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Lara Downes

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

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
A Celebration of Denyce Graves

A Celebration of Denyce Graves

Lara Downes celebrates mezzo soprano Denyce Graves

01/23/2026
 "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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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.

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

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

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.

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It Might As Well Be Spring at Classical California

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Fanny Mendelssohn Finally Gets Her Due

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.

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At the Movies: Alexandre Desplat's Frankenstein Score

At the Movies: Alexandre Desplat's Frankenstein Score

Composer Alexandre Desplat, speaks with Brian Lauritzen about his Oscar nominated work on 'Frankenstein'.

02/21/2026
These Films Are Rated V

These Films Are Rated V

Violins powerfully shape film music, from Desplat’s new Frankenstein score to classics like Schindler’s List, The Red Violin, and Psycho.

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