classical music

Join co-hosts Michael Stern and Dan Margolies as they trace two centuries of concertos and orchestral works that feature a soloist. Enjoy two double concertos from Antonio Vivaldi that showcase Kansas City Symphony members as soloists, a beautiful and devilish violin feature from Maurice Ravel, and Mozart's sublime "Piano Concerto No. 24." Also, hear two wonderful symphonies from Franz Joseph Haydn.

What better way to celebrate the beginning of Spring than with gorgeous music by Beethoven and Copland? (No Vivaldi to be found here!) Enjoy this inspired and delightful music.

Two musical worlds collide as jazz pianist Dan Tepfer finds inspiration, and room for improvisation, in J.S. Bach's Two-Part Inventions.

Co-hosts Michael Stern and Dan Margolies delve into a diverse program beginning with the tragically short life and beautiful music of Lili Boulanger. We'll also hear a chamber work from Astor Piazzolla, concertos from Alexandre Guilmant and Frédéric Chopin, and the world premiere of a violin concerto by Chris Rogerson.

We're continuing our ode to women and celebrating Women's History Month on Sound Currents with an episode about music and motherhood. Hear music and conversation with this week's guest: Stacey Barelos.

Shakespeare’s character of Falstaff appeared in “Henry IV” parts one and two, but came into his own in “The Merry Wives of Windsor.” Ralph Vaughan Williams made Falstaff the center of his second opera “Sir John in Love” — originally titled “The Fat Knight.” We’ll hear a remarkable orchestral suite of music from the opera in its debut recording.

In honor of St. Patrick’s Day, the most fiddle-y of holidays, hear music from the Fretless, a supergroup fiddle quartet. Hear fiddle tunes and folk melodies turned into intricate, beautiful, high-energy arrangements that have quickly gained a dedicated following and accolades from around the world.

UMKC Professor of Film Mitch Brian joins Brooke Knoll for a conversation about orchestral performances in film. They'll discuss movies such as "Unfaithfully Yours," "Mr. Holland's Opus," "Shine," and the 2022 Oscar nominated film "Tár." We will also hear music from those films' soundtracks by Rossini, Rachmaninoff, Mahler and Michael Kamen.

Robert Schumann aspired to be a great pianist but following a hand injury, turned to composing. He had a complicated, tragic life but produced some of the most beautiful melodies ever put to paper. Hear Schumann’s music conducted by one of his most sympathetic interpreters: Daniel Barenboim.

On her new album, Dark with Excessive Bright, the vibrant, young composer coaxes unusual sounds from a symphony orchestra.

March is Women's History Month. Celebrate with Sound Currents, as we explore music by and inspired by women.

Watch Lara Downes' conversation with the composer-in-residence of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra about balancing her roots, her craft and the shifting field of classical music.