Winter

Chapman Challenge: The Story Behind Handel’s “Messiah”

In this Chapman Challenge, Alan discusses Handel's journey with oratorios, from his first encounter in Italy to his profitable English oratorios, culminating in the creation of Messiah.

These Rides Really Sleigh

Brian Lauritzen gallops into the holidays with these compositions about sleigh rides.

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.

A Classical California Holiday Sing-a-Long Special | Saturday, December 20, 7-9PM

Saturday, December 20, 7-9PM: A Classical California Holiday Sing-a-Long Special hosted by Jennifer Miller Hammel – From your favorite carols to Handel’s Messiah, tune in and follow along with the lyrics below (as well as the score for the Handel choruses), so you can sing-a-long with the season!

Beyond the Classics: 12 More “Sleigh Rides” For the Holidays

Explore the history of the popular holiday song 'Sleigh Ride', from its creation by Leroy Anderson in 1946 to various renditions by artists like Mozart, Delius, and Mahler.

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.