WPR Music

WPR Music is a blog compiling news and information about classical music, folk music, world music and beyond assembled by WPR's music hosts and staff.

Cheers To A Musical Oktoberfest

Tuesday, September 20, 2016, 1:05pm

Although the name suggests otherwise, Oktoberfest actually begins mid-September and sometimes runs long enough to end during the beginning of October. It was first celebrated in Munich in 1810 as a party for the marriage of Crown Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen. From there it expanded to the world-wide festival that it is now. It used to be held entirely in October, but as popularity grew, the festival was moved to September to allow for warmer weather and longer nights.

With so many German-Americans in Wisconsin, it is not hard to understand how Oktoberfest became a big deal...

Celebrate The Harvest Season With Music

Wednesday, September 7, 2016, 11:35am

It's time to celebrate harvest time in Wisconsin! There is plenty of music inspired by this time of year, from joyous jigs in praise of bounty to solemn songs about the hard work.

Here's a collection of 10 pieces that will remind you of this time in earth’s beautiful cycle. Whether in the city or country, harvesting or not, these pieces are worth exploring.

Percy Grainger’s “Harvest Hymn” has a lovely tune that speaks for itself. It's inspired many arrangements.

Stargazing With Classical Music

Wednesday, August 3, 2016, 10:15am

The excitement of the recent arrival of NASA's Juno probe at Jupiter, combined with summer’s warm, clear nights might put you in the mood for stargazing. Our understanding of space has dramatically changed over the years, yet mystery still surrounds the night sky.

The English composer Gustav Holst was fascinated by both astronomy and astrology, and in 1916 produced his orchestral suite "The Planets." The suite's seven movements portray each planet (except Earth) with a colorful array of sounds and feelings, from playful to mysterious. A great time to enjoy "The Planets" is when you have a chance to view...

20 Music Festivals To Check Out This Summer

Thursday, May 26, 2016, 10:45am

Summertime in Wisconsin offers many opportunities to explore new music and revisit old favorites all over the state. Although the festivals vary in size and content, they all feature great music in memorable settings. This is merely a sampling of this summer's music festivals, so be on the lookout for more as the season progresses!

Midsummer’s Music Festival

Sister Bay hosts this popular series from June through September. It features chamber music in intimate settings around Door County, including art galleries, churches, and private homes. Performances have featured a broad range of music, from classical standards to contemporary works. You...

WPR Will Broadcast Madison Opera's 'La Boheme'

Friday, May 13, 2016, 3:50pm

Wisconsin Public Radio will broadcast Madison Opera’s production of Puccini’s "La Boheme" on Saturday, May 7 at 1 p.m. The performance was recorded for WPR last November at Overture Center in Madison.

Join WPR next week at 1 p.m. for Madison Opera’s production of Offenbach’s "Tales of Hoffmann."

One of the most-loved of all opera’s, "La Boheme" tells of the lives, loves and losses of a group of young artists in a Bohemian quarter of Paris, all set to Puccini’s beautiful score.

WPR's broadcast will also feature Lori Skelton’s conversations with the cast and conductor, along with background information about the...

Pursuing Pieces For Shakespeare's Birthday

Friday, April 22, 2016, 11:20am

William Shakespeare’s birthday is observed, oddly, on the day of his death, April 23. His actual birthdate is unknown but he was baptised on April 26, 1564. Not only is April a great month to honor Shakespeare's birth, this month also happens to be the 400th anniversary of his death. In fact the entire year is filled with events to commemorate his life and work.

Shakespeare’s impact on classical music has been significant, of course, and this list contains just a few of the many pieces inspired by his works. You can spend many happy hours exploring more!

It seems appropriate...

Celebrating The 25th Anniversary Of 'The Midday'

Wednesday, April 20, 2016, 7:25am

"The Midday" celebrates its 25^th anniversary this week. Norman Gilliland gives us a brief history of hosting two and a half decades of this WPR classical staple.

WPR Classical Music Host Remembers: 'My First Classical Music'

Tuesday, March 22, 2016, 11:15am

The first piece of classical music I remember hearing -- and probably the first for millions of kids -- literally had an impact on me.

We had Prokofiev’s "Peter and the Wolf" on a well-worn set of three discs that spun around at the frightening speed of 78 rpm. A nick in the edge of the shellac could lop off a finger, or so it seemed to a 4-year-old. Who did the three record flips necessary to get thorugh all of Peter’s adventures, I don’t recall, but I do remember sitting on the floor and munching contentedly on Ritz crackers as...

Anticipating Spring Through Music

Friday, March 18, 2016, 12:10pm

Although the weather might not always cooperate, the spring equinox brings hope for green to overtake the long Wisconsin winter. Music is a perfect way to welcome seasons and there are many classical and folk pieces inspired by the beauties of Spring.

Here are 10 favorites that will remind people of the shift to warmer weather:

Mendelssohn’s "Frühlingslied (Spring Song)" is beautifully melodic piano piece that is perfect for daydreaming.

Enjoy St. Patrick's Day With Some Irish Music

Thursday, March 17, 2016, 8:30am

St. Patrick’s Day in Wisconsin is celebrated with beer, parades and music.

It's said that everyone is Irish on St. Patrick's Day, and here are a few Ireland-inspired pieces to mark the day.

Irish flutist James Galway teamed up with The Chieftans to perform some beautiful arrangements of Celtic favorites. "The Red Admiral Butterfly" is an upbeat, fun tune that will make anyone want to dance:

Celebrating A Wisconsin Conservation Icon Through Music

Thursday, February 25, 2016, 11:25am

Wisconsin welcomes spring in March and honors a noted author and conservationist with the Aldo Leopold Weekend, set for March 4 to 6.

This celebration is designed to bring communities together to commemorate the life and work of Leopold through workshops, lectures, hikes, public readings and more.

Leopold’s influence went beyond his writings and conservation work, and has lead to the creation of some notable songs. Susan Werner’s "Ode to Aldo Leopold" from her album, "Hayseed" captures Leopold’s sentiment that "conservation is a state of harmony between men and land."

Tim Southwick Johnson’s album "Sand County Songs: A Musical...

Celebrate Mozart’s 260th Birthday!

Tuesday, January 26, 2016, 12:10pm

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born on Jan. 27, 1756, and although he died at a young age in 1791, few composers have had such a lasting impact.

He composed over 600 works in many genres, from piano sonatas to sacred music and comic opera.

Enjoy some of Mozart's music by checking out the online archive of the latest broadcast of "Wisconsin Classical: A Mozart Birthday Celebration." "Wisconsin Classical" features performances by Wisconsin musicians every Sunday at 1 p.m.

For more information on that program, visit the schedule and information page.

Cheers to Mozart on his birthday by listening to...

A Music Lover? Enjoy A Classical Valentine's Day

Thursday, January 21, 2016, 11:40am

Classical music is often packed with themes of love, which makes it a perfect choice for a Valentine’s Day soundtrack.

This list is comprised of 10 classical pieces that are notable for their romantic overtones. Inspiration, allure and passion are sure to be experienced while listening to these emotionally impressive pieces. From gifts to dessert and beyond, this compilation can add some lovely touches to Valentine’s Day:

Creative and unique gifts tend to go further than the usual chocolates and flowers. Gain some inspiration from Wagner, who composed "Siegfried Idyll" as a gift for his wife. The piece was first performed by a

A New Broadcast Series Features Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra

Thursday, January 7, 2016, 10:55am

Tune in on Sundays at 2 p.m. starting Jan. 10 for a new 13-part season of concert broadcasts by the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra.

Visit the schedule and information page to find music playlists for each broadcast.

The Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra has been an important part of the cultural life of the region since its inception in 1959. In addition to over 140 performances each year, the MSO maintains active education and outreach programs, working to foster a broader interest in classical music.

Highlights from recent performances are featured in the broadcast series, along with with interviews and commentary. Learn more about the MSO...

A Rocky Start To A Beloved Christmas Classic

Thursday, December 17, 2015, 12:45pm

With its popularity today through live performances, film and television, it's hard to believe that Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s ballet "The Nutcracker" was once judged a disaster.

"The Nutcracker" premiered in December 1892 at the Mariinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg, Russia. Critics and the audience heavily criticized the performance, including dancers, the libretto and the prominence of children performers.

Despite its unfortunate beginning, "The Nutcracker" continued to be performed around the world. It did not gain popularity, however, until the 1960s thanks to George Balanchine. The New York Ballet performed his choreography in 1954 and sparked a tradition of annual performances at Christmas that...

Meet The New 'Metropolitan Opera' Radio Host

Wednesday, December 16, 2015, 10:05am

Mary Jo Heath, who has worked as a producer and guest host for the "Metropolitan Opera" over the past nine seasons, recently became the fourth full-time radio host in the company’s history.

Her responsibilities as the "voice of the Met" include hosting the Saturday matinee broadcasts — the longest-running classical music series in U.S. broadcast history.

Since the inception of the Saturday matinee broadcast series in 1931, the Met has had three full-time hosts: Milton Cross, Peter Allen and Margaret Juntwait, who passed away in June.

Heath has produced nearly 1,000 Met broadcasts during her time with the company. In addition,...

Wisconsinites Nominated For 2016 Grammys Awards

Tuesday, December 8, 2015, 4:20pm

An Appleton singer-songwriter, a Madison folklorist and a bassist who grew up in Middleton all appear on the list of 2016 Grammy nominations released on Monday.

Cory Chisel, known as the force behind Appleton's Mile of Music and for his work with the Wandering Sons, is a cowriter with Emmylou Harris and Rodney Crowell on the title track of their new duet album, "The Traveling Kind." The song is up for Best Americana Roots Song.

In the same category, bassist Paul Kowert with the Punch Brothers is a cowriter nominated for "Julep," a track from their new album, "Phosphorescent Blues."...

Hear Music Inspired By Door County

Monday, August 10, 2015, 11:15am

Each week, WPR’s "Wisconsin Classical" features performances by musicians from around the state.

A recent show also included music inspired by Wisconsin: "A Door County Suite" by Oscar Haugland, which can be heard here.

The music was performed as part of the Midsummer’s Music Festival, which is held each summer at venues throughout Door County. Haugland spent many summers in the area, and originally wrote this music for piano.

Festival organizers suggested an arrangement for chamber ensemble, and it’s this version that features in the broadcast. It includes a number of references to Door County places...

Met Opera Broadcast Host Juntwait Has Died

Wednesday, June 3, 2015, 1:50pm

The Metropolitan Opera has announced that host Margaret Juintwait died on Wednesday from ovarian cancer.

Here is the opera's statement released on Wednesday:

The Metropolitan Opera mourns the death of our radio host Margaret Juntwait, who passed away this morning after a long battle with ovarian cancer. For millions of listeners around the world, Margaret was the voice of the Met for the past decade.

She was appointed to the post in October 2004, and her first Saturday matinee broadcast was a December 11, 2004 performance of Verdi’s I Vespri Siciliani. She went on to host
...

WPR Broadcasts Madison Opera's 'Barber Of Seville'

Tuesday, May 19, 2015, 10:50am

This Saturday at noon, Wisconsin Public Radio presents Madison Opera’s production of Rossini’s “The Barber Of Seville.” This is the second of two broadcasts from the most recent Madison Opera season.

One of the greatest comic operas ever written, the story features a count in multiple disguises, a young woman trying to outwit her guardian, and a barber being paid to ensure a happy ending. (See the complete synopsis here.)

The cast includes Emily Fons as Rosina; John Irvin as Count Almaviva; Will Liverman as Figaro; Alan Dunbar as Dr. Bartolo; Thomas Forde as Don Basilio; and Chelsea...

WPR Will Broadcast Madison Opera's 'Fidelio'

Monday, May 11, 2015, 4:40pm

Wisconsin Public Radio is pleased to present two productions by Madison Opera, beginning with Beethoven’s "Fidelio" on Saturday at noon.

Beethoven’s only opera is an ode to freedom. To rescue her husband, a political prisoner, the noblewoman Leonore, disguises herself as a man and works at the prison where she believes her husband is held. (See a complete synopsis here.)

The cast includes Alexandra LoBianco as Leonore, Clay Hilley as Florestan, Alisa Jordheim as Marzelline, Kelly Markgraf as Don Pizarro, Matt Boehler as Rocco, David Blalock as Jaquino and Liam Moran as Don Fernando.

John DeMain conducts this production...

Composer Laura Schwendinger Talks About 'Creature Quartet' Debut

Thursday, May 7, 2015, 9:05am

The JACK Quartet on Friday will perform the premiere of University of Wisconsin-Madison-based composer Laura Schwendinger’s "Creature Quartet."

"Creature Quartet" consists of four larger movements that are framed by smaller movements, each one an ode to an extinct, endangered or mythical creature. The premiere will be accompanied by animated representations of each lifeform.

WPR’s Norman Gilliland spoke with Schwendinger about her work as a composer, and about the new quartet. (Click on the audio link above to listen to the interview.)

The performance takes place at 8 p.m. in the Wisconsin Union Theater on the UW-Madison campus.

Turkish Composer Eryilmaz Discusses Classical Music Outside Of Europe

Wednesday, April 22, 2015, 4:20pm

As a native of Turkey, composer, pianist and conductor Erberk Eryilmaz has a somewhat unique perspective about classical music outside of Europe.

Eryilmaz was born in Samsun, Turkey in 1989. He started his music education when he was 3 years old and has studied at the Samsun Conservatory, Hacettepe University - Ankara State Conservatory and at the Hartt School. He is currently pursuing his artist diploma in composition at Carnegie Mellon University.

WPR's Norman Gilliland recently heard a performance of his colorful "Miniatures Set No. 4" on KING Radio, a classical music station in Seattle, and asked the composer to talk more about...

Facing Curtain Call, Green Bay Symphony Orchestra Considers Alliance With Madison Group

Thursday, January 1, 2015, 12:25pm

This is the last season for the Green Bay Symphony Orchestra. The 101-year-old institution announced earlier this year that it's disbanding, but some musicians are exploring a partnership with another Wisconsin orchestra in the hopes of keeping the group together.

'Simply Folk' Celebrates 35 Years

Wednesday, September 3, 2014, 1:45pm

Wisconsin Public Radio is celebrating 35 years of "Simply Folk" on the air.

The program started in 1979, with the first show featuring recordings made at the Great River Folk Festival in La Crosse in 1978.

Host Stephanie Elkins looks back with music heard that first year, several songs on vinyl, live concert recordings made by WPR, and interview excerpts featuring show founders Tom Martin-Erickson, Becca Pulliam and Judy Rose. Artists include Art Thieme, Greg Brown, Lou and Peter Berryman, Kate Wolf, Stan Rogers, Altan, Sally Rogers and many more.

The program is available to stream ...

How Long Will Your CDs Last?

Monday, August 18, 2014, 4:15pm

Some of you will remember when compact discs first came along. In addition to wonderful, scratch-free sound and amazing dynamics, manufacturers reported that CDs would last forever (essentially) if taken care of.

Madison Youth Choir Performs On 'The Midday'

Friday, July 18, 2014, 4:15pm

Members of the Madison Youth Choir visited WPR studios on Friday to perform on "The Midday," hosted by Norman Gilliland.

Next week, the group travels to Aberdeen, Scotland, where the members will perform at the Aberdeen International Youth Festival.

Gilliland spoke with artistic director Mike Ross and conductors Margaret Jenks and Randy Swiggum about the music and the upcoming trip.

The group of 71 boys sang in WPR's performance studio, performing such pieces as "Magno Gaudens," Vivaldi's "Laudamus Te, Exultate Justi In Domino" (let the righteous rejoice), Billing's "Simple Gifts," Vaughan William's "The Roadside Fire," Ken Johnson's "Johnnie Cope," "Anthem" from Chess,...

'Fresh Air' Host Terry Gross Interviews Singer-Songwriter Mary Gauthier

Tuesday, June 24, 2014, 2:00pm

Mary Gauthier is a favorite of Simply Folk listeners, appreciated for her powerful, evocative songs and raspy voice. She's also Terry Gross's guest on this edition of “Fresh Air”.

In classic Terry Gross fashion, the conversation is wide-ranging and candid. Gauthier opens up about a challenging childhood, being a lesbian, recovery from alcoholism and drug use, spiritual growth, and how she infuses her music -- and the food she prepares for others -- with love.

There's also an anecdote about how an open mic at the legendary Club Passim in Boston changed the trajectory of her life.

Every November on...

Folk-Grass Band Dead Horses Visits WPR And Records A Session

Wednesday, June 18, 2014, 12:15pm

The band Dead Horses w/ Simply Folk's Steph Elkins

The band Dead Horses, a four-piece folk/bluegrass ensemble based in Oshkosh that’s just finishing up its second album, came in for a session in WPR's Buck Studio.

We shared a little conversation, and they provided a preview of five powerful new songs. There was beautiful and effortless four-part harmony on top of very strong instrumental work (featuring guitars, stand-up bass, fiddle and mandolin).

WPR audio engineer Brad Kolberg recorded the session, and I'll share it on Simply Folk in early July.

Central Time

Make Time To Make Music, Says 'Simply Folk' Host

Wednesday, June 4, 2014, 4:50pm

A lot of people’s musical careers end with their last band or choir class in high school — and that’s a shame, according to Wisconsin Public Radio music host Stephanie Elkins.

Elkins, a musician and host of “Simply Folk,” said making music can provide a lifetime of fun and that scientific research shows that there are serious psychological benefits, too.

“Making music makes you feel good -- not just at the moment, but it can lift your spirits emotionally, psychologically,” said Elkins. “It impacts the whole rest of your life.”

Finding time to make music, however, can be a roadblock. Elkins said...

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Milwaukee Native Michael Torke Connects Music With Color

Wednesday, August 2, 2017, 4:45pm

Milwaukee native Michael Torke has "seen" the key of D as blue since he was 5 years old. Torke's music is heard on WPR's classical shows regularly, not to mention in concert halls around the world.

Remembering WPR's First Music Broadcast

Tuesday, August 1, 2017, 2:55pm

Wisconsin Public is celebrating 100 years of radio, and music was on the air from the very beginning.

The Midday

Yangmingtian Zhao

Friday, June 9, 2017, 12:00pm

Norman welcomes pianist Yangmingtian Zhao to the WPR performance studio in Madison. He performs transcriptions of Bach's Organ Concerto No. 5, Brahms' Hungarian Dances and Strauss' Blue Danube. He is a doctoral candidate at Northwestern University and a student of Philippe Bianconi.

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WPR Presents Two Madison Opera Broadcasts

Thursday, May 18, 2017, 3:30pm

Join us for two productions by Madison Opera. Lori Skelton hosts these broadcast performances, which were recorded live at Overture Hall during the 2016-17 season.

The Midday

Pianist Yana Avedyan with String Ensemble

Thursday, May 11, 2017, 12:00pm

Pianist Yana Avedyan performs Mozart's Piano Concerto No. 20 in D-minor with members of a string ensemble including Peter Miliczky and Biffa Kowk, violin; Joshua Dieringer, viola; Stephanie Knapper, cello and David Scholl, Bass.

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The Midday

Wisconsin Children's Choir

Wednesday, May 10, 2017, 12:00pm

Norman welcomes members of the Wisconsin Children's Choir "Chorale" and their director Margaret Hadley to the WPR performance studio in Madison. They will be performing at Bethany United Methodist Church in Madison on Sunday, May 14, 2017 at 2PM. Their studio performance was streamed live on WPR's...

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Listeners' Requests Remember Famed Soprano Alma Gluck

Friday, May 5, 2017, 5:00pm

Requests from three members of a Wisconsin family recall their grandmother's love of soprano Alma Gluck.

Linda May Han Oh

Wednesday, April 26, 2017, 1:00pm

Jazz bassist Linda May Han Oh stopped by our Buck Studio and provided some insights into the life of a New York musician. Along the way, she played "Lucid Lullably," Pat Metheney's "Change of Heart," and "Slow Boat to China." She's in Madison in conjunction with the Mead Witter School of Music...

The Midday

Wisconsin Youth Symphony Orchestra's Chamber Ensembles

Tuesday, April 25, 2017, 12:00pm

Norman welcomes Karl Lavine and members of the Wisconsin Youth Symphony Orchestra that play in their Chamber Music programs. The string quartet (pictured above) played the 2nd movement of Béla Bartók's String Quartet No. 2 . The second ensemble (pictured below left) was piano and strings playing Brahms' Scherzo in C minor . The last string quartet (pictured below right) played the String Quartet No. 8 by Dmitri Shostakovich.

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The Midday

Madison Opera

Monday, April 17, 2017, 12:00pm

Norman visits with Gary Wedow, conductor of the Madison Opera , about the opera company's performance of The Magic Flute on April 21 and 23 in Overture Hall in Madison. They play and discuss several excerpts from the opera.

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The Midday

UW Russian Folk Orchestra

Friday, April 7, 2017, 12:00pm

The 40-piece UW Russian Folk Orchestra is celebrating their 20th anniversary with a free concert on Saturday, April 8th at 7:30pm in Mills Concert Hall on the UW Campus. Music Director and guitarist Victor Gorodinsky, guest soloist and balalaika player Tetiana Khomenko, alto Anna Gubenkova and...

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The Midday

Philippe Bianconi

Thursday, April 6, 2017, 12:00pm

Norman welcomes French pianist Philippe Bianconi to the WPR performance studio. Bianconi will be performing the Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto No. 3 with the Madison Symphony Orchestra on April 7-9 at the Overture Center. The concerto is considered one of the most difficult pieces to play every...

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Appleton Artists Find Creative Sanctuary In Former Monastery

Wednesday, April 5, 2017, 9:30am

In a former monastic retreat along the Fox River, musicians and painters from France, New York and California, as well as across Wisconsin have found a space where they can create.

The Midday

Midday Centennial Celebration

Friday, March 31, 2017, 12:00pm

Live from Viterbo Fine Arts Center in La Crosse, members of the Viterbo University music faculty gave a concert celebrating the 100th Anniversary of WPR’s first broadcasts. Violinist Nancy Oliveros and pianist Mary Ellen Haupert played works by Respighi, Debussy, and Sibelius. Baritone Daniel...

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The Midday

Tracey Conyer Lee

Wednesday, March 29, 2017, 12:00pm

Norman talks to Andy Abrams , founder and Artistic Director of Capital City Theatre in Madison, and Tracey Conyer Lee , who is performing the one-women show "Lady Day at Ermerson's Bar and Grill" starting March 31 at the Overture Center. Abrams received a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from...

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2017 Final Forte Young Performer Competition Airs Live This Week

Monday, March 27, 2017, 3:15pm

Join WPR’s NPR News and Classical Music Network at 7 p.m. Wednesday for a live broadcast of the 2017 Final Forte competition hosted by WPR’s Lori Skelton and Jim Fleming.

The Midday

Vicky Powell

Thursday, March 23, 2017, 12:00pm

Norman talks to violist Vicky Powell who will be performing Vaughn Williams' Suite for Viola and Orchestra with the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra on Friday, March 24th in the Capitol Theater in Madison. Powell is a Madison native and an alumna of Suzuki Strings of Madison.

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What Common Theme Ties These Five Pieces Together?

Thursday, March 23, 2017, 11:15am

This may sound like a Midday quiz question — just without the 30 minute time limit. Look for hints in the titles but more importantly, listen and feel for the lush and blissful energies that each piece offers. Enjoy these five classical pieces and what they represent in the days to come.

The Midday

Bach Around The Clock

Thursday, March 16, 2017, 12:00pm

" Bach Around The Clock" celebrates Bach's birthday with this free event held from noon to midnight on Saturday, March 18th at St Andrews Episcopal Church in Madison. One of the groups performing include this string quartet which includes Marika Fischer Hoyt , baroque Viola; Eleanor Bartsch ,...

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Central Time

Hip-Hop And Strings: How Black Violin Is Changing The Music Scene, Challenging Stereotypes

Friday, March 10, 2017, 2:15pm

Wil "Wil B" Baptiste and violinist Kevin "Kev Marcus" Sylvester

Hip-hop/classical duo Black Violin will be performing Sunday in Green Bay as part of their nationwide tour. The classically trained artists, Wil "Wil B" Baptiste and Kevin "Kev Marcus" Sylveste, have worked for years to use their music as a means of pushing back against stereotypes.

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