Monika Vischer

2008 marks Monika Vischer's 10th year on Classical KUSC. Growing up, Monika studied flute with Susanella Noble, a student of French flute masters Jean-Pierre Rampal, Maxence Larrieu and Alain Marion. At age 13, Monika joined the Denver Young Artists Orchestra, then under American Music Director, Charles Ansbacher. She received her BA in Journalism and Mass Communications at the University of Northern Colorado. While there, Monika played under Kenneth Singleton in UNC's top Wind Ensemble, and sang in the Grammy Award nominated vocal jazz sextet, the Axidentals, headlining clinics and festivals in the US and Canada.

Monika started her public radio career in 1986 first as a news reporter and music host, later focusing fully on classical music as Music Director, feature producer, and interviewer of top classical music artists from around the world. Monika produced the popular Sunday morning program, Sacred Classics during its first year and a half, during which time National Public Radio picked it up for national distribution. She's also winner of the national Clarion Award for her 5-part radio documentary series, A Voice for the Silenced: Re-discovering Music Lost in the Holocaust, co-hosted by LA Opera Music Director, James Conlon. Monika has taught flute and continues to play and sing professionally.