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Your Playlist for Hangin’ in the Hammock
Explore Rik Malone's recommended playlist for a perfect California summer experience. From relaxing hammock tunes to music that transports you to distant places, enjoy your summer with these iconic pieces.
The Sounds of Sunrise
Explore the beauty of sunrise through music with this list of compositions inspired by dawn, from Haydn's "Sunrise" Symphony to Ravel's "Daphnis and Chloe".
The Poetic Inspiration Behind Ralph Vaughan Williams’ “The Lark Ascending”
Explore the inspiration behind Ralph Vaughan Williams' The Lark Ascending, a violin piece based on an 1880s British poem. Discover why this music continues to captivate listeners.
A River Runs Through This Music
Explore the stories behind classical compositions inspired by rivers, from Smetana's The Moldau to Beglarian's BRIM: The River Project, and their transformative power.
Finding Inspiration in Birds: Sibelius’s Fifth Symphony
Explore how composers like Vivaldi, Sibelius, and Rautavaara have incorporated birdsong into their music, from The Four Seasons to Cantus Arcticus.
The Many Lives of the “The Flower Duet”
Explore the #75 entry on the Classical California Ultimate Playlist: the Flower Duet from Delibes' opera Lakme. Discover its use in TV, film, and creative remixes.
Your Playlist for a Summer Kayak Paddle
Explore California's summer with KUSC's music recommendations for kayaking adventures. From L. Peter Deutch's Ocean Air to Mendelssohn's Midsummer Night's Dream Overture, enjoy the journey!
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.
Glitter and Be Golden: A Classical Celebration of Pride
Maggie Clennon Reberg explores the vast contributions of the LGBTQ+ community to the world of classical music, from early music to the great Romantics to contemporary artists with strong ties to The Golden State.
An Opera Al Fresco Playlist for A Perfect Evening Under the Stars
Enjoy an enchanting evening under the stars with these operatic gems handpicked by Jennifer Miller Hammel. From Hoffmann's Barcarolle to Turandot's Nessun dorma, each piece sets a unique mood.
Classical Californians Summer Break – Back August 6!
Catch up on 6 of the best episodes of Classical Californians.
7 Pieces to Commemorate Juneteenth
Celebrate Juneteenth with Lara Downes as she takes you on a musical journey, featuring works from renowned composers like Jessie Montgomery, Florence Price, and Scott Joplin.
Meet the Mozarts of Spain, Sweden, and More
Explore the lives of composers dubbed as the "Mozarts" of their countries, including Joseph Martin Kraus of Sweden, Juan Arriaga of Spain, and two English contenders.
