One Is Perfect, Two Is Better.

Baseball's back in the game now that the all-star break is over, and this Monday morning VPR Classical offered a musical double-header of our own with concerts at 9 and 11am live in the performance studio.

At 9am, flutist and Sunday Baroque host Suzanne Bona joined guitarist Richard Goering and me for a preview of their concert tonight at Summer Music from Greensboro. I learned that Suzanne and Richard met when they were both part of a concert for a cat rescue organization years ago in Cincinnati. And it turns out that Richard is also a wine expert! We talked vino and shared our favorite Malbecs. (He recommends Maipe, by the way, from the Mendoza region in Argentina - as all the best ones are.)

We took a break at 10 to spend time with the live studio audience who had come for the music, including members of the Philips Legacy Society and the Producer's Circle. Refreshments included fresh strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries - fresh whipped cream, and lady fingers - we know how to eat, at VPR!

Then, back into the performance studio for more music at 11 with Walter Parker and pianist Jean-Claude Pennetier, whose Vermont Mozart Festival recital is tonight in Middlebury. This year's festival commemorates the 200th anniversary of Chopin's birth, and Pennetier's program of Polonaises and the Barcarolle were as lovely as could be.

In the coming weeks, you can listen for more live performances on the air with Classicopia, the Steve Wilson Trio, and the Central Vermont Chamber Music Festival. Wondering where to catch live music outdoors this season? Check out VPR's Summer Music Festival guide for some ideas. And thanks for making live music possible on VPR with your support!