Classical Countdown voting begins Monday!
It's that time of the year again! As we look forward to one of our most anticipated events of the year, limber up your fingers, and visit weta.org/countdown to cast your votes for Classical Countdown! The fate of this year's countdown (airing November 21-24) is in your hands. Let's see some exciting upsets in the top three this year!
Innovation from A Far Cry on Front Row Washington
Called a “world-wide phenomenon” by Boston’s WBUR, A Far Cry has nurtured a distinct approach to music-making since its founding in 2007. The self-conducted orchestra is a democracy in which decisions are made collectively and leadership rotates among the players (“Criers”). This structure has led to consistently thoughtful, innovative, and unpredictable programming — and impactful collaborations with celebrated performers and composers. Catch the result of such innovative collaboration on Front Row Washington with their exciting performance which includes a world premiere inspired in part by the music of Hildegaard Von Bingen, Tallis, and Palestrina. Monday at 9PM ET.
The timeless tale of tragic love on Opera Matinee
Opera Matinee features Charles Gounod's lavish take on Shakespeare's tragic love story - Romeo and Juliet - full of lyricism and passion in this production of China's National Centre for the Performing Arts, led by Patrick Fournillier and featuring Mélissa Petit and Francesco Demuro in the title roles. Saturday at 1PM ET.
The Brentano Quartet on Center Stage from Wolf Trap
Catch our own Rich Kleinfeldt as he presents the Brentano Quartet on Saturday at 9PM ET, bringing a rich program of music for string quartet, with String Quartet No. 5 by Argentinine-American composer Mario Davidovsky, and Mendelssohn's String Quartet No. 2, his first mature string quartet, composed at the age of 18.
Bach's inspiration on Mendelssohn on Choral Showcase
Mendelssohn is widely known to have brought back the genius of Bach and his influences to the world of Western music. The life and work of Saint Paul is beautifully captured in Felix Mendelssohn's oratorio, Paulus, done in the style of Bach showing such influence. We'll hear it this weekend on Choral Showcase with a performance by BBC National Chorus and Orchestra of Wales and Richard Hickox conducting. Sunday night at 9PM ET.
Greet the sun with Classical Sunrise
No matter the clock change with the end of Daylight Savings, Linda Carducci is still there for you at sunrise with the best classical pairing to the start your day. Enjoy this week's line-up!
- Monday 6:41AM CPE Bach - Sinfonia, H 649: III. Allegro
- Tuesday 6:42AM Prokofiev - "Tag" from Music for Children
- Wednesday 6:44AM Vivaldi -Oboe Sonata, RV 34: II. Allegro
- Thursday 6:45AM Ravel - Noble and Sentimental Waltzes: Modéré
- Friday 6:45AM Beethoven -Kakadu Variations: Finale
WETA Passport
Stream tens of thousands of hours of your PBS and local favorites with WETA Passport whenever and wherever you want. Catch up on a single episode or binge-watch full seasons before they air on TV.