Can you tell us more about the Performa - what model is it?

No classic Mac audio application had built in remote control functionality.

Your best bet would be to use a Macro app like Quickkeys.

Do you know if the Apple remote in effect sent "key presses" or function keys to the computer?

If so - then you are golden - you can just have Quickkeys interpret those "channel up" or whatever - as "Next track" for iTunes or whatever you use.