Spring Programming Highlights
All times are eastern.
See pages 6 and 7 of your spring issue of Quarter Notes to read more about what’s coming up this quarter at WCPE, The Classical Station.
Don Giovanni
Photo by Marty Sohl and Metropolitan Opera
The Metropolitan Opera
Saturdays through June 5
The Met continues with weekly pre-recorded broadcasts from Lincoln Center, including Mozart’s Don Giovanni on March 27, Puccini’s La Bohème on April 10, and Wagner’s Tristan und Isolde on May 15. Mary Jo Heath is your host.
Women’s History Month
Gabriela Lena Frank
Photo by Mariah Tauger
March
We’re seeing new interest in the works of female composers, women throughout history who have pursued their art while juggling family obligations and the expectations of a not always supportive society. This month we’ll feature historic composers including Louise Farrenc (b. 1804), Florence Beatrice Price (b. 1887), and Fanny Mendelssohn-Hensel (b. 1805). And we’ll have a special focus on today’s history-makers, such as Gabriela Lena Frank, Anna Clyne, and Angélica Négron during The Classical Station’s Wavelengths, Sundays at 9:00 p.m. eastern.
Photo of Ennio Morricone
copyright Jelmer de Haas
A Cinema Classics Weekend
March 13–14
A compelling soundtrack is a large part of what makes a film great. We’ll feature the music that has enriched your cinematic experience, including classical favorites used in beloved movies and music written specifically for the silver screen. Make some popcorn and settle in for a great weekend with composers such as Bernard Herrmann, Jerry Goldsmith, Elmer Bernstein, and John Williams.
Dan McHugh and John Mainwaring
WCPE Spring Membership Drive
March 19-28
Your financial support helps us share Great Classical Music with listeners everywhere. Make your gift online or mail your silent pledge to WCPE Radio, PO Box 828, Wake Forest, NC 27588.
Passover
March 27
WCPE airs a special program of music at 6:00 p.m. to mark the beginning of Passover at sunset this day.
Easter
April 4
Celebrate with Rob Kennedy, host of WCPE’s Great Sacred Music, beginning at 8:00 a.m.
Sharon Isbin
Photo by Rob Fortunato
In the Gardens of Spain Weekend
April 10-11
Let The Classical Station take you on a musical excursion to this sunny, magical land of Moorish castles, passionate folk dances, and classical guitar. With compositions by Rodrigo, de Falla, Tárrega, Albéniz, Granados, and more—we’re sure you’ll find something to enjoy.
Quarter Notes spring book review: The Way of Bach
A Back to the Baroque Weekend
April 24–25
The musical baroque (1600–1750) was an era of exploration, with music written to glorify God while pushing the boundaries of harmonic invention and human virtuosity. We’ll feature the giants of this fascinating period—Bach, Handel and Vivaldi—along with the contributions of Telemann, Albinoni and Purcell, Buxtehude, the Scarlatti family, and more.
Fazil Say photo copyright Marco Borggreve
A Primarily Piano Weekend
May 8–9
A piano is a remarkable contraption, a wooden box holding metal strings, hammers and levers, iron and felt, wedded into a self-contained orchestra. We’ll feature today’s leading performers, among them Orli Shaham, Angela Hewitt, and Daniil Trifonov, along with established masters of the 20th century including Van Cliburn, Martha Argerich, and Maurizio Pollini.
Memorial Day Weekend
May 29–31
An extended weekend celebrating American composers and performers, with lots of patriotic music on Monday to honor the men and women who have given so much for our country.
All-Request Fridays
Saturday Evening Request Program
Thank you for making our request programs a success! The Classical Station now gives you two weekly opportunities to ask for your classical music favorites. All-Request Friday is from 9:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m., and the Saturday Evening Request Program is from 6:00 p.m. until midnight. Submit your advance requests online or call WCPE at 919.556.0123.
Quarterly programming highlights appear in Quarter Notes, the member magazine and program guide of WCPE Radio, The Classical Station. To receive a subscription, become a member today!
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