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The conductor says that his goal is for more people to appreciate and recognize classical music for its complexity, organization and beauty. In an interview, Ponti discusses his work, his son and the best way for a classical-music novice to discover pure symphonic joy.

The brooding dub-rock of South Africa's BLK JKS (pronounced Black Jacks) is a formidable addition to the musical landscape of indie-rock, with potential to appeal to the audiences enchanted by the likes of Vampire Weekend and TV on the Radio. PRI's Marco Werman interviews the band about their "post-apartheid" music.

I'm Not Jim is a collaboration between Walter Salas-Humara of The Silos and award-winning novelist Jonathan Lethem. The duo Elegant Too rounds out this unlikely quartet, whose first record is a mix of giddy pop and mournful blues called You Are All My People.

After being barred from performing at Constitution Hall in 1939 because she was black, opera singer Marian Anderson gave a performance on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. Author Raymond Arsenault's new book, The Sound of Freedom, reflects on the cultural significance of Anderson's performance that Easter.

The pianist for the BMI/New York Jazz Composers Orchestra is also a singer and a former musical director at an Episcopal church. Her latest studio album elaborates on familiar jazz forms while embracing sacred texts, including a piece for Easter vespers.

The singer-songwriter with the weathered but vulnerable delivery has been touring and recording since his 1980 hit, "Romeo's Tune." With a new album out called The Place and the Time, he visited NPR headquarters for a solo performance and interview.

Kay Thompson was a musical director for MGM Studios, the author of the Eloise children's books and the star of her own long-running nightclub act. Liza Minnelli pays tribute to her real-life godmother in her latest, sold-out revue.

After spending the past five years fighting the notes in his head, "the acoustic Jimi Hendrix" recently released his 10th studio album, Vividly. Hear Bensusan, a self-taught guitarist, talk about his life, his playing style and his latest album.

This soulful, guitar-filled R&B Tiny Desk Contest entry reminds us of how the best is ahead, even when the grind of everyday has us reaching our breaking point.

Todd Snider makes his 16th appearance on the Mountain Stage.