Classical Californians is taking a summer vacation and will return with fresh episodes on August 6! While we’re away, it’s the perfect time to revisit some listener favorites that capture the warmth, energy, and reflection of the season.
Whether you’re relaxing under the sun, road-tripping along the coast, or simply craving a good conversation and great music, these six summertime episodes offer a musical journey worth taking again (or discovering for the first time).
Laura Karpman:
Five-time Emmy Award winning composer Laura Karpman’s playlist is full of the music she listened to as a student. From the orchestration of light and dark heard in the music of Stravinsky, to Benjamin Britten’s slippery strings, to a jazzy reinterpretation of Ravel.
Ray Chen:
Summertime is for staying up too late playing video games, (or at least catching up on some of the great gaming music) and violinist Ray Chen agrees. His pick, Player One, blends a virtuosic violin with gaming-inspired themes that sum up the joy of friendship, competition, and a little mischief. It’s a musical LAN party!
Sonia Marie De León de Vega:
Conductor Sonia Marie De León de Vega brings the warmth of Mexico from her childhood to her selections. Her playlist is filled with memories of her father, a treasure hunt for an unpublished score, and music that feels like trip back home.
RZA:
Known for revolutionizing hip-hop with the Wu-Tang Clan, RZA shares music from his original ballet A Ballet Through Mud. With a cinematic sensibility and a composer’s mind, his episode recalls the cool relief of an air-conditioned movie theater on a hot summer day.
Regina Carter:
MacArthur Genius Fellow and one of the most celebrated jazz violinists, Regina Carter brings a unique perspective to Classical Californians. This episode is a musical road trip from Bach to Ellington to modern American voices. Perfect for a summer day that needs a little improvisation to shake things up.
Daniel Hope:
Daniel Hope, the Music Director of the New Century Chamber Orchestra, shares music that’s perfect for relaxing after a long day in the sun. His episode is full of memories with friends and includes both favorite classics and exciting new pieces to discover.
While Classical Californians takes a summer break, it's the perfect time to dive back into these vibrant episodes. Continue exploring more here. We'll see you back with fresh stories and sounds on August 6th!
