Love at First Listen

Ask KDFC: What First Sparked Your Love of Classical?

Explore the personal stories of KDFC staff members as they share their first encounters with classical music, from Beethoven sonatas to Wagner's Ring, that sparked their lifelong love.

02/26/2021

KDFC Love at First Listen: SF Symphony Musicians Talk Their First Love

Explore the origins of love for classical music as shared by KDFC listeners and San Francisco Symphony musicians, including their first experiences and inspirations.

10/02/2019

A Very Ambitious ‘Love at First Listen’

This article narrates the inspiring journey of pianist Natasha Paremski, from her early fascination with Tchaikovsky's First Piano Concerto in Moscow to her performance at Davies Symphony Hall.

10/01/2019

Stewart Goodyear’s ‘Love at First Listen’

Canadian pianist Stewart Goodyear's life was transformed at age 3 or 4 after hearing Beethoven's sonatas. This early exposure inspired his career and lifelong fascination with these works.

10/01/2019

Yo-Yo Ma’s ‘Love at First Listen’

Yo-Yo Ma shares his lifelong love for Schubert's E-flat trio, first discovered at age 12, and how it influenced his music career.

10/01/2019

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Lullabies for Logan

New grandparent and Classical California host, Dianne Nicolini, curates a list of lullabies for her grandchild, Logan.

03/25/2026

Virtuosity and Nostalgia: Teresa Carreño and Chopin

Explore the life and music of Teresa Carreño, a South American composer and pianist, and her significant influence from Frédéric Chopin.

03/13/2026

It Might As Well Be Spring at Classical California

Maggie Clennon Reberg celebrates the arrival of spring as a time of artistic inspiration, global renewal, and musical reflection, offering a themed playlist and inviting you to share your own seasonal traditions.

03/12/2026

The World’s Top 5 Classical Music Destinations to Add to Your Bucket List

Explore the rich musical history of Vienna, Salzburg, Milan, Leipzig, and London. Discover iconic venues, museums, and homes of legendary composers in these classical music cities.

03/12/2026

Fanny Mendelssohn Finally Gets Her Due

Fanny Mendelssohn's lost masterpiece, misattributed to her brother for 150 years, is finally recognized as hers, shedding light on her overlooked musical talent.

03/08/2026

Marin Alsop’s Purple Baton: Empowering the Leaders of Tomorrow

Classical California’s Lara Downes talks with trailblazing conductor Marin Alsop about the #PurpleBaton movement and the future of women on the podium.

03/03/2026

Love at First Listen

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