NPR Staff

Seated at the piano in NPR's studios, Anthony de Mare explains why he commissioned composers from the classical, jazz and Broadway worlds to interpret some of Sondheim's finest songs.

The young woman who founded Iraq's youth orchestra believes in the enduring spirit of her musicians. The group planned to bring its act overseas until it was forced into hiatus by ISIS.

Wolfe has just released the recording of Anthracite Fields, which won the 2015 Pulitzer for music. The piece is based on the knotty history of coal-mining families in her home state of Pennsylvania.

The master jazz pianist and renowned banjo player know they make an unlikely duo — but they embrace the unexpected on their new live album, Two.

Pop-rock balladeer, TV singing competition judge — those are just a few facets of Folds' diverse career. His latest album, made with a chamber ensemble, invites fans to open their ears a little wider.

If counting sheep isn't working, British composer Max Richter's latest piece might. Sleep is eight hours long and designed to help listeners get some shut-eye.

"We wanted to be a part of the healing process of the city and of the people," Bridgewater says. Her new album, Dee Dee's Feathers, mines the rich history of New Orleans music.

The drummer, composer and bandleader's latest album, The Mosaic Project: Love and Soul, is part of her ongoing effort to showcase women in jazz.

Stuart Canin was one of many GIs in Europe after World War II, but his violin made him different.

David Greene talks to the pianist about her recent performance at a piano festival in Cuba — and a particularly stressful time in her life.