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10 Scary-Good Performances of Bach’s Toccata and Fugue
Explore the Classical California Ultimate Playlist's blog series, featuring awe-inspiring performances of Bach's Toccata and Fugue in D minor on various instruments, from organ to glass harp.
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 River Runs Through This Music
Explore the stories behind classical compositions inspired by rivers, from Smetana's The Moldau to Beglarian's BRIM: The River Project, and their transformative power.
Your 20 Favorite Movie Scores
Explore the 2022 Classical California Ultimate Playlist featuring top 20 movie music pieces, from John Williams' Star Wars to Elmer Bernstein’s The Magnificent Seven.
Opera’s Ultimate Five-Minute Interlude: The Meditation from “Thais”
Explore the enduring appeal of Jules Massenet's "Meditation from Thaïs", a five-minute interlude that has become a beloved piece in the classical music repertoire.
Alexander Borodin Goes to Broadway
Explore how Borodin's Polovtsian Dances from Prince Igor made Broadway history in Kismet, winning multiple Tony Awards, including a posthumous one for Borodin.
An Obsessive Love that Mirrored Life
Explore the dramatic tale of Hector Berlioz's Symphonie fantastique, an autobiographical piece reflecting his obsessive love for actress Harriet Smithson and his descent into madness.
Saturday Morning CarTunes: The Vibraphone
The spotlight is on the jazzy and haunting sound of the vibraphone.
Classical Californians: Sameer Patel
Sameer Patel, Music Director and Orchestra Conductor of the La Jolla Symphony and Chorus is this week's Classical Californian.
“Trio”: Three Upcoming NorCal Events We Think You’ll Enjoy Each Week
Explore upcoming events in the Bay Area this week.
Saturday Morning CarTunes: The Bagpipes
The bagpipes aren't just about Scotland and kilts!
Classical Californians: Nicholas Phan
Tenor Nicholas Phan is this week's Classical Californian
Saturday Morning CarTunes: The Marimba
A look at the marimba - now a mainstay of the orchestra's percussion section, as well as a solo instrument