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Lara Downes

An Ode to An Ode to Joy

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.

12/16/2025
Celebrating Black History Month

Celebrating Black History Month

Celebrating Black History in classical music all month long.

02/03/2025
 "I Believe" with Community Music Center

"I Believe" with Community Music Center

Classical California presents "I Believe" with the Community Music Center

12/03/2024
Coming Soon: "Classical Americana" Season 2

Coming Soon: "Classical Americana" Season 2

What’s the defining sound of American classical music? What people, stories, sights and sounds throughout American history built our unique classical tradition, and where does it go from here? On Classical Americana, iconoclastic pianist Lara Downes drives you down the highways and byways of American music, with roadside discoveries and detours to the crossroads where musical traditions merge and transform. Tune in each Saturday 5PM-6PM.

11/20/2024
SOLD OUT: Our Next SKY Concert: Classical Americana LIVE with Lara Downes and Tessa Lark

SOLD OUT: Our Next SKY Concert: Classical Americana LIVE with Lara Downes and Tessa Lark

Our SOLD OUT Classical Americana series continues in our amazing 11th floor concert space at the Bowes Performing Arts building. KDFC resident artist and evening host Lara Downes is joined by Tessa Lark.

09/23/2024
Amplify: Conductor Jonathon Heyward

Amplify: Conductor Jonathon Heyward

Lara Downes speaks with conductor Jonathon Heyward for the latest edition of "Amplify".

08/30/2024
WATCH: SKY Concert Featuring Jake Heggie

WATCH: SKY Concert Featuring Jake Heggie

On May 30th, 2024 our evening host and resident artist pianist Lara Downes welcomes two longtime friends and musical collaborators: the legendary mezzo-soprano Frederica von Stade and San Francisco’s own legend-in-the-making Jake Heggie, considered one of the world's most popular 21st-century opera and art song composers.

07/22/2024

Video Series

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1 videos

Amplify with Lara Downes: Season 4

"Amplify with Lara Downes" eavesdrops on convivial conversations with today’s leading Black artists.

11/20/2024

Shows

Classical Americana image

Classical Americana

What’s the defining sound of American classical music? What people, stories, sights and sounds throughout American history built our unique classical tradition, and where does it go from here? On Classical Americana, iconoclastic pianist Lara Downes drives you down the highways and byways of American music, with roadside discoveries and detours to the crossroads where musical traditions merge and transform. Tune in each Saturday 5PM-6PM.

RELATED TOPICS

AmplifyPop CultureCommunityClassical AmericanaConcerts

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Notes from the Fires: This episode might change your mind about spreadsheets. Really.

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Notes from the Fires: Fire Victims Fight Trauma with Tradition

Notes from the Fires: Fire Victims Fight Trauma with Tradition

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These Rides Really Sleigh

These Rides Really Sleigh

Brian Lauritzen gallops into the holidays with these compositions about sleigh rides.

12/02/2025
Did our Notes from the Fires friends find something to be grateful for on Thanksgiving? Spoiler Alert: Yes.

Did our Notes from the Fires friends find something to be grateful for on Thanksgiving? Spoiler Alert: Yes.

Notes from the Fires host, John Rabe asks Christopher Still, the second trumpet for the LA Phil, “How was your Thanksgiving?”

12/02/2025