Maurice Ravel

Composers have offered many notes of thanks to veterans through the years.

Centuries before there was an "International Talk Like a Pirate Day" on September 19, composers already were!

Superstar violinist Anne-Sophie Mutter joins Andris Nelsons and the BSO in John Williams's Violin Concerto No. 2, with works by Strauss and Ravel also on the program.

Contralto Avery Amereau sings Berlioz's "Les Nuits d’été" with the Boston Symphony, and Dima Slobodeniouk conducts music by Messiaen, Ravel, and Agata Zubel.

The beloved childhood friend Mother Goose is honored each year with a national day celebrating her literary achievements.

On WCRB In Concert with Phoenix, Joshua Weilerstein conducts the chamber orchestra in a program that imagines far-off places and fantasy lands, from a fall through the looking glass in Caroline Shaw's "Entr'acte" to a night of revelry in Luigi Boccherini's Madrid and beyond.

In the midst of the Oscar awards given by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, classical music has always been a star performer.

Maurice Ravel's experiences in World War One influenced at least one piece of music he composed — "Le Tombeau de Couperin." The piece serves as a lasting tribute to friends lost in war.

"By the sea, by the sea, by the beautiful sea." Time for us — and composers — to "Seas" the day!

From Scarlatti to Elgar to Crumb, composers have found inspiration, and friendship, from their furry friends.