, Staunton, VAHeifetz Institute Recording | 07.17.2022
Fryderyk Chopin: Cello Sonata in G minor, Op. 65Allegro moderatoBoubacar Diallo, cello; Yoon Lee, pianoFrancis Auditorium, Mary Baldwin UniversityHeifetz Institute Recording | 08.03.2022
Paganini, arr. Fritz Kreisler: La Campanella, Op. 6Mark Kaplan, violin; Dina Vainshtain, piano; Jingxuan Zhang, bellsFrancis Auditorium, Mary Baldwin UniversityHeifetz Institute Recording | 08.08.2019
Mendelssohn: Song Without Words, Op. 109 [excerpt]Juan-Salvador Carrasco, cello; Lynne Mackey, pianoSouth Market Stage, Grace Christian School, Staunton, VAHeifetz Institute Recording | 04.22.2022
Mendelssohn: String Quintet No. 2 in B-flat Major, Op. 87IV. Allegro molto vivaceTheo Bockhorst, violin 1; Yangxin Song, violin 2; Bela Horvath, viola 1; Stephen Adam Savage, viola 2; Hannah Roberts, celloFrancis Auditorium, Mary Baldwin UniversityHeifetz Institute Recording | 06.27.2024
Sunday Jan 19, 2025
Sunday Jan 19, 2025
It’s another Cellobration from the Heifetz Institute! Including a great concerto from Haydn, sublime sonatas from Schubert and Beethoven, and a three-cello tribute to a beloved Heifetz instructor…all live and in color from Heifetz Institute stages.
Host: Benjamin K. Roe
Alexander Glazunov: Chant du Ménestrel, op. 71Mira Kardan, cello; Yoon Lee, pianoFrancis Auditorium, Mary Baldwin University, Staunton, VAHeifetz Institute recording | 07.09.2023
Franz Joseph Haydn: Cello Concerto No. 1 in D MajorAllegro moderatoZixuan Wang, cello; Elizabeth Hill, pianoSouth Market Stage, Grace Christian School, Staunton, VAHeifetz Institute Recording | 07.25.2024
Reinhold Glière: Eight Pieces, Op. 39Gavotte [excerpt]Yubeen Choi, violin; Yun Chae, celloSouth Market Stage, Grace Christian School, Staunton, VAHeifetz Institute Recording | 07.25.2024
Franz Schubert: Sonata for Arpgeggione & Piano in A minor, D. 821II. AdagioIII. AllegrettoNicholas Wong, cello; Yoon Lee, pianoFrancis Auditorium, Mary Baldwin UniversityHeifetz Institute Recording | 07.25.2024
Beethoven: Cello Sonata No. 2 in G Minor, Op. 5, No. 2I. Adagio sostenuto ed espressivoII. Allegro molto piu tosto prestJoie Kuo, cello; Yoon Lee, pianoFrancis Auditorium, Mary Baldwin UniversityHeifetz Institute Recording | 07.25.2024
Schubert: Piano Trio No. 1 in B-flat Major, D. 898:III. Scherzo [excerpt]Erda Trio: Carlos Arroyo, violin; Nicco Mazziotto, cello; Seth Schultheis, pianoFirst Presbyterian Church, Staunton, VAHeifetz Institute Recording | 07.01.2021
David Popper: Requiem for Three Cellos and Piano, Op. 66Hannah Roberts, cello; Julia Lichten, cello; David Geber, cello; Yoon Lee, pianoFrancis Auditorium, Mary Baldwin UniversityHeifetz Institute Recording | 06.28.2024
Sunday Jan 05, 2025
Sunday Jan 05, 2025
In this episode, we’re all about coachings – Heifetz teachers raising up our talented youngsters – and collaborations…when the senior students get to share the stage with our world-famous faculty mentors. Beethoven, Brahms, Haydn and more are on the docket for a hour of stirring chamber music featuring a blend of junior prodigies and elder masters.
This Episode’s Playlist Moritz Mozkowski: Spanish Dances, Op. 12I. Allegro briosoV. BoleroBeilin Han, piano; Sheng-Yuan Kuan, pianoFrancis Auditorium, Mary Baldwin UniversityHeifetz Institute Recording | 07.07.24
Franz Joseph Haydn: String Quartet in B-flat Major, Op. 76, No. 4, “Sunrise”I. Allegro con spiritoManitoba Quartet:Sophia Zhang, violin; Mia Arima, violin; Laurily Merzatta, viola; Anni Tian, celloSouth Market Stage, Grace Christian SchoolStaunton, VAHeifetz Institute Recording | 07.25.2024
Moritz Mozkowski: Spanish Dances, Op. 12II. Moderato [excerpt]Beilin Han, piano; Sheng-Yuan Kuan, pianoFrancis Auditorium, Mary Baldwin UniversityHeifetz Institute Recording | 07.07.24
Johannes Brahms: String Sextet No. 1 in B-flat Major, Op. 18IV. Rondo. Poco allegretto e graziosoYeji Hwang, violin; Matthildur Traustadottir, violin; Bela Horvath, viola; Soren Lorentzen, viola; Ariun-Enerel Gantumur, cello; Andrew Mark, celloFrancis Auditorium, Mary Baldwin UniversityHeifetz Institute Recording | 07.18.24
Robert Schumann: Romance, Op. 28, No. 2 [excerpt]Lynne Mackey, pianoHouse Concert, Staunton, VaHeifetz Institute Recording | 11.19.2020
Beethoven: String Quartet in F Major, Op. 18, No. 1I. Allegro con brioII. Adagio affettuoso ed appassionatoIII. ScherzoIV. AllegroDandan Jingfei Wang, violin; Zhenyi Jiang, violin; Steven Baloue, viola; Austin Topper, celloFrancis Auditorium, Mary Baldwin University, Staunton, VAHeifetz Institute Recording | 07.10.2024
Tuesday Dec 31, 2024
Tuesday Dec 31, 2024
On this program, we raid the Heifetz Holiday vault to cook up a fresh program chock full of celebratory treats. It's a collection of sweet and savory selections to round out the holiday season. THIS EPISODE'S PLAYLIST
Trad, arr. Alasdair Fraser: Shetland Set:Christmas Day Ida Moarnin/Lady Spence's Reel/Sleep SoondKiarra Saito-Beckman, violin; Zhihao Wu, celloBlackfriars Playhouse, American Shakespeare Center, Staunton, VAHeifetz Institute Recording | 12.10.2018
Handel: Overture to Jephtha, HWV 70 Heifetz Baroque Chamber OrchestraDavid Stern, conductorBlackfriars Playhouse, American Shakespeare Center, Staunton, VAHeifetz Institute Recording | 07.10.2019
Antonio Vivaldi: Christmas Concerto in B-flat, RV 270I. AllegroII. AdagioIII. AllegroAngela Chan, violin solo; Julia Angelov, violin; Kayleigh Kim, violin; Matt Cohen, viola; Dilshod Narzillaev, celloKreeger Museum of Art, Washington, DCHeifetz Institute Recording | 12.19.2019 Johann Pachelbel: Canon in D majorIsabella Gorman, violin; Clayton Hancock, violin; Angela Sin Ying Chan, violin; Peter Blanchette, guitar; Guy Fishman, celloSouth Market Stage, Grace Christian SchoolStaunton, VA | 07.09.2022 Ottorino Respighi: Italiana fr. Ancient Airs & Dances [excerpt]SoHyun Ko, violin; Minchae Kim, violin; Jerome McCoy, viola; Dilshod Narzillaev, celloKreeger Museum of Art, Washington, DCHeifetz Institute Recording | 12.13.2022
Traditiional, arr. Alasdair Fraser: Highlander's Farewell to Ireland - The Killarney Boys of Pleasure Reel - Highlander's Farewell (Appalachian version)Alasdair Fraser, fiddle; Natalie Haas, big fiddle Francis Auditorium, Mary Baldwin UniversityHeifetz Institute Recording | 07.07.23
J.S. Bach: French Suite No. 2 in C minor, BWV 813VII. GiguePeter Blanchette, archguitar; Mané Lareggla, archguitarChrist Lutheran Church, Staunton, VA Heifetz Institute Recording | 03.22.2022
Anon: Greensleeves, to a Ground [excerpt]Rachell Ellen Wong, violin; Coleman Itzkoff, celloFrancis Auditorium, Mary Baldwin University, Staunton, VAHeifetz Institute Recording | 12.17.2016
Ricardo Castro: Cello Concerto in C minorIII. VivoAndres Sanchez, cello; Ying Li, pianoFrancis Auditorium, Mary Baldwin University, Staunton, VAHeifetz Institute Recording | 12.14.2024
Pablo de Sarasate: Navarra, Op. 33 Marina Alba Lopez, violin; Angela Sin Ying Chan, violin; Ying Li, pianoFrancis Auditorium, Mary Baldwin University, Staunton, VAHeifetz Institute Recording | 12.14.2024
Monday Dec 23, 2024
Monday Dec 23, 2024
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. On this program, it’s the “Heifetz Holiday Homecoming,” featuring five-front-rank alums performing yuletide classics as well as classical masterworks…all in the friendly confines of the Heifetz home base of Francis Auditorium in Staunton, Virginia.
THIS EPISODE'S PLAYLIST
Irving Berlin, arr. Jascha Heifetz, arr. Nate Sabat: White Christmas*Joseph Skerik, viola; Ying Li, pianoFrancis Auditorium, Mary Baldwin University, Staunton, VAHeifetz Institute Recording | 12.14.2024*Heifetz Institute Commission
Tchaikovsky, arr. Lynne Latham: Nutcracker SuiteI. OvertureII. MarchIII. Dance of the Sugar Plum FairyIV. Arabian DanceV. TrepakAngela Sin Ying Chan, violin; Marina Alba López, violin; Joe Skerik, viola; Andres Sanchez, celloFrancis Auditorium, Mary Baldwin University, Staunton, VAHeifetz Institute Recording | 12.14.2024
Georg Phillipp Telemann: Viola Concerto in G Major, TWV 51:G9II. Allegro [excerpt]Steven Baloue, viola; Allison Freeman, pianoFrancis Auditorium, Mary Baldwin University, Staunton, VAHeifetz Institute Recording | 12.17.2021
Fritz Kreisler: Miniature Viennese MarchAngela Sin Ying Chan, violin; Andres Sanchez, cello; Ying Li, pianoFrancis Auditorium, Mary Baldwin University, Staunton, VAHeifetz Institute Recording | 12.14.2024
Amy Beach: Romance in A Major, Op. 23Angela Sin Ying Chan, violin; Ying Li, pianoFrancis Auditorium, Mary Baldwin University, Staunton, VAHeifetz Institute Recording | 12.14.2024
Trad. Catalan, arr. Pablo Casals: Song of the BirdsAndres Sanchez, cello; Ying Li, pianoFrancis Auditorium, Mary Baldwin University, Staunton, VAHeifetz Institute Recording | 12.14.2024
Leonard Cohen, arr. Claudia Encinas: HallelujahHugh Martin & Ralph Blane, arr. Wendy Hellmann:Have Yourself a Merry Little ChristmasMarina Alba López, vocals; Angela Sin Ying Chan, violin; Joe Skerik, viola; Andres Sanchez, celloFrancis Auditorium, Mary Baldwin University, Staunton, VAHeifetz Institute Recording | 12.14.2024
Ottorino Respighi: Italiana fr. Ancient Airs & Dances [excerpt]SoHyun Ko, violin; Minchae Kim, violin; Jerome McCoy, viola; Dilshod Narzillaev, celloKreeger Museum of Art, Washington, DCHeifetz Institute Recording | 12.13.2022
Robert Schumann: Piano Quintet in E-flat Major, Op. 44I. AllegroIV. Allegro, ma non troppoAngela Sin Ying Chan, violin; Marina Alba López, violin; Joe Skerik, viola; Andres Sanchez, cello; Ying Li, pianoFrancis Auditorium, Mary Baldwin University, Staunton, VAHeifetz Institute Recording | 12.14.2024
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/