Find Us on Social Media:
The Many Lives of the “The Flower Duet”
Explore the Flower Duet from Delibes' opera Lakme. Discover its use in TV, film, and creative remixes.
Saturday Morning Car Tunes: George Frideric Handel, Pt. I
Who's the German guy who wrote Italian operas in England? Whoever he is, he wrote music you really can Handel.
Saturday Morning Car Tunes: Antonio Vivaldi, Pt. II
Did Vivaldi really write over 90 operas? What do they have in common with jukebox musicals? Tune in this week to find out!
An Opera Al Fresco Playlist for A Perfect Evening Under the Stars
Enjoy an enchanting evening under the stars with these operatic gems handpicked by Jennifer Miller Hammel. From Hoffmann's Barcarolle to Turandot's Nessun dorma, each piece sets a unique mood.
Saturday Morning Car Tunes: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Pt. III
Power, emotion, and tunes you can hum for days—Mozart’s operas have it all. Tune in this week to hear about Mozart's true love: the opera.
Opera’s Ultimate Five-Minute Interlude: The Meditation from “Thais”
Explore the enduring appeal of Jules Massenet's "Meditation from Thaïs", a five-minute interlude that has become a beloved piece in the classical music repertoire.
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.
Opera
It's time to dress up and get a pair of those fancy looking binoculars: we're at the opera!
Classical Californians: Nicholas Pike
Classical Californians welcomes Emmy award-winning composer and musician Nicholas Pike to share his Oscar nominated aria "Sweet Dreams of Joy" from the short documentary Viva Verdi!
Classical Californians: Jon Batiste
This week on Classical Californians, Grammy- and Oscar-winning musician Jon Batiste guides us through the music that shaped his artistic journey.
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”
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.
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.
