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Albums of the Year | 2025
Top albums of 2025 according to the music programmers at Classical California.
Chapman Challenge: The History of Handbells
In this Chapman Challenge, Alan explains the history of handbells, their transition from bell tower practice tools to melody instruments, and how melodies are divided among ringers in a handbell choir.
The Ukrainian Folk Tune Behind “Carol of the Bells”
These Rides Really Sleigh
Brian Lauritzen gallops into the holidays with these compositions about sleigh rides.
A Classical California Holiday Sing-a-Long Special | Saturday, December 20, 7-9PM
Saturday, December 20, 7-9PM: A Classical California Holiday Sing-a-Long Special hosted by Jennifer Miller Hammel – From your favorite carols to Handel’s Messiah, tune in and follow along with the lyrics below (as well as the score for the Handel choruses), so you can sing-a-long with the season!
Harmonious Holiday Highlights
highlights from Classical California’s Harmonious Holidays 2025
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 Holidays
A tribute to that special time of year.
Screen Time - the power of musical couch co-op!
Jennifer Miller-Hammel reflects on how film, TV, and game music connects generations, blending nostalgia, storytelling, and shared experiences through ‘musical couch co‑op.’
Notes from the Fires: One year after the fires, all we know for sure is what we already knew: people and music are good.
Notes from the Fires, host John Rabe reflects on the year following the Palisades Fire.
Music for the Whole Family
Solomon Reynolds reflects on his earliest memories of classical music and sharing the tradition with future generations.
Your Invitation to the Ultimate New Year’s Eve Party!
Maggie Clennon Reberg invites you to join Classical California's Ultimate New Year's Eve Party, featuring your top 101 selections from 2025.
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.
An Ode to An Ode to Joy
Lara Downes describes why Beethoven’s music still matters after 255 years, exploring the timeless power of his “Ode to Joy” and its role in shaping history.
