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Great Performances

Great Performances

1971Returning SeriesNext: Feb 2251 Seasons673 Episodes5.8TMDB
PBS

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 40 Episodes

Browse every episode and jump into details.

Episode 1: Paul McCartney's Live Kisses

Sep 7, 2012

Paul McCartney’s Live Kisses captures the magical night of February 9 in the City of Angels when Paul McCartney decided to bring Kisses On The Bottom, his newly released collection of pop standards and two originals, to life.

Episode 2: Rod Stewart: Merry Christmas, Baby

Nov 26, 2012

Grammy Award®-winning, two-time Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Rod Stewart, hosts his first holiday special featuring Mary J. Blige, Cee-Lo Green, and Chris Botti.

Episode 3: Magical Mystery Tour Revisited

Dec 14, 2012

Magical Mystery Tour was chock-full of thinly veiled references to psychedelia, anarchy and fantasy, all in the setting of a traditional British sightseeing bus outing to the seaside. The story behind the Beatles film – Magical Mystery Tour – is revealed on Magical Mystery Tour Revisited.

Episode 4: From Vienna: The New Year’s Celebration 2013

Jan 1, 2013

We continue the cherished tradition of ringing in the New Year with special host Julie Andrews and the Vienna Philharmonic at the opulent Musikverein, under the baton of guest conductor Franz Welser-Möst and featuring everyone’s favorite Strauss Family waltzes accompanied by the beautiful dancing of the Vienna City Ballet.

Episode 5: Broadway Musicals: A Jewish Legacy

Jan 1, 2013

This film explores the unique role of Jewish composers and lyricists in the creation of the modern American musical. Featuring interviews and conversations with some of the greatest composers and writers of the Broadway stage.

Episode 6: Paul Simon's Graceland Journey: Under African Skies

Jan 4, 2013

An epic journey following Paul Simon back to South Africa, where, decades earlier, he created his seminal album Graceland. The film includes revealing interviews with Simon and such musical legends as Quincy Jones, Harry Belafonte, Paul McCartney and David Byrne.

Episode 11: Great Performances at the Met: Rigoletto

May 17, 2013

Tony Award-winning director Michael Mayer (Spring Awakening) makes his Met debut with a new production of Verdi’s Rigoletto. The new staging moves the opera’s tragic events from a decadent 16th-century Italian court to the glitzy, depraved setting of the Las Vegas strip circa 1960.

Episode 14: Dancing at Jacob’s Pillow: Never Stand Still

Jul 26, 2013

Directed by veteran documentary filmmaker Ron Honsa, "Dancing at Jacob’s Pillow: Never Stand Still" reveals the passion, discipline, and daring of those who choose a life in dance. Performances filmed live at Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival, interviews with extraordinary artists, rare archival footage, and behind the scenes insights bring dance to life.

Season 40 FAQ

Quick answers about this season's release timeline and episode lineup.

When did Great Performances Season 40 premiere?

Great Performances Season 40 premiered on September 7, 2012.

How many episodes are in Great Performances Season 40?

Great Performances Season 40 has 18 episodes.

What is the first episode of Great Performances Season 40?

The season opens with Season 40 Episode 1, "Paul McCartney's Live Kisses". It aired on September 7, 2012.

Go to Season 40 Episode 1

Where to Watch

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