December 20, 2003
This week was our third of four live December broadcasts from New York City this year. We welcomed some internationally known American musicians to the stage: soprano Renée Fleming and pianist Fred Hersch, and pianist Emanuel Ax. Also joining us were the Hopeful Gospel Quartet: Linda and Robin Williams, Mollie O'Brien, and GK.

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In its entirety
Listen to the whole show, recorded on December 20, 2003, from Town Hall in New York City

In segments
Play individual show segments as listed below.

Segment 1
00:00:00Logo (MPR)
00:00:12Tishomingo Blues
00:02:31GK talks about Christmastime in Lake Wobegon
Segment 2
00:03:27Sonnet
00:04:17"Shotgun Shells on A Christmas Tree" - Hopeful Gospel Quartet
Segment 3
00:08:06"Sons of Knute Christmas Dance and Dinner" (Johnny Johnson) - GK and Shoes
00:12:54"Christmas Hoedown" - Andy Stein and Shoe Band
00:16:39"Morgen" ("Und morgen wird die Sonne wieder scheinen") - Renée Fleming and Emmanuel Ax
00:21:40"Cäcilie" ("Wenn du es wüsstest") - Renée Fleming and Emmanuel Ax
00:24:18"Rise Up Shepherd and Follow" - Hopeful Gospel Quartet
00:26:22"Ave Maria" - Renée Fleming and Emmanuel Ax
00:29:35Powdermilk Biscuit Break
Segment 4
00:31:17Rhubarb script, with "Merry Christmas to You" - Hopeful Gospel Quartet
00:37:10"Mi Y'Malel" - Richard Dworsky and Shoe band
Segment 5
00:40:35Guy Noir script
00:56:38GK talks to Renée Fleming
00:58:13"Away in a Manger" - Renée Fleming and Fred Hersch
01:01:06Intermission - "Santa Claus is Coming to Town"
01:05:04"Christmas Eve Blues" - Pat Donohue and Shoe band
01:09:00"Mary Had a Baby" - Hopeful Gospel Quartet
01:12:14Greetings
01:15:08"River" - Renée Fleming and Fred Hersch
01:20:36"Brightest and Best"
Segment 6
01:25:13The News from Lake Wobegon
01:40:00"Clair De Lune" - Emmanuel Ax
Segment 7
01:44:55Green script
01:53:10"Lo How A Rose E'er Blooming" - Renée Fleming and Fred Hersch
01:57:00Credits, "Silent Night"

Photos from the show
Click images to view slideshow. (Photos taken by Jessica Nordell)

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Mollie O'BrienRenée Fleming
Emanuel Ax Renée Fleming
and GK

Guest Information
  • Renée Fleming
  • Emanuel Ax
  • The Hopeful Gospel Quartet
  • Fred Hersch
  • Guest Recordings
  • Renée Fleming
  • Emanuel Ax

  • Scripts
  • Rhubarb
  • Guy Noir
  • Green




  • Lyrics
  • Sonnet
  • Sons of Knute Christmas Dance and Dinner
  • Music Information
    Performers, music sources and credits

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