articles / Hosts
Suraj’s Next Opus
Suraj Partha joined Classical California in October 2021 as one of our first ever Host Trainees.
Are you interested in being on the radio? Are you passionate about classical music and love to tell stories?
Those are the questions we asked of the more than 100 candidates who applied to be a Host Trainee. Suraj immediately stood out from the crowd, and has made a name for himself at Classical California ever since.
He joins you in the early morning on Sundays and Mondays, and when he’s filling in for colleagues. He created and hosts Glissando, a 24/7 streaming station designed for the next generation of classical fans. Maybe you met him during a “Listening Lounge Experience” at a Classical California event. And you probably don’t know this, but he selects much of the music you hear on weekends.
Suraj has brought so much knowledge, curiosity, levity and great music to Classical California. Here are what a few listeners have said about him over the years.
As a longtime sustaining supporter of KUSC and as a grandmother, I am so happy to hear Suraj’s new voice! Classical music is truly a joy for all and I am so happy to hear young people share that enthusiasm. Of course I cherish all the hosts, but happy you are searching (and finding) a new generation to share the music and the background that makes classical music eternal. -Cheryl
Hi! I've been a devoted listener/member since the late 1980s. I love all the hosts, but want to give a special thanks to Suraj for being my night time companion. I’m often awake at night, it’s such a comfort to have their empathetic, gentle voices to keep me company. Thank you. -Wendy
I love all the programs and hosts on KUSC but I am writing today to let you know that I think Glissando and Suraj Partha are brilliant. I know this program is designed for young listeners but I am 66 and I LOVE listening to it. I would have loved as a child to listen to this program. I am learning a lot. I think the 20-minute themes are so interesting. It must be a challenge to put this programming together. That is, to choose which musical selections, historical facts and listening guidance must be labor intensive. Not to mention working in young voices. I think Suraj Partha is charming, a great storyteller and his voice is soothing. He's doing a marvelous job. Thank you so much for this stream. -Stephanie
I have been listening to KUSC for a long time, probably longer than Suraj has been alive, often in my dad's truck on the way to school. It means so much to me that Classical California has a South Asian American host now who has wide ranging interests and choices. That is such tangible progress during a time when social progress feels hard to come by. I just wanted to reach out and share this, and how much I appreciate the work Suraj is doing as a young person representing minorities on radio. I love all of his shows and selections, his heartfelt commentary, and his enthusiasm for music. -Swati
Sunday, August 31st, and Monday, September 1st will be Suraj’s final shifts on Classical California All-Night. While you’ll still hear him on Glissando, Suraj is stepping away from his weekly radio shows, because he’s recently started law school.
This is what Suraj would like to share with Classical California listeners:
Many times a week during my on-air shifts, I have said the words, “It’s a pleasure/joy/privilege to share music with you.” Having nearly spent four years at Classical California, I can say that being a host for this station has been one of the true privileges of my life.
I want to thank my boss, Kelsey McConnell, for trusting me as a host and helping me find my voice on the radio. The staff at Classical California is top-notch, and I have learned so much from them. I also must acknowledge the other brilliant on-air hosts who share their intelligence, wit, and kindness with me every single day. My esteemed colleague, Brisa Siegel, will be taking on my Classical California All-Night shifts, and I know that you will continue to love her!
I’m thrilled that my work on “Glissando” will continue to be available, and I hope it brings young people and families a little dose of inspiration and wonder.
Such distinguished composers as Handel, Tchaikovsky, and Stravinsky studied the law before their careers writing music. I find it amusing that after many years of working primarily in the arts, I’m traveling the opposite direction from them and heading to law school at UCLA. I will always treasure my time at this organization. As I traverse the 405 and the mean streets of Westwood, I now join the “civilian” life of just being a listener—and relying on Classical California for comfort, hope, and good music.
With gratitude,
Suraj Partha
Brisa Siegel will be the new host of Classical California All Night on Sundays and Mondays. Welcome Brisa! And on behalf of the entire Classical California family: congratulations, Suraj, on this incredible next step in your career and thank you for everything you’ve contributed to Classical California and its listening community!
Stream Glissando!
At Classical California, we want to spark the curiosity and imagination of young listeners, so we’ve launched Glissando, an exciting new take on classical music! With a new theme every 20 minutes, young listeners will love exploring the kaleidoscopic world of classical music. Listen to Glissando, hosted by Suraj Partha, on our website or free smartphone app.
