Turn to WHYY-TV 12 for amazing music specials!
WHYY-TV12 rocks this holiday season! Catch exciting concert performances by Whitney Houston, Willie Nelson, The Who, Leonard Cohen, Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Il Volo and more. From rock to soul, folk to pop, we’ve got your ticket to great entertainment.
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Whitney Houston — The Concert for a New South Africa (Durban)
Tuesday, 12.3.24 | 9 PM
Monday, 12.9.24 | 11 PM
In 1994, Whitney Houston took the stage in Durban, South Africa, becoming the first major Western musician to visit the newly unified, post-apartheid nation following President Nelson Mandela’s winning election. This performance was more than a concert: it was a celebration of freedom, hope, and unity. Whitney’s powerhouse voice and emotional delivery brought joy and inspiration to a country newly liberated.
Willie Nelson: 90th Birthday Celebration
Sunday, 12.1.24 | 8 PM
The star-studded concert celebrates the country legend’s milestone 90th birthday and his contributions to popular culture and music. This historic concert event, recorded live on Willie’s 90th birthday before a sold-out audience at the legendary Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles, California, features unforgettable interpretations of many classics from the Nelson songbook with performances by Beck, Gary Clark Jr., Sheryl Crow, Snoop Dogg, Norah Jones, Miranda Lambert, Dave Matthews, Nelson’s sons (Lukas Nelson and Micah Nelson), Keith Richards, George Strait and Chris Stapleton and Willie Nelson.
60s and 70s Soul Celebration (My Music)
Saturday, 11.30.24 | 8:30 PM
Sunday, 12.1.24 | 12:30 PM
Tuesday, 12.10.24 | 10:30 PM
The legends of 60’s and 70’s soul music return to perform their biggest hits. Featuring The Temptations, James Brown, Patti LaBelle, The Chi-Lites, The Spinners, Sam Moore and more in this first-time-ever classic R&B and soul compilation. Philly artists include: Parri LaBelle, The Stylistics, Billy Paul, McFadden and Whitehead, The Intruders, Harold Melvn’s Blue Notes, Delfonics, Manhattans, Sister Sledge, The Trammps, and The Spinners plus Philly favorite groups The Temptations, 4 Tops, Martha Reeves, Edwin Starr and many more.
AMERICAN MASTERS Brenda Lee: Rockin’ Around
Wednesday, 12.4.24 | 10:30 PM
With a giant voice and tiny stature, Brenda Lee, one of the female founders of rock ‘n’ roll, is a living legend and true American phenomenon. A national treasure, she “has the greatest rock ‘n’ roll voice of them all,” said John Lennon — a reputation she continues to prove today. One of the most versatile singers ever to record in Nashville, Lee began her career as a rockabilly teen before moving on to rock ‘n’ roll, pop, and country. In 2023, she became the oldest artist to reach #1 on the Billboard charts with her classic hit “Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree.” Standing at four feet, nine inches tall, Lee’s accolades include multiple Top 10s, over 100 million album sales, Hall of Fame memberships, Grammy Awards, and influencing artists from The Beatles to Taylor Swift.
Broadway’s Leading Men: A Musical Celebration
Sunday, 12.8.24 | 6 PM
Join the American Pops Orchestra to pay tribute to the leading men of the Great White Way. Performances include Tony and Emmy Award-winning artist Christian Borle; Emmy, Tony and SAG Award nominee Norm Lewis; Tony and Emmy-nominated artist Matthew Morrison; Telly Leung; Tony, Emmy and Grammy Award winner Andre De Shields; Alexis Michelle; Emmy and Grammy winner Christopher Jackson; Tony winner Paulo Szot; Nic Rouleau; and Jacob Gutierrez with special appearances by Tony Award winner Liev Schreiber; Tony Award nominee Jared Grimes; Tony Award winner James Monroe Iglehart, multi-Emmy nominated artist, Tituss Burgess; multi Emmy and Tony Award-nominated artist Victor Garber and more. Conducted by Luke Frazier with the American Pops Orchestra.
GREAT PERFORMANCES Henry Mancini 100 at the Hollywood Bowl
Friday, 11.29.24 | 9 PM
The Hollywood Bowl Orchestra and several special guests celebrate the centennial birthday of Henry Mancini, the peerless composer for film, television and popular song. The four-time Oscar and 20-time Grammy-winning composer of “Moon River” and the “Pink Panther” made 29 conducting appearances on the iconic Bowl’s stage. Michael Bublé, Cynthia Erivo, saxophonist Dave Koz and Mancini’s daughter Monica Mancini gather to perform Mancini’s signature songs, interspersed with clips from his beloved movies and TV shows. In addition, behind-the-scenes documentary footage captures the recording sessions for The Henry Mancini 100th Sessions – Henry Has Company, an all-star album featuring a range of artists including Gustavo Dudamel, Herbie Hancock, Quincy Jones, Lizzo, Stevie Wonder, Pat Metheny, Take 6, Snarky Puppy, and more.
GREAT PERFORMANCES Patsy Cline: Walkin’ After Midnight
Tuesday, 12.3.24 | 11 PM
Country music legend Patsy Cline was a trailblazer in her genre, paving the way for artists who followed in her footsteps. GREAT PERFORMANCES presents Patsy Cline: Walkin’ After Midnight, a star-studded concert filmed at the historic Ryman Auditorium, Patsy’s home stage in Nashville, to celebrate her life, legacy and music. The concert features artists from numerous genres like country, pop, rock, gospel, bluegrass and more including Wynonna, Ashley McBryde, Grace Potter, Beverly D’Angelo, Crystal Gayle, Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo, Mickey Guyton, Kristin Chenoweth, Rita Wilson, Natalie Grant, Kellie Pickler, Pam Tilliis, Tigerlily Gold, Reyna Roberts, Tami Neilson, Tiera Kennedy, Mandy Barnett, Annie Bosko, The Isaacs and Home Free. The program also features archival interviews and commentary from fellow artists and those who knew Patsy.
HAUSER – Classic Gala Concert Live at the Royal Albert Hall
Friday, 12.6.24 | 8:30 PM
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Immerse yourself in an unforgettable musical journey as HAUSER takes the stage at the iconic Royal Albert Hall. In this filmed concert experience, HAUSER’s masterful cello performances transport audiences to new realms of emotion and beauty. From breathtaking renditions of classical masterpieces to irresistible contemporary compositions, HAUSER’s virtuosity captivates every listener. Set against the grandeur of the Royal Albert Hall, this cinematic spectacle promises an evening of unparalleled elegance and enchantment that will resonate long after the final notes fade away.
Il Volo in the Valley of the Temples
Monday, 12.9.24 | 7:30 PM
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Internationally acclaimed Italian trio Il Volo returns to WHYY, performing against the breathtaking backdrop of the ancient Temple of Concordia in Sicily’s spectacular Valley of the Temples. A celebration of Italian culture and history, the concert showcases the trio’s powerful vocals, harmonizing with the grandeur of a full orchestra. As night falls, the beautifully illuminated temple is a majestic setting for the vocal prowess and charming personalities of Il Volo, blending the timelessness of ancient architecture with the modern artistry of music.
Leonard Cohen – Live in Dublin
Thursday, 12.5.24 | 7:30 PM
Canadian singer-songwriter, poet and novelist Leonard Cohen gives a peak performance in this live concert before an adoring audience at Dublin’s 02 Arena on September 12, 2013. Filmed during the artist’s monumental 2012-13 sold-out, 5-star world tour in support of his latest release (2012’s Old Ideas), Cohen sang songs from the new album, which was uniformly praised by critics. Cohen also performed a major on-stage retrospective with songs from his 50-year career, including “Suzanne,” “Bird On the Wire,” “So Long Marianne,” “Hallelujah,” “Dance Me to the End of Love,” “Famous Blue Raincoat,” and “Take This Waltz.”
The Who at Kilburn 1977
Friday, 11.29.24 | 11 PM
On December 15, 1977, The Who assembled at Gaumont State Theatre in Kilburn, North London, to record a concert for a documentary. This rare film captures the classic line-up of Roger Daltrey, Pete Townshend, John Entwistle and Keith Moon in what was to be their final public show with the legendary Moon on drums. A little over nine months later, he passed away at the age of 32. The band is in top form, performing all their greatest hits.
Trans-Siberian Orchestra: Ghosts of Christmas Eve
Wednesday, 12.4.24 | 7:30 PM
Saturday, 12.7.24 | 11 PM
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Narrated by the late Ossie Davis, this a fantasy trip through the magic of Christmas. A runaway little girl decides to return to her family after she enters a rundown theater for shelter and encounters an old caretaker (Davis), who guides her on her journey. The caretaker brings the theater to life through various musical performances by singers Jewel, Michael Crawford and the Trans-Siberian Orchestra.
Love Train: The Sound of Philadelphia – Live in Concert
Saturday, 12.7.24 | 11:30 AM
A dynamic concert featuring soul and R&B superstars The O Jays, Harold Melvin’s Blue Notes, Russell Thompkins and the New Stylistics, Jerry Butler, The Soul Survivors, The Delphonics, and many more, along with the 28-piece TSOP Orchestra. Songs include “The Love I Lost,” “Me & Mrs. Jones,” “Wake Up Everybody,” “Ain’t No Stopping Us Now,” and “People Get Ready / Love Train.
All New Rock, Pop and Doo Wop (My Music)
Sunday, 12.8.24 | 10:30 AM
All New Rock, Pop and Doo Wop features full-length performances from legends Johnny Maestro, The Duprees, Jay Back, Little Anthony & The Imperials, Ronnie Spector, Frankie Valli, Jerry Butler and many more artists from the 50s and 60s.
Moments To Remember
Saturday, 11.30.24 | 6 PM
Saturday, 12.7.24 | 3 PM
Patti Page and Nick Clooney co-host new performances and archival classics from the vault. This My Music special features many legends of the late fifties and early sixties pop era. This trip down memory lane features the late Frankie Laine, Italian crooner Julius La Rosa, The Four Lads, Four Aces, Four Freshmen, Roger Williams, Herb Reed’s Platters, The DeCastro Sisters and more performing their greatest hits.
Engleburt Humperdinck in Hawaii
Saturday, 12.7.24 | 10 AM
The greatest hits and love songs of Engelbert Humperdinck from Hawaii Theatre Center in Honolulu. This concert celebrates international superstar Engelbert Humperdinck revealing why he truly is The King of Romance. Classic hits include: Release Me, For the Good Times, The Last Waltz, and Quando Quando.
Peter Bence: Pianosphere in Paris
Tuesday, 12.10.24 | 7:30 PM
Peter Bence is a worldwide piano sensation, composer, and music producer who has taken the internet by storm with his unique piano arrangements, collecting over 1.2 billion video hits and a fanbase of millions. Having toured in more than 45 countries on four continents, Bence has achieved sensational success with his edgy, percussive and expressive playing style, breaking down boundaries between classical and popular music. Taking the piano to a new level, Bence turns the instrument into a full orchestra, inspiring younger and older generations of musicians and music lovers worldwide.