Rich Capparela
In 1972 an employment counselor asked Rich Capparela, "If you could be
anything in the world, what would you be?" Without hesitation he
replied, "A classical music radio announcer!" Today Rich is one of the
best-known classical music radio personalities in the United States.
Capparela
announces concert broadcasts in Southern California for the Pacific
Symphony Orchestra, and the New West Symphony. His recording company,
Cardiff Studios, produces commercials and programming for U.S. arts
organizations, including the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and the
Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra.
The July 1998 "Best of
L.A." edition of Los Angeles Reader chose Capparela as "The Best
Classical D.J. in Los Angeles." In December of 1998 Rich debuted at
Carnegie Hall as a narrator in a performance of Benjamin Britten's
World of the Spirit. In November of 1999 he made his first appearance
with the Boston Pops and conductor Keith Lockhart, narrating The Night
Before Christmas. Beginning in 1998 Rich became a member of the annual
Grammy Awards screening committee for classical music. In 2001 he
voiced the theatrical trailer for the Rachel Griffiths film Amy and
portrayed the Emperor of China in the 26-week animation series
Flutemaster, which began airing throughout the United States in 2003.
In December of 2001 as part of Los Angeles Music Week Capparela was
honored in chamber by the Los Angeles City Council for his
contributions to the city's music community. In 2002 Capparela provided
program notes for LAGQ: Latin, the Los Angeles Guitar Quartet's debut
album for the Telarc label. The album received a Grammy Nomination in
the "Best Crossover Album" category. Rich continued his association
with the Grammys in February of 2004 when he presented the year's
classical Grammys in Los Angeles.
One of Rich's secret
passions has reemerged within the past few years. He is once again
active as a lead singer and guitarist with a four-piece cover rock
band, Otherwise Normal. His other interests include the deep blue sea.
He's been a scuba instructor and has conducted tours to the Caribbean
and the Fiji Islands. He's also tried his hand at skydiving. Rich and
his wife Marcia, a private school administrator, live in Santa Monica,
California. |
