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Lara Downes

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
"I Believe" - LA Master Chorale Special with Lara Downes Monday Night

"I Believe" - LA Master Chorale Special with Lara Downes Monday Night

Tune in at 8pm on Monday, May 13 for a special edition of Lara's show, featuring a recent live concert performance with the Los Angeles Master Chorale

05/07/2024

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 CultureClassical AmericanaConcertsVideo

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10 Composers From Across Latin America We’re Celebrating This Month!

10 Composers From Across Latin America We’re Celebrating This Month!

Explore the rich heritage of Hispanic music through these 10 influential composers, from Teresa Carreño to Gabriela Ortiz.

10/01/2025
Finding Beauty in Historical Ruins

Finding Beauty in Historical Ruins

Explore how ancient ruins inspire classical music, from Felix's Scottish Symphony inspired by Holyrood Palace to Zipoli's works found in decaying South American churches.

09/27/2025
The Story Behind “Appalachian Spring,” the Ballet

The Story Behind “Appalachian Spring,” the Ballet

Explore the history of Appalachian Spring, a ballet commissioned by Elizabeth Sprague Coolidge, composed by Aaron Copland, and choreographed by Martha Graham.

09/19/2025
The Wheel of Fortune: Spring, Spirits, and Seeking Love in “Carmina Burana”

The Wheel of Fortune: Spring, Spirits, and Seeking Love in “Carmina Burana”

Explore the history and significance of Carl Orff's 1936 choral masterpiece, Carmina Burana, from its Latin origins to its global recognition today.

09/17/2025
Elgar’s “Enigma Variations”

Elgar’s “Enigma Variations”

Explore the intriguing history of Edward Elgar's Enigma Variations, composed in 1898-99. Discover how this piece, inspired by Elgar's friends and personal experiences, established his fame.

09/17/2025
Did Anybody Ever Finish Schubert’s Unfinished Symphony?

Did Anybody Ever Finish Schubert’s Unfinished Symphony?

In this Chapman Challenge, Alan discusses attempts to complete Schubert's Unfinished Symphony, including a 1928 competition that ultimately awarded an original symphony.

09/16/2025