Meet the Special Programs on WETA Classical

In addition to the carefully curated daily playlists to accompany you throughout your day, we are proud to offer special programs throughout the week to share the wide depth of genres and repertoire classical music has to offer. Our hosts share why these programs are meaningful to them, and what it has to offer for every classical lover.

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John Banther

There are an abundance of concert series in the Washington DC area, and only a few people have the ability to go to a concert every single week. But remember, you can enjoy a local live concert recording with me every Monday evening at 9 on Front Row Washington. There is always a variety throughout the month, from piano recitals to chamber ensembles, and even full orchestra from venues like Wolf Trap, the National Gallery of Art, and the Smithsonian. And because these are recent concerts, we often get to hear the world premiere performance of new works by some of the most prolific composers today. If you are interested in live performances, new and varied music, then join me Monday evenings at 9 on WETA Classical.

Nicole Lacroix

WETA Classical is kicking off the 17th season of NSO Showcase on October 2nd with a special broadcast of the highlights of the National Symphony Orchestra’s season opening gala. After that, each month from November through July, we’ll present a program composed of National Symphony Orchestra performances that have been recorded at the Kennedy Center Concert Hall, mostly by our own Charles Lawson. NSO Showcase airs the first Wednesday evening of each month at 9:00 and is streamed throughout the month. The programs present a wide variety of pieces, from concertos to symphonies, to ballets and even, each December, to Handel’s Messiah. Many concerts feature NSO music director Gianandrea Noseda, and we are also introduced to a variety of acclaimed guest conductors as well as superb soloists. The National Symphony is our “home team” so to speak and deserves an important place in our hearts. If our program inspires you to attend a live concert at the Kennedy Center, we’ve done our job. 

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Linda Carducci

The word “opera” derives from the Italian phrase opera in musica – “work in music” -- a phrase that broadly describes the art form that tells a story through music and voice, unfolding the human condition and range of emotions from love, revenge and tragedy to comedy and joy. Opera’s roots are in 16th century Italian Renaissance, when music, poetry, dance and drama were blended into one stage presentation It’s fascinating to see how opera has evolved during each significant era of music, from the Baroque operas of Monteverdi and Handel with lyrical arias and orchestral purity, to the symmetrical ideals of Classicism and harmony perfected by Mozart in his iconic operas, to grand-scale dramatic and vocal masterpieces of the 19th century Romantic era, exemplified by Rossini, Verdi, Bellini and Puccini, that extend to Richard Wagner’s revolutionary music dramas with heightened integration of narrative with music into a steady stream of through-composed music. In the modern era, composers have put their stamp on the form through innovative harmonies and minimalism, and by addressing current-day social issues. Regardless of the era, opera is the source of some of music’s most loved melodies: Norma’s earnest prayer, “Casta Diva,” from Bellini’s lyrical Norma; the majestic “Nessun dorma” from Puccini’s thrilling Turandot; the seductive duet “Là ci darem la mano” from Mozart’s masterful Don Giovanni; and the heartbreaking hope for a husband’s return in “Un bel di, vedremo” from Puccini’s Madama Butterfly, to name only a few. 

WETA Classical’s Opera Matinee gives us the opportunity to experience opera’s emotional thrills, compelling stories and delightful moments each Saturday afternoon with a vast schedule of live broadcasts from the Metropolitan Opera and recordings from world-class opera houses. Even if you’re not familiar with a particular opera -- or opera in general -- expert commentators guide us through each broadcast with narratives and historical context. Check each week’s Opera Matinee schedule here.

Bill Bukowski

WETA Classical’s Choral Showcase offers lovers of choral music a weekly celebration of voices lifted in song, with everything from medieval chant and polyphony to Baroque and Romantic masterworks, alongside new discoveries – both past and present. One great pleasure is to present perennial favorites alongside works that you may be less familiar with; sometimes, a listening experience like this can lead to a deeper appreciation of your own favorites. The rich tradition of choral singing in the DC community invites us from time to time to highlight these performers and performances as well. With recent recordings from ensembles around the world, monthly themes, and various holiday celebrations, join in and listen every Sunday evening at 9 for Choral Showcase on WETA Classical. And, see for yourself what’s coming up next by visiting our webpage.