Classical Americana with Lara Downes
CLASSICAL AMERICANA is a one-hour radio show that explores American classical music, its roots, and the roads it travels. You’ll hear music by American icons like Copland, Gershwin, Bernstein and Price, and living composers like Carlos Simon, Jennifer Higdon, Valerie Coleman and Kevin Puts. You’ll discover the American journeys and stories that have shaped the contours of this country and produced the unique sound of its music.
Classical Americana is created and hosted by LARA DOWNES, a renowned concert pianist, recording artist, media presence, curator, activist, and arts advocate. Downes is Classical California’s Resident Artist, and the Evening Host from 8PM to Midnight.
SEASON ONE drives you down the highways and byways of American classical music, with detours to the transformational crossroads where musical traditions merge. Lara takes listeners on a scenic tour through American landscapes and regional histories, from Copland’s postcards from the Wild West to George Walker’s love letter to his native Kentucky. It’s a road trip through the vast expanse of American classical music, from its diverse origins to its bright future. (13 episodes)
SEASON TWO is a reflection and celebration of our American promise: Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. In the lead-up to the 250th anniversary of the founding of our nation in 2026, Lara shares a broad collection of music that moves with the spirit of those three universal concepts, expressed by composers who span generations and reflect many ways of being and becoming American. (9 episodes)
You can listen to Season 2 of Classical Americana, Saturdays 5PM-6PM now through January 18, 2025. You can also listen to the Classical Americana stream any time.
Listen to Classical Americana
Classical Americana Explore the diverse history of composers capturing the sounds of America from our early days to today. Hosted by Lara Downes.
