Ep 76. PBS Arts Fall Festival: Great Performances' 40th Anniversary Celebration
- October 18, 2013
PBS Arts Fall Festival: Great Performances' 40th Anniversary Celebration is a special episode that commemorates 40 years of the Great Performances series on PBS. Hosted by Julie Andrews, this celebration features highlights from past episodes of the series, as well as new performances from some of the most talented artists in the world.
The episode opens with a montage of iconic moments from Great Performances' history, showcasing the incredible range of talent that the series has brought to audiences over the years. From classical music and opera to ballet, theatre, and popular music, Great Performances has always aimed to bring the very best in performing arts to viewers across the country.
Julie Andrews then takes the stage to welcome viewers to the 40th Anniversary celebration, and to introduce the first of several new performances that will be featured in the episode. The first of these performances is a stunning rendition of Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah" by singer-songwriter k.d. lang, accompanied by a string quartet. lang's haunting, soulful voice is the perfect match for this classic song, and her performance receives a standing ovation from the audience.
Next up is a tribute to the great American composer and conductor Leonard Bernstein, featuring performances by the New York Philharmonic and special guest artists. Highlights include an exhilarating rendition of "Mambo" from Bernstein's West Side Story, and a stirring performance of "Make Our Garden Grow" from his operetta Candide.
In a nod to Great Performances' reputation for showcasing the best in ballet, the episode also features a performance by the American Ballet Theatre of the famous pas de deux from Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake. Dancers Misty Copeland and Cory Stearns exhibit breathtaking grace and precision in their interpretation of this timeless classic.
The episode also highlights Great Performances' longstanding commitment to showcasing the best in theatre and drama, with a special performance from the National Theatre's production of Hamlet. Starring Benedict Cumberbatch in the title role, this production drew widespread acclaim for its innovative staging and bold interpretation of Shakespeare's iconic work.
As the episode draws to a close, Julie Andrews takes a moment to reflect on the legacy of Great Performances, and to express her gratitude to the artists and viewers who have made the series such an enduring success. She also introduces a final performance, a rousing rendition of "The Star-Spangled Banner" by gospel singer Yolanda Adams, accompanied by a full choir and orchestra. It's a fitting finale to a truly impressive celebration of 40 years of Great Performances on PBS.
Overall, PBS Arts Fall Festival: Great Performances' 40th Anniversary Celebration is an unforgettable tribute to the power of the performing arts, showcasing a breathtaking array of talent and celebrating four decades of excellence in television. Whether you're a longtime fan of Great Performances or a newcomer to the series, this episode is sure to leave you inspired and moved by the power of music, dance, and drama to bring people together and speak to the human experience.
