Classical Music Happy Hour

Introducing Classical Music Happy Hour with Manny Ax

Classical Music Happy Hour

Show Notes

Join renowned pianist Emanuel Ax for Classical Music Happy Hour: a new podcast full of music, merriment, and conversation. Manny (Emanuel) talks with special guests about their lives, listens to some of their favorite classical gems, plays music-inspired games, and answers questions from listeners. Grab a cocktail and press play on a podcast celebrating our love of all things classical music! Episode one with guest and pianist Yuja Wang drops next week.

More from Classical Music Happy Hour

Sep 21, 2026

What happens when one of the world’s greatest pianists returns to Carnegie Hall after 14 years away? Manny Ax was there as a teenager, and he remembers it all. Manny shares a story about one of classical music's greatest pianists and the actual mark that he left on the floor of Carnegie Hall. We hear Horowitz’s Nails, an episode of Carnegie Hall’s podcast If This Hall Could Talk.

Sep 2, 2026

Producer Lauren Purcell-Joiner puts Classical Music Happy Hour host Manny Ax in the hot seat with the tough questions: What’s his favorite drink? The best book about music he’s ever read? And which composer would he most like to grab coffee with?

Aug 21, 2026

Classical Music Happy Hour host Manny Ax and producer Lauren Purcell-Joyner bring you a special episode from Aria Code, diving into Verdi’s Aida, which is one of Manny’s all-time favorite operas. Together, they reflect on what makes this story so timeless, from the beauty of the music to the real-life stories that reveal just how deeply opera can connect to our own lives.

Aug 5, 2026

Host Manny Ax is back for a very special live episode of Classical Music Happy Hour featuring highlights from the sold-out launch party this past March.

Jul 10, 2026

As we get ready for a new season, we’d also love to hear from you! What were some of your favorite moments from the show? Who would you love to see as a guest? What are some questions you’d like to hear answered? Visit classicalmusichappyhour.org/ask

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