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The Secret Story Behind Tchaikovsky’s Mysterious Celesta in “The Nutcracker”
Explore the history of the celesta, a unique instrument used in Tchaikovsky's The Nutcracker and Harry Potter's theme. Discover how it went from obscurity to symphony staple.
5 Pieces Perfect For a Stroll in the Woods
Explore five classical music pieces inspired by nature's beauty, from Strauss's ode to Vienna Woods to Vaughan-Williams's celebration of pastoral harmony in The Linden Tree.
Our Comprehensive SoCal Guide to Seeing Tchaikovsky’s “Nutcracker”
Discover the best Nutcracker ballet performances in Southern California this Christmas season. From Los Angeles to Orange County, find dates, costs, and venues.
One More Trip to the Bob Baker Marionette Theater
The Bob Baker Marionette Theater, a 55-year-old institution, is set to close after Thanksgiving. However, the puppet shows will continue at a new, yet-to-be-named location.
How 9 Year-Old LA Dancers Manage to Sell Out the “Nutcracker”
Explore the unique charm of Westside Ballet's Nutcracker, the longest-running in LA, featuring live music and a range of performers from young students to professionals.
The Story Behind Tchaikovsky’s “Nutcracker”
Explore the evolution of Tchaikovsky's The Nutcracker in this KUSC archive story. Discover its history, changes over time, and why it remains a beloved classic.
Beethoven’s Quartet of ‘Thanksgiving’
Beethoven's String Quartet in A Minor, Op. 132, features a movement expressing gratitude for recovery from illness. It alternates between prayerful chorales and lively sections, reflecting his mortality.
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.
Harmonious Holiday Highlights
highlights from Classical California’s Harmonious Holidays 2025
The Mystery Behind Scriabin’s Mystic Chord
Explore the life of Russian composer Alexander Scriabin, his obsession with the occult, and his creation of the "mystic chord" used in his compositions.
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.
A Playlist to Celebrate All Things Fall
Explore the beauty of autumn through music with this curated list of compositions inspired by the season's warm colors, chilly weather, and melancholic mood.
