WETA Classical

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WETA Classical

WETA Classical/WETA VivaLaVoce. Classical Music for Washington. Listen on-air, online, or on the app anytime.
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WETA Classical 90.9 FM is one of the most listened to classical music radio station in the United States. With marquee programs such as “Front Row Washington” and “NSO Showcase,” podcast "Classical Breakdown," and our all-vocal digital channel, “WETA VivaLaVoce” on vivalavoce.org, WETA Classical provides a 24/7 music service with broad appeal. The station reaches audiences over the air throughout

Greater Washington and surrounding counties in Maryland and Northern Virginia, online at wetaclassical.org, via tablet and mobile app devices through the WETA Classical App, and is also available on smart speakers. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter at ! Commenting Policy:
For reference: WETA Classical reserves the right to delete comments that contain:
* offensive language
* personal attacks
* improper comments that target any ethnic, racial, or religious group
* spam or include certain links to other sites
* are clearly off topic. We reserve the right to use all comments made here for promotional materials.

12/17/2024

Handel's stroke, banning of swords, the mysterious meaning of April 13th...find out shocking truths behind Handel's Messiah on the latest on the Classical Score blog! There is a lot more behind the definitive holiday masterpiece.

James Jacobs shares the shocking backstory behind Handel's Messiah, and the mysterious meaning of April 13th in Handel's life.

12/16/2024

Wishing Beethoven a very happy birthday today! Join us on our Beethoven Birthday Bash with music by the maestro throughout the day!

12/11/2024

If you need a moment of peace from deadlines, to-do lists, and Jingle Bell Rock on repeat, we invite you to join us! Our hosts, your favorite music, and just the right amount of the holiday spirit are here for you whenever you need to rise above it all.

Join us on the dial, on our app, or at wetaclassical.org.

12/10/2024

Aaron Copland, one of the most iconic American composers was at one point even considered by some to be "un-American." John Banther and Evan Keely explore Copland's life, works you probably don't know, what influenced him, how he created an "American" sound, and why he was questioned at length in a senate subcommittee hearing in 1953. On the latest episode of Classical Breakdown, Your Guide to Classical Music.

One of the most iconic American composers was at one point even considered by some to be "un-American." John Banther and Evan Keely explore Copland's life, works you probably don't know, what influenced him, how he created an "American" sound, and why he was questioned at length in a senate subcommi...

12/05/2024

It's cold and windy out, the holiday craze is starting up, and deadlines may be looming before the end of the year. But mentally, you're here. ☕

And we're right there with you! If you need a moment of respite wherever you are, we're available at your fingertips 24/7. Join us and be cozy on the dial or at wetaclassical.org.

12/04/2024

It's that time of the year! Get ready to sing along to the Hallelujah Chorus on NSO Showcase presenting Handel's Messiah tonight at 9PM ET!

Join us for our yearly tradition of Messiah with the National Symphony Orchestra. This year's program is conducted by early music specialist Fabio Biondi with Liv Redpath, soprano, Hannah Ludwig, mezzo-soprano, Matthew Myers, tenor, Neal Davies, bass-baritone, and The Choral Arts Society of Washington.

12/03/2024

We are excited for the return of The Metropolitan Opera broadcasts on Opera Matinee this Saturday with Richard Strauss' Die Frau ohne Schatten. Ahead of the new season, Linda Carducci shares the long history and significance of the Met Opera Radio Broadcasts, and shows a sneak peek of the season ahead.

Linda Carducci shares the 90+ year history of the Met Opera Radio Broadcasts, its significance, and what she's looking forward to in the new broadcast season kicking off on December 7.

11/29/2024

Well, it’s 8PM and we’ve already heard both Beethoven and Dvorak’s 9th Symphony, and now are enjoying the iconic trumpet opening to the winner of the 2024 Classical Countdown - Pictures at an Exhibition.

Another exciting showdown for the #1 spot to say the least! Year after year, we are thrilled to see the great taste in music our listeners have. Thank you for another fantastic Classical Countdown, made possible by your votes!!

11/28/2024

Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at WETA Classical!

We are thankful for all of our listeners who make what we do possible. 🎶

In spirit of Thanksgiving, check out some Rossini-inspired recipes to try if you're headed to more Thanksgiving dinners this weekend!

Rossini was a well-known foodie, with recipes of his own, and recipes by Parisian celebrity chefs creating recipes for him. Check out a three-course meal inspired by Rossini to try this Thanksgiving.

11/27/2024

Do you know Dora Pejačević's Symphony in F # minor? Check out our latest episode on the Classical Breakdown podcast! (And we hope this symphony ends up on next year's Classical Countdown! 😉)

We get a rare opportunity to look at Croatia's first symphony, and it wasn't written until 1917! John and Evan explore Pejačević's symphony and show you what to listen for, what sets her symphony apart from others of the time, and how WWI directly affected her and this very work.

We get a rare opportunity to look at a country's first symphony, and it wasn't written until 1917! John and Evan explore Pejačević's symphony and show you what to listen for, what sets her symphony apart from others of the time, and how WWI directly affected her and this very work.

11/25/2024

You've voted, we've tallied the votes, and Classical Countdown is officially in progress! All we can say is, this will be yet another exciting countdown. 🤐

Host Matthew Dayton shares his family's Thanksgiving tradition - Classical Countdown Bingo! Check out the blog linked below to read more about his family's tradition and download the bingo card, and follow the countdown at weta.org/countdown!

https://weta.org/fm/classical-score/classical-countdown-bingo

11/20/2024

Cellist and conductor Mstislav Rostropovich has a special place in the hearts of long-time classical music lovers in the DC area. As a beloved conductor, one of the greatest cellists of the 20th century, and a fierce fighter for human rights and artistic freedom, his tenure as Music Director of the National Symphony Orchestra from 1978 to 1994 was a legacy. Learn more about this special relationship on our blog Classical Score, and be sure to check out a special performance of Tchaikovsky's Symphony No. 6 with Rostropovich and the National Symphony Orchestra, linked in the blog!

James Jacobs looks back on the legacy of Rostropovich during his tenure with the National Symphony Orchestra.

11/19/2024

A fascinating in-depth look into Verdi's Un Ballo in Maschera right at your fingertips! Check out the conversation between Linda Carducci and local opera scholar, Saul Lilienstein, about the upcoming Verdi opera on Opera Matinee this Saturday.

Linda Carducci speaks with opera scholar, Saul Lilienstein, about Verdi's Un Ballo in Maschera (A Masked Ball), based on a historic event – the assassination of King Gustav of Sweden.

11/13/2024

Few composers were an overnight sensation like Gioachino Rossini! On the latest episode of the Classical Breakdown podcast, we share three of Rossini's musical characteristics as we explore his life, travels, his love of food, and why he might have quit at the height of his fame at age 37. Plus, stay with us to the end for a taste test of the Rossini cocktail!

Few composers were an overnight sensation like Gioachino Rossini! We have 3 musical characteristics of his to show you as we explore his life, travels, his love of food, and why he might have quit at the height of his fame at age 37. Plus, stay with us to the end for the Rossini cocktail!

11/11/2024

It's that time of year! You have the power to shape the Top 100 listener favorites on our annual Classical Countdown! Head over to weta.org/countdown to cast your votes and be sure to tune in Thanksgiving week to hear the results. We've had some exciting upsets in the last couple of years...it's all in your hands!

11/06/2024

Join us for the first NSO Showcase program of the season with a program of the poignant "Knoxville: Summer of 1915" by Samuel Barber, Mozart's Piano Concerto No. 24, and the historic recording of Tchaikovsky's Symphony No. 6 with the National Symphony Orchestra and beloved Mstislav Rostropovich upon his return to Russia after 16 years of exile. Tonight at 9PM ET.

Read more about the program:
https://weta.org/fm/classical-score/nso-showcase-november-nostalgia

📸Rostropovich's first NSO concert as music director, 1977 October/Photo credit unknown, courtesy of The Kennedy Center Archives

10/30/2024

Happy Halloween from all of us at WETA Classical! Be sure to tune in throughout the day for spooktacular favorites! 🎃

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3939 Campbell Avenue
Arlington, VA
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+17039982600

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http://WETAClassical.org/

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Videos

Behind the mic with Matthew Dayton. The slight nodding to the ending of Summer from The Four Seasons. Very demure. Very mindful. 👌💯

𝑴𝒆𝒕 𝑶𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒂 𝑳𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝒊𝒏 𝑯𝑫 𝑻𝒊𝒄𝒌𝒆𝒕 𝑮𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒂𝒘𝒂𝒚 Read below to enter to win a pair of tickets to The Metropolitan Opera Live in HD presentation of Offenbach's Les Contes d’Hoffmann on October 5 at 1PM at your choice of AMC Tyson, Regal Rockville, or Regal Gallery Place. Tenor Benjamin Bernheim stars in the title role alongside sopranos Erin Morley and Pretty Yende and mezzo-soprano Clémentine Margaine as Hoffmann’s trio of lovers. Marco Armiliato conducts Tony Award–winning director Bartlett Sher’s dazzling production, which conjures a world of magic and delusion, aspiring romance and thwarted love, hope and deceit. Enter to win the giveaway by commenting below your favorite French composer and your theater of choice between AMC Tyson, Regal Rockville, or Regal Gallery Place! 🎶This giveaway ends on October 2 at 11:59PM ET. 🎶Winners will be notified by Facebook Messenger on October 3.

WETA Classical or WETA VivaLaVoce?

Are you team WETA Classical or WETA VivaLaVoce? Hosts Evan Keely and John Banther weigh in! Neither station would be possible without your support! Keep the music alive during our Fall Pledge Drive. Donate at weta.org!

Talent abounds in the DMV! A sneak peek of another local virtuoso featured on From the Top this Sunday at 6PM ET! Harpist Eunice Park from Springfield, VA shares a heavenly clip of her performance. Be sure to tune in this Sunday to meet Eunice and guitarist Ethan Kim along with other incredibly talented young musicians on From the Top! #fromthetop #harp #harpist #harpistsofinstagram

Hosts Bill Bukowski and Nicole Lacroix share their go-to classical music for Independence Day! Spoiler alert: it is not 1812 Overture, but rather poignant pieces that symbolize the best of our country. What is your favorite piece of classical music for the Fourth of July? Speaking of the birth of our nation, check out our latest quiz and test your American history knowledge! At the end of the quiz, you have a chance to enter to win an exciting watch party gift basket to make your viewing of A Capitol Fourth a star-spangled party! Items include fun party items, gift cards to Dog Tag Bakery, Compass Coffee, Fire Pit Brazilian BBQ, Andy’s Pizza, Dolci Gelati, and Giant Food, and more! https://action.weta.org/page/68058/action/1 #ACapitolFourth #July4thPBS #PBS

Amit Peled joins on Classical Breakdown to talk all things cello, from its history, music, and his philosophies on music. The best part? His mesmerizing performances! Listen from the link below or from your favorite podcast app! https://weta.org/fm/features/classical-breakdown/what-cello-star-cellist-amit-peled-tells-all #cello #cellolove #cellomusic #celloplayer #cellist #cellistsofinstagram

From the history of the cello to his philosophy on playing, star cellist and professor at Peabody Institute Amit Peled joins on the latest episode of Classical Breakdown to talk about all things cello! Listen from the link below or from your favorite podcast app! https://weta.org/fm/features/classical-breakdown/what-cello-star-cellist-amit-peled-tells-all #cello #cellistsofinstagram #cellist #classicalmusic #celloplayer #cellolove

Robert Schumann’s Carnaval is a delightful work for the piano on the surface, but there is so much more to discover like hidden cryptograms throughout the music. Check out the latest episode of Classical Breakdown to learn more! Listen on your favorite podcast app or from this link: https://weta.org/fm/features/classical-breakdown/robert-schumanns-carnaval-solo-piano-brings-masked-ball-life

Happy 60th birthday, Gianandrea Noseda! All of us at WETA Classical are wishing you a wonderful day, full of great music! And we are filling our airwaves with great music conducted by the maestro every hour today! Be sure to tune in to join in on the celebrations! 🥳 Check out the link below to learn how the National Symphony Orchestra is celebrating the maestro’s 60th birthday all season long! https://weta.org/fm/classical-score/buon-compleanno-maestro-celebration-maestro-nosedas-60th-birthday

In period performance, choosing the right bow (ie a Baroque bow or a late Classical bow) can make a big difference in sound and interpretation. Elizabeth Field from The Vivaldi Project explains!Be sure to catch our exclusive broadcast premiere of The Vivaldi Project’s “Discovering the Classical String Trio” Volume 4 all this week! See link below to learn more about the album, and discover the fascinating genre of the Classical string trio! #classicalstringtrio #stringtrio #violin #viola #cello https://weta.org/fm/classical-score/vivaldi-project

How do you interpret tempo marking from 18th-century manuscripts? Elizabeth Field from The Vivaldi Project explains! Be sure to catch our exclusive broadcast premiere of The Vivaldi Project’s “Discovering the Classical String Trio” Volume 4 all this week! See the link below to learn more about the album, and discover the fascinating genre of the Classical string trio! #classicalstringtrio #stringtrio #violin #viola #cello https://weta.org/fm/classical-score/vivaldi-project

How do you interpret 18th-century notation? It takes more than just reading what’s on the page! Elizabeth Field from The Vivaldi Project explains! Be sure to catch our exclusive broadcast premiere of The Vivaldi Project’s “Discovering the Classical String Trio” Volume 4 all this week! See the link below to learn more about the album, and discover the fascinating genre of the Classical string trio! #classicalstringtrio #stringtrio #violin #viola #cello https://weta.org/fm/classical-score/vivaldi-project