Saison
Épisode
Serveur du lecteur
Grandes Performances
19716
DrameComédieDocumentaire
Sortie
28 janv. 1971
Pays
États-Unis
Le meilleur des arts du spectacle provenant d'Amérique et du monde entier, incluant un portefeuille de programmation diversifié de musique classique, d'opéra, de chanson populaire, de théâtre musical, de danse, de drame et de documentaires de performance.
About
Quick guide
A long‑running PBS anthology that brings opera, ballet, theater and concert performances to viewers across the country.
Since its debut in 1971, *Great Performances* has showcased a wide array of the performing arts, from classical music and opera to popular song, musical theater, dance and documentaries. Produced by PBS’s WNET in New York, the series has earned 29 Primetime Emmy Awards, three Peabody Awards and an Image Award, and it remains the longest‑running performing‑arts anthology on television. Episodes vary in length, typically ranging from half an hour to several hours, and are available for free streaming on PBS.org, the PBS app and local broadcast schedules. The program has featured legendary performers such as Mikhail Baryshnikov, Grace Bumbry and the Vienna Philharmonic, and it continues to offer fresh content with new productions and digital originals.
What to know
- It began as *New York Playhouse* in 1972 and was renamed *Great Performances* in 1976.
- The series includes a mix of live concerts, staged productions, and documentary specials.
- Episodes run from 30 minutes to over two hours depending on the performance.
- The show is produced by PBS’s WNET in New York with a national partner network.
- All episodes are broadcast in English and are available in both HD and standard definition.
- It is available to stream for free on PBS.org and the PBS app.
- The series has received 29 Primetime Emmy Awards and three Peabody Awards.
- New content is added annually, with digital originals and live HD opera tapings.
Watch if
If you enjoy high‑quality performances of opera, ballet, theater and concert music and want to watch them on demand, *Great Performances* offers a curated selection of award‑winning productions that you can stream for free on PBS.org or the PBS app.
Skip if
If you prefer long‑form feature films or serialized dramas rather than short, standalone performances, you may find *Great Performances*’ episodic format too fragmented for your taste.
family friendlylight toneuplifting tonemature themespolitical themespsychological elements
Series Origins
*Great Performances* launched in 1971 as *New York Playhouse*, a showcase of theatrical productions. It was rebranded in 1976, expanding to cover opera, ballet, and musical theater, and has remained PBS’s flagship performing‑arts anthology.
Production Partners
The series is produced by WNET in New York City, with early cooperation from KQED, WTTW, Maryland Public Television, South Carolina ETV and KERA‑TV. These partners provide regional expertise and broaden distribution across the United States.
Award Recognition
With 29 Primetime Emmy Awards, three Peabody Awards and an Image Award, the program has earned industry respect. Its accolades reflect consistent quality across decades of diverse performances.
Format and Length
Episodes range from 30 minutes for a short recital to over two hours for full-length operas. The flexibility allows the series to feature both brief showcases and extended productions.
Digital Expansion
Since 2012, the show has added digital originals like *Taking Note* and *Stagebound*, providing behind‑the‑scenes content and new performance formats accessible on streaming platforms.
Live HD Opera
From 2007 onward, the series has streamed Metropolitan Opera Live in HD productions, bringing high‑definition opera tapings to the public in real time, enhancing accessibility for opera lovers.
Viewer Access
Episodes are freely available for streaming on PBS.org and the PBS mobile app, as well as through local PBS stations’ broadcast schedules, ensuring broad audience reach.
FAQ
38 Q&A
Is Great Performances suitable for children?
Great Performances often features mature themes and complex artistic works, so it may not be suitable for all children. Parental guidance is recommended.
Who hosts Great Performances?
Great Performances does not have a single, consistent host. The show features different hosts or narrators depending on the specific production.
What is the set design like for Great Performances?
The set design for Great Performances varies greatly as it showcases different types of performances. Sets are created to match the specific play, opera, musical, or dance being presented, aiming for authenticity and visual appeal.
How is Great Performances made?
Great Performances brings acclaimed stage productions to television. These are typically filmed versions of live theater, opera, ballet, and musical performances, often with high production values.
Are the actors on Great Performances real?
Yes, the actors and performers featured on Great Performances are real professionals who perform in live theater, opera, ballet, and musicals.
Who are the main characters in Great Performances?
Great Performances does not have main characters in the traditional sense, as it showcases a variety of different productions. Each production will have its own set of characters.
When did Great Performances start?
Great Performances first aired in 1971.
What is the overall tone of Great Performances?
The overall tone of Great Performances is generally sophisticated and celebratory of the performing arts. It aims to be educational and inspiring, presenting high-quality artistic achievements.
What are the costume designs like in Great Performances?
Costume designs on Great Performances are as varied as the shows themselves. They are created to accurately reflect the period and style of the specific production, ranging from historical accuracy to imaginative designs.
What awards has Great Performances won?
Great Performances has won numerous awards over the years, including many Emmy Awards and Peabody Awards, recognizing its outstanding contributions to television programming.
Is Great Performances based on a true story?
Some productions featured on Great Performances may be based on true stories or historical events, while others are fictional works of drama, opera, or musical theater.
What is the music like in Great Performances?
The music in Great Performances is diverse and depends entirely on the production being shown. It can range from classical orchestral music and opera to Broadway show tunes and contemporary scores.
What are some famous performances featured on Great Performances?
Famous performances featured on Great Performances include productions like 'The Sound of Music Live!', 'Hamilton's America', 'She Loves Me', and various acclaimed operas and ballets from around the world.
What is the plot of the latest Great Performances episode?
The plot of the latest Great Performances episode varies as the series features different productions. To know the plot of a specific episode, you would need to check the details for that particular show.
What is Great Performances about?
Great Performances is a television series that presents a wide range of performing arts, including plays, musicals, operas, ballets, and concerts.
What is the history of Great Performances?
Great Performances began in 1971 as a showcase for the best of live theater and performing arts. It has since evolved to include a broad spectrum of artistic expressions from around the globe.
How long are the episodes of Great Performances?
The length of Great Performances episodes can vary significantly, as they are typically full-length productions of stage shows, operas, or ballets. Episodes can run from one hour to several hours long.
What kind of shows are on Great Performances?
Great Performances features a variety of shows including dramas, musicals, operas, ballets, documentaries about the arts, and concert performances.
Who writes the scripts for Great Performances?
The scripts for Great Performances are written by the original playwrights, librettists, and composers of the stage productions that are featured on the show.
Is Great Performances a drama series?
While Great Performances often features dramatic works, it is not solely a drama series. It encompasses a much broader range of performing arts, including musicals, opera, and dance.
What are the different genres covered by Great Performances?
Great Performances covers a wide array of genres, including drama, musical theater, opera, ballet, contemporary dance, classical music concerts, and arts documentaries.
How does Great Performances choose its performances?
Great Performances typically selects productions that have received critical acclaim or are considered significant artistic achievements. They aim to bring high-quality, diverse performances to a television audience.
Where are Great Performances filmed?
Great Performances are filmed in various locations depending on the production. Many are filmed in established theaters and opera houses where they were originally performed, while others might be specially staged for television.
Where can I watch Great Performances?
Great Performances can be watched on PBS in the United States. Episodes may also be available for streaming on PBS platforms or other selected online services.
Are there any recurring guest stars on Great Performances?
Great Performances does not feature recurring guest stars in the way a scripted series does. Each production presents different performers and artists.
What are the influences behind Great Performances?
Great Performances draws inspiration from a wide range of performing arts, including plays, musicals, opera, ballet, and concerts, aiming to bring the best of these global art forms to television audiences [1, 4, 7].
How has Great Performances evolved over the years?
Initially starting with separate programs for theater, music, and dance, "Great Performances" became an umbrella title in 1976, encompassing a broader spectrum of performing arts. It has since evolved to include opera transmissions from The Met: Live in HD and has adapted to new technologies over its long history [1].
What is the meaning of the title Great Performances?
The title 'Great Performances' signifies the series' dedication to showcasing high-quality and exceptional artistic achievements in the performing arts.
How are the special effects created for Great Performances?
Information on how special effects are created for "Great Performances" is not publicly available.
Who composes the music for Great Performances?
John Williams composed the theme music for "Great Performances" [1, 18, 21].
Are there any behind-the-scenes documentaries about Great Performances?
While not specifically "behind-the-scenes" documentaries about the series itself, "Great Performances" airs a wide variety of performance documentaries and specials that offer insights into the world of the performing arts [1, 4, 7].
What is the future of Great Performances?
The series continues to evolve, presenting new productions and innovative performances, and remains committed to bringing the best of the performing arts to its audience. It is currently in its 53rd season [4, 7].
What is the lighting like in Great Performances?
Specific details about the lighting style are not readily available, but the series aims to capture stage performances with high production quality [16, 28].
Who is the executive producer of Great Performances?
David Horn is the Executive Producer of "Great Performances" [3, 15].
How does Great Performances handle sensitive topics?
When addressing sensitive topics, "Great Performances" often presents them within the context of the art form, such as in the opera "Carmen," which touches on issues of gendered violence and abusive labor structures [2].
What is the target audience for Great Performances?
The target audience for "Great Performances" includes individuals interested in a wide range of performing arts, from classical music and opera to dance and musical theater [4, 7].
What are the main themes explored in Great Performances?
The main themes explored in "Great Performances" are as diverse as the performing arts themselves, often encompassing the human condition, artistic expression, and cultural heritage.
What is the critical reception of Great Performances?
Great Performances has generally received positive reviews from critics, often being described as "The classiest thing on TV" [1].
