“Not since Leonard Bernstein has classical music had a combination salesman-teacher as irresistible as Kapilow.” – Kansas City Star

In his acclaimed What Makes It Great? series, beloved educator and former NPR music commentator Rob Kapilow “gets audiences in tune with classical music at a deeper level than they ever thought possible” (Los Angeles Times). In a three-part format, Kapilow explores a musical masterpiece with the audience. Next, the piece is performed in its entirety, followed by a Q&A with the audience and performers. 

Kapilow explores the intricacies of Tchaikovsky''s Serenade for Strings, a "heartfelt piece" (in the composer''s own words) composed at the same time as the 1812 Overture.

Co-presented with Smithsonian Associates