Classical Score

Check out the latest in classical music below!

We bring you the latest in classical music news, must-hear events around town, and lifestyle stories to accompany your love for classical music. Check back for the latest from your favorite on-air hosts and the WETA Classical team.

Stay up to date on the latest below, or browse by topic here!

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Ahead of the much-anticipated performance of Verdi's Otello with the National Symphony Orchestra and Gianandrea Noseda, Linda Carducci provides historical context and synopsis of the operatic masterpiece.

In celebration of Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month, John Banther shares 5 AAPI composers you should know!

In conversation with Maestro Gianandrea Noseda: His journey, perspectives on music, conducting, and more!

Welcome to our regular series on upcoming classical concerts presented by the Kennedy Center! Nicole Lacroix shares sneak peeks into each week's offerings from the National Symphony Orchestra, the Washington National Opera, and Fortas Chamber Music Concerts.

Handel's Messiah with Gianandrea Noseda

Tue, 12/5/2023 - 1:26 pm

This month's NSO Showcase features our annual December tradition of Handel's Messiah with the National Symphony Orchestra. This year, we are treated to Messiah with Maestro Gianandrea Noseda.
Messiah, Faust, the Return of Met Opera, and more on WETA Classical this week

Sun, 12/3/2023 - 9:28 pm

NSO Showcase brings our holiday tradition of Messiah with the NSO. Front Row Washington tells the story of Faust, and the Met Opera Broadcasts return.
A Guide to Holiday Classics

Thu, 11/30/2023 - 2:23 pm

Our Station Manager, Dan DeVany, gives us the ultimate guide to classical music for the holidays, from perennial favorites, your soon-to-be favorites, to Sleigh Ride by both Leroy Anderson and Leopold Mozart.
The Lion, the Unicorn, and Me: Washington National Opera’s Holiday Presentation

Mon, 11/27/2023 - 1:55 pm

The Washington National Opera presents the perfect holiday opera for the entire family, The Lion, The Unicorn, and Me. Whimsical costumes. Endearing characters. Playful music.
Yefim Bronfman plays Brahms with the NSO and Fortas celebrates the return of Two x Four

Mon, 11/27/2023 - 12:14 pm

Grammy-winning pianist Yefim Bronfman joins the National Symphony Orchestra for a performance of Brahms' Piano Concerto No. 2. Fortas Chamber Music Concerts presents the return of Two x Four (two violinists x four composers).
Opera 101, Emerson String Quartet Farewell Concert, and more on WETA Classical this week

Sun, 11/26/2023 - 7:02 pm

Front Row Washington presents the Emerson String Quartet's farewell concert at Wolf Trap, Classical Breakdown guides you through the history of opera, and more on our special programs this week.
Classical Countdown, Start of Advent Music, and more on WETA Classical this week

Sun, 11/19/2023 - 9:51 pm

Our highly anticipated Classical Countdown begins this Monday, wrapping up on Thanksgiving night! We begin to celebrate the seasons with advent music on Choral Showcase, and more on WETA Classical this week.
The Program Director's Guide to Classical Countdown

Sun, 11/19/2023 - 4:14 pm

Our Program Director, Jim Allison, offers his thoughts on the annual favorite, Classical Countdown. What has stayed true over the years and what exciting changes have we seen? Read on and be sure to follow this year's Countdown!
ShakespeareFest: Bernstein and Shakespeare

Fri, 11/17/2023 - 12:33 pm

We close our celebration of Shakespeare and music with Bernstein's West Side Story. James Jacobs explores Bernstein's quest for his masterpiece, and the relevance of Romeo and Juliet to this day.
Beach, Brahms, Schubert, and Shakespeare

Thu, 11/16/2023 - 10:23 am

Tonight's ShakespeareFest explores Shakespeare's words manifested through art song, featuring music of Beach, Brahms, and a Liszt transcription of a Schubert song.
ShakespeareFest: Verdi, Macbeth, and Shakespeare

Tue, 11/14/2023 - 4:18 pm

Get ready for a night of Verdi's Macbeth on ShakespeareFest. James Jacobs explores how Verdi brings this Shakespeare favorite to life with "sounds effectively diabolical, with some moments of unexpected tenderness."
Making Shakespeare

Tue, 11/14/2023 - 10:07 am

We have been exploring the lasting impact of Shakespeare in the world of classical music. Discover the importance of Shakespeare's First Folio on Great Performances "Making Shakespeare: The First Folio" on WETA PBS.