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Celebrate These LGBTQ+ Composers
A brief profile of 6 LGBTQ+ composers
A Conversation with Sara Davis Buechner
Classical California's Maggie Clennon Reberg interviews pianist Sara Davis Buechner on her musical journey, experiences as a trans woman in classical music, and love for baseball.
Celebrating Classical Music with Pride!
Celebrating Pride month, this article highlights the contributions of LGBTQ+ composers in classical music, including Handel, Tchaikovsky, Angela Morley, Billy Strayhorn, Wendy Carlos, and Rufus Wainwright.
Congratulations to the Class of 2020
A radio station honors 2020 graduates with music dedications, reflecting their personal tastes and achievements. Requests come from across California and North America.
Class of 2020 Recommends Music To Inspire You
This article explores the favorite classical music pieces of various graduating students, their personal connections to these works, and how they discovered their love for classical music.
How “Pomp and Circumstance” Became the Unofficial Soundtrack to Graduation (featuring the KUSC Virtual Choir)
Explore the history of Pomp and Circumstance, the traditional graduation march composed by Sir Edward Elgar, and its adoption in American graduation ceremonies.
The Lesser-Known History of “Jingle Bells”
Explore the history of the iconic Christmas song "Jingle Bells," from its creation by James Lord Pierpont in 1850 to its evolution and various renditions by famous artists over the years.
Chapman Challenge: The Story Behind Handel’s “Messiah”
In this Chapman Challenge, Alan discusses Handel's journey with oratorios, from his first encounter in Italy to his profitable English oratorios, culminating in the creation of Messiah.
What Makes a Christmas Concerto a Christmas Concerto?
In this Chapman Challenge, Alan explains that a Christmas concerto is a type of concerto grosso from the Baroque period, characterized by a Pastorale movement.
Coming Soon: "Classical Americana" Season 2
What’s the defining sound of American classical music? What people, stories, sights and sounds throughout American history built our unique classical tradition, and where does it go from here? On Classical Americana, iconoclastic pianist Lara Downes drives you down the highways and byways of American music, with roadside discoveries and detours to the crossroads where musical traditions merge and transform. Tune in each Saturday 5PM-6PM.
A Perilous Playlist of the Most Macabre Music
Explore a Halloween playlist, featuring macabre music chosen by hosts and staffers. From Verdi’s Requiem to John Williams’ Jaws theme, prepare for a harrowing holiday.
Chapman Challenge: What’s the Spookiest Instrument?
In this Chapman Challenge, Alan discusses the spookiest instruments in honor of Halloween, highlighting the eerie sounds of the theremin and the scary potential of violins.
