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TV series

Great Performances

1971TV-1453 seasons6.1 / 10

The best in the performing arts from across America and around the world including a diverse programming portfolio of classical music, opera, popular song, musical theater, dance, drama, and performance documentaries.

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Where to watch in United States

Checked Sep 1, 2026

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Synopsis

The best in the performing arts from across America and around the world including a diverse programming portfolio of classical music, opera, popular song, musical theater, dance, drama, and performance documentaries.

Season 37 episodes

Choose an episode, then use the watch options above for the show.

← Season 36

Episode 1

Gustavo Dudamel and the Los Angeles Philharmonic

6.0 / 10

Considered the most dynamic young conductor in classical music since Bernstein, 28-year-old Gustavo Dudamel begins his tenure as Music Director of the Los Angeles Philharmonic in fall 2009. In this program, learn more about Dudamel, the LA Philharmonic, composer John Adams, and see a movement from John Adams' "City Noir" and Mahler's "Symphony No. 1 in D major" performed at his inaugural concert.

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Episode 2

Andrea Bocelli & David Foster: My Christmas

Everyone’s favorite “Hitman” David Foster joins Great Performances superstar Andrea Bocelli for a new Christmas concert of holiday classics airing on Thanksgiving night. Showcasing Bocelli’s unmistakable soaring vocals are lush new arrangements infused with the distinctive Foster touch. The inspiring concert performance, recorded at the Kodak Theatre in Los Angeles.

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Episode 3

Michael Bublé Meets Madison Square Garden

Multi-Grammy-winning phenomenon Michael Bublé returns to public television in Michael Bublé Meets Madison Square Garden, a musical concert that captures the star in a trademark, high-octane performance. Recorded at New York City’s famed arena, this program’s highlights include a show-stopping collection of Bublé’s hits not included on the DVD release.

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Episode 4

Hamlet

Shakespeare's immortal "To be, or not to be" takes on a whole new meaning (and medium) as classical stage and screen actors David Tennant and (recently-knighted) Sir Patrick Stewart reprise their roles for a modern-dress, film-for-television adaptation of the Royal Shakespeare Company's (RSC) 2008 stage production of Hamlet.

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Episode 5

Renee Fleming & Dmitri Hvorostovsky

Shakespeare's immortal "To be, or not to be" takes on a whole new meaning (and medium) as classical stage and screen actors David Tennant and (recently-knighted) Sir Patrick Stewart reprise their roles for a modern-dress, film-for-television adaptation of the Royal Shakespeare Company's (RSC) 2008 stage production of Hamlet.

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Episode 11

Dance in America NY Export Opus Jazz

Jerome Robbins' urban ballet, set to a jazz score by Robert Prince, was originally performed in 1958. This film adaptation was shot in locations around New York City. Included is a 10-minute documentary about the origin and history of the work.

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Episode information updated Sep 19, 2026

More about Great Performances

Cast

Bray PoorNarrator (voice)
Rue McClanahanFaye Precious
Joyce EbertMrs. Holroyd
Frederick CoffinSecond Guard
Geraldine FitzgeraldMrs.Atkins
Frank LangellaKonstantin Treplev
Charles KimbroughDr.Spiga
Stephen SondheimSelf

Production details

Status
Returning Series
Series type
Scripted
Episodes
717
Original language
English

Networks & production

  • PBSUnited States
  • ThirteenUnited States

Themes

anthologybased on novel or bookbased on play or musicalfilmed theaterliterary adaptation