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“Arcade” Stream in The New York Times!
"Jennifer Miller Hammel of Classical California introduces Arcade, a stream blending classical music and video game scores, challenging preconceptions and uniting diverse audiences."
Classical Californians: Inon Zur
Composer Inon Zur, known for his video game scores, offers a playlist of his musical favorites. Discover his inspirations from Beethoven to Stravinsky, and his latest work for Starfield.
The Classical California Ultimate Playlist Goes to the Arcade!
Explore the top video game scores of 2022, from classics like The Legend of Zelda and Final Fantasy to newer entries like Skyrim and Fallout 4. Discover the music that shapes your gaming experience.
A Brief Introduction to the Music of Final Fantasy
Explore the history of Final Fantasy and its iconic music by Nobuo Uematsu. Learn how the franchise's music has become a staple in orchestral concerts and game music events.
Into the Storm with Composer Inon Zur
Explore the musical journey of composer Inon Zur, from his early days in Israel to scoring for popular video games like Fallout and Dragon Age, and his latest album, Into the Storm.
Practicing Piano via Video Games
Explore your musical skills with Pianista: The Legendary Virtuoso on Nintendo Switch. Play challenging piano works, compete globally, and unlock new content as you progress.
Celebrate the Memorable Music of “Assassin’s Creed”
The Dolby Theater is hosting the Assassin’s Creed Symphony, celebrating the music of the video game series. KUSC's Jennifer Miller interviews original composer, Jesper Kyd.
Video Games
We're going to stack blocks, save the princess, and fight off an alien invasion!
Beyond the Classics: 12 More “Sleigh Rides” For the Holidays
Explore the history of the popular holiday song 'Sleigh Ride', from its creation by Leroy Anderson in 1946 to various renditions by artists like Mozart, Delius, and Mahler.
The Secret Story Behind Tchaikovsky’s Mysterious Celesta in “The Nutcracker”
Explore the history of the celesta, a unique instrument used in Tchaikovsky's The Nutcracker and Harry Potter's theme. Discover how it went from obscurity to symphony staple.
A Playlist to Celebrate All Things Fall
Explore the beauty of autumn through music with this curated list of compositions inspired by the season's warm colors, chilly weather, and melancholic mood.
Classical Music and Its Powerful Effect on the Brain
Explore the transformative impact of music on the brain with Classical California host Brisa Siegel and USC's Brain and Creativity Institute. Discover how music shapes young minds.
Trippy Tales in Classical Music
Explore the connection between altered states of consciousness and music composition, featuring works by Berlioz, Hildegard of Bingen, and Schumann.
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.
