Kit Armstrong, Prepared for a Key Performance

By Liane Hansen

Published June 12, 2005 at 12:00 AM EDT

Concert pianist Kit Armstrong performs Beethoven's first piano concerto with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra this weekend.

His mature talent contrasts sharply with his diminutive stage presence. At 13, he's young enough to play with the grandchildren of many members of the Baltimore Symphony.

But he more than holds his own with the veteran musicians, and in conversation with Liane Hansen, who spoke to the young performer between rehearsals.

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Liane Hansen

Liane Hansen has been the host of NPR's award-winning Weekend Edition Sunday for 20 years. She brings to her position an extensive background in broadcast journalism, including work as a radio producer, reporter, and on-air host at both the local and national level. The program has covered such breaking news stories as the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, the capture of Saddam Hussein, the deaths of Princess Diana and John F. Kennedy, Jr., and the Columbia shuttle tragedy. In 2004, Liane was granted an exclusive interview with former weapons inspector David Kay prior to his report on the search for weapons of mass destruction in Iraq. The show also won the James Beard award for best radio program on food for a report on SPAM.