Uploaded February 2026 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
From the careful preparation of her reeds to long rehearsals, bassoonist Eleni Katz shares a glimpse of her musical journey. Born to a family of artists in Wisconsin, she began playing clarinet until her teacher suggested she tried bassoon as a way to stand out. Now, she is tasked with blending in with the New World Symphony orchestra as they take on Tchaikovsky's Symphony No. 5 in E minor.
Music performed:
Symphony No. 5 in E minor, Op. 64 by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
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#GreatPerformancesPBS
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The only continuing primetime performance showcase on American television, Great Performances presents a diverse programming portfolio of classical music, opera, popular song, musical theater, dance, drama, and performance documentaries. With its programs garnering 67 Emmy Awards and six George Foster Peabody Awards, the series has received every major television honor.
Regardless of geographic or economic limitations, Great Performances ensures its audiences “the best seats in the house” with a roster of artists and performing arts companies that represent a “Who’s Who” of excellence and virtuosity in the international performing arts.
From the careful preparation of her reeds to long rehearsals, bassoonist Eleni Katz shares a glimpse of her musical journey. Born to a family of artists in Wisconsin, she began playing clarinet until her teacher suggested she tried bassoon as a way to stand out. Now, she is tasked with blending in with the New World Symphony orchestra as they take on Tchaikovsky's Symphony No. 5 in E minor.
Music performed:
Symphony No. 5 in E minor, Op. 64 by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Please like & subscribe now if you enjoyed: youtube.com/channel/UCZri-Y6aBcTFrxYMF_ghXQA
This program is made possible by viewers like you. Please support your local PBS station: pbs.org/donate
Watch full episodes and more: pbs.org/greatperformances
Instagram: instagram.com/pbsgreatperformances
Facebook: facebook.com/greatperformances
Newsletter: pbs.org/wnet/gperf/newsletter
#GreatPerformancesPBS
-----------------
The only continuing primetime performance showcase on American television, Great Performances presents a diverse programming portfolio of classical music, opera, popular song, musical theater, dance, drama, and performance documentaries. With its programs garnering 67 Emmy Awards and six George Foster Peabody Awards, the series has received every major television honor.
Regardless of geographic or economic limitations, Great Performances ensures its audiences “the best seats in the house” with a roster of artists and performing arts companies that represent a “Who’s Who” of excellence and virtuosity in the international performing arts.
