Classical 91.7, Houston Public Radio

On Wednesday, mezzo-soprano Susanne Mentzer, flutist Leone Buyse and pianist Susan Archibald perform for us, previewing their Faculty Recital at Rice University’s Shepherd School of Music. Actor David Matranga talks about Mistakes Were Made by Craig Wright, a one-man tour-de-force about a high-strung Broadway producer, currently at Stages Repertory Theatre. And Oscar Andrew Hammerstein, the grandson of Oscar Hammerstein II, chats about life in his legendary musical family!

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When they met in 1999, pianist Lang Lang and conductor Christoph Eschenbach both fell victim to mistaken first impressions They collaborate on a Mozart concerto in today's show. .
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Hear recordings of Houston-area ensembles with your host Elaine Kennedy. Check this space later for more details about our upcoming show.

by: Tom Manoff January 31, 2012
Garrick Ohlsson: In Pursuit Of A Warhorse

The pianist's massive technique makes short order of Rachmaninov's most difficult concerto.

by: NPR Staff January 31, 2012
Winter Songs: Young Love In Ithaca, With Schumann's Help

Alice and Burt Swersey say the composer helped pave the way for their five decades of marriage.

January 31, 2012
Ira Glass Interviews His Cousin, Composer Philip Glass

It's no coincidence that composer Philip Glass and This American Life host Ira Glass have the same last name: They're second cousins. On today's Fresh Air, we replay excerpts from an onstage conversation between Ira and Philip in honor of the latter's 75th birthday.

by: Anastasia Tsioulcas January 31, 2012
Raising A Glass To America's Most Famous Contemporary Composer

Hear some of the world premiere recording of Philip Glass' Ninth Symphony.
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Music From The Movies,
Saturday, January 28th at 8pm

Happy Birthday Johnny!...This weekend we'll begin a two part series on the music of John Williams, leading up to his 80th Birthday on February 8th. Johnny, as he was called in the early years, was an accomplished jazz pianist and session musician. His first real long-term collaboration (before Spielberg) was with Irwin Allen and his sci-fi series. Little did he know how far he'd go with Sci-Fi. But it was the late 60's and early 70's with scores such as The Reivers and The Cowboys that he would gain the attention of Steven Spielberg for his film The Sugarland Express. On part one of this series, we'll explore the scores that lead up to the Spielberg era. Tune in this Saturday night at 8pm, with an encore presentation Sunday at 5pm…only on Classical 91.7.

Williams' Two New Scores on This Year's List of Oscar Nominations

John Williams, who will be 80 years old in February, received two nomination from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for his scores to "War Horse" and "The Adventures of Tintin". These two scores are completely different in character, both in sound and style. However they remind us of his writings from the mid 80's and early 90's like from "Far and Away", and "Indiana Jones". Though scores today have taken on a new approach, (one of either minimalistic instrumentation and writing, or electronic and other avant garde styles), Williams has maintained his traditional approach to both orchestral color and melodic writing.

by: Eric Ladau January 23, 2012
Classical 91.7-Arte Público Author of the Month: Mara Price

Mara Price has been selected as this month's Classical 91.7/Arte Público Press Author of the Month. Classical 91.7's Eric Ladau spoke with Ms. Price for this installment of the monthly series.

January 13, 2012
NPR Program From the Top Seeks Young Classical Musicians for Houston Recording

From the Top with host Christopher O’Riley, the hit NPR radio program showcasing America’s best young classical musicians, is coming to Houston in May and is looking for local talent for the show, which will be recorded at the Wortham Center in downtown Houston.

by: Chris Hathaway January 2, 2012
Music Library Reviews: Scott Joplin's Treemonisha

In this series, Classical 91.7's music librarian Chris Hathaway reviews new additions to our ever-growing CD library. This month, Chris reviews a recording of Scott Joplin's Treemonisha.

December 8, 2011
The Invincible Czars Spread the Spirit of the Season in Houston Public Radio's Dance-Along Kids Holiday Show

Houston Public Radio offers a twist on the sing-along tradition as The Invincible Czars present "Dance-Along to the Nutcracker" – an interactive children’s show. Local dancers from Houston Met Dance Company and a guitar-driven version of Tchaikovsky's "The Nutcracker Suite" sets the stage for children and adults alike to get in touch with their inner Sugar Plum Fairy, rock 'n' roll style.

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