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Lara Downes

Celebrating Black History Month

Celebrating Black History Month

Celebrating Black History in classical music all month long.

02/03/2025
Coming Soon: "Classical Americana" Season 2

Coming Soon: "Classical Americana" Season 2

What’s the defining sound of American classical music? What people, stories, sights and sounds throughout American history built our unique classical tradition, and where does it go from here? On Classical Americana, iconoclastic pianist Lara Downes drives you down the highways and byways of American music, with roadside discoveries and detours to the crossroads where musical traditions merge and transform. Tune in each Saturday 5PM-6PM.

11/20/2024
Amplify: Conductor Jonathon Heyward

Amplify: Conductor Jonathon Heyward

Lara Downes speaks with conductor Jonathon Heyward for the latest edition of "Amplify".

08/30/2024
WATCH: SKY Concert Featuring Jake Heggie

WATCH: SKY Concert Featuring Jake Heggie

On May 30th, 2024 our evening host and resident artist pianist Lara Downes welcomes two longtime friends and musical collaborators: the legendary mezzo-soprano Frederica von Stade and San Francisco’s own legend-in-the-making Jake Heggie, considered one of the world's most popular 21st-century opera and art song composers.

07/22/2024
"I Believe" - LA Master Chorale Special with Lara Downes Monday Night

"I Believe" - LA Master Chorale Special with Lara Downes Monday Night

Tune in at 8pm on Monday, May 13 for a special edition of Lara's show, featuring a recent live concert performance with the Los Angeles Master Chorale

05/07/2024
Amplify Season 4: Lara Downes Talks With Brian Stokes Mitchell

Amplify Season 4: Lara Downes Talks With Brian Stokes Mitchell

Classical California resident artist Lara Downes sits talks with actor and singer Brian Stokes Mitchell. She refers to Stokes, as he likes to be called, one of her heroes since the first time she saw him starring in the original production of Ragtime on Broadway in the late '90s.

05/02/2024
Announcing Season 4 of Amplify

Announcing Season 4 of Amplify

Amplify with Lara Downes is a video series that highlights Black creatives as they shape art and culture.

05/02/2024

Video Series

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1 videos

Amplify with Lara Downes: Season 4

"Amplify with Lara Downes" eavesdrops on convivial conversations with today’s leading Black artists.

11/20/2024

Shows

Classical Americana image

Classical Americana

What’s the defining sound of American classical music? What people, stories, sights and sounds throughout American history built our unique classical tradition, and where does it go from here? On Classical Americana, iconoclastic pianist Lara Downes drives you down the highways and byways of American music, with roadside discoveries and detours to the crossroads where musical traditions merge and transform. Tune in each Saturday 5PM-6PM.

RELATED TOPICS

AmplifyClassical AmericanaVideoInterviewsPop Culture

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Virtuosity and Nostalgia: Teresa Carreño and Chopin

Virtuosity and Nostalgia: Teresa Carreño and Chopin

Explore the life and music of Teresa Carreño, a South American composer and pianist, and her significant influence from Frédéric Chopin.

10/14/2025
10 More Composers With Latin American Roots You Should Know

10 More Composers With Latin American Roots You Should Know

Explore the lives and works of ten influential female composers from Latin America, spanning various genres and periods, from opera to electronic music.

10/10/2025
10 Composers From Across Latin America We’re Celebrating This Month!

10 Composers From Across Latin America We’re Celebrating This Month!

Explore the rich heritage of Hispanic music through these 10 influential composers, from Teresa Carreño to Gabriela Ortiz.

10/01/2025
Finding Beauty in Historical Ruins

Finding Beauty in Historical Ruins

Explore how ancient ruins inspire classical music, from Felix's Scottish Symphony inspired by Holyrood Palace to Zipoli's works found in decaying South American churches.

09/27/2025
The Story Behind “Appalachian Spring,” the Ballet

The Story Behind “Appalachian Spring,” the Ballet

Explore the history of Appalachian Spring, a ballet commissioned by Elizabeth Sprague Coolidge, composed by Aaron Copland, and choreographed by Martha Graham.

09/19/2025
Elgar’s “Enigma Variations”

Elgar’s “Enigma Variations”

Explore the intriguing history of Edward Elgar's Enigma Variations, composed in 1898-99. Discover how this piece, inspired by Elgar's friends and personal experiences, established his fame.

09/17/2025