CC Logo A Public Service of USC
Schedule
HostsWays to Give
Donate
Loading profile
HomePlaylistSchedule
HostsEventsOn DemandOur StoryOur TeamWays to Give Become a Sponsor
How to ListenVisit Help CenterContact Us

Find Us on Social Media

CC Logo White Horizontal A Public Service of USC

Download Our Mobile App

Google Play Icon

About

HomePlaylistSchedule
HostsOn DemandOur StoryOur Team

Community

EventsWays to Give Become a SponsorPressDiversity StatementCareersKUSC EEO ReportKDFC EEO ReportDigital Accessibility

Help

How to ListenVisit Help CenterContact Us

Find Us on Social Media

Sweepstakes RulesKUSC Local Public FilesKDFC Local Public FilesPrivacy PolicyCode of Integrity

©2026 Classical California

Violin Image

Americana

aaron-copland-1970-6x9-1.jpg

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.

10/29/2026
Celebrate 4th of July, illustration instagram post (1440 x 560 px) (1)

Celebrate The Fourth With Gershwin and Dianne's Favorite Side Dish

Dianne's All American Potato Salad

07/01/2026
Paris.jpg

George Gershwin Captures the Sounds of Paris

Explore the inspiration and creation of George Gershwin's symphonic poem, An American in Paris, its initial reception, and its enduring popularity in music and film.

12/08/2025
David-Lang-PC-Peter-Serling-9x6.jpg

David Lang Contemplates the National Anthems of Each and Every Country

Composer David Lang explores common themes in global national anthems, revealing a shared sense of insecurity about freedom and a war-like core in his choral work, the national anthems.

07/06/2025
francis scott key star spangled banner GettyImages-514887182

The Story Behind “The Star-Spangled Banner”

One of this year's more surprising news stories was around the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, named for the famed poet whose words became the lyrics of our national anthem, “The Star-Spangled Banner.”

07/01/2025
smct-american-2-16x9

Saturday Morning Car Tunes: American Instruments

A look at some instruments that were born in America, as we approach July 4

06/29/2024
GershwinStandingFacingLeftBain-Wikimedia-Commons-9x6-1.jpg

George Gershwin Changes American Music Forever with the One and Only “Rhapsody in Blue”

Explore the life and impact of George Gershwin, the composer who revolutionized American music by blending jazz and classical genres in his iconic work, Rhapsody in Blue.

09/13/2021

Shows

Lara Classical Americana 1-11

Classical Americana

What’s the defining sound of American classical music? What people, stories, sights and sounds throughout American history built our unique classical tradition, and where does it go from here? On Classical Americana, iconoclastic pianist Lara Downes drives you down the highways and byways of American music, with roadside discoveries and detours to the crossroads where musical traditions merge and transform. Tune in each Saturday 6PM-7PM.

RELATED TOPICS

AmericaPop CultureThe Ultimate 101GershwinDance

MORE TO DISCOVER

Nature-Pine-Rain-e1520550803382.jpg

A Closer Look at Music Inspired by Rain

Explore music inspired by rain, from Chopin's Raindrop Prelude to Ryuichi Sakamoto's Oscar-winning Rain. Discover how various instruments, including piano and cello, evoke rainfall.

11/13/2026
lightning-v2.jpg

Mozart Hurls Thunderbolts From Jupiter

Explore Mozart's "Jupiter" Symphony, its origins, and how Bach's influence led to the masterpiece of counterpoint in its final movement.

10/30/2026
johannes-Brahms.jpg

How Brahms Captured the Rowdiness of Youth in His Graduation Anthem

Explore the story behind Johannes Brahms' Academic Festival Overture, a unique composition inspired by student drinking songs, created as a thank you for his honorary doctorate from the University of Breslau.

10/29/2026
iStock-1055676462-fall-autumn-leaves-wine-country.jpeg

With Fall Upon Us, Discover the Poetry in Vivaldi’s “Four Seasons”

Explore Vivaldi's Four Seasons concertos, each inspired by a sonnet possibly penned by Vivaldi himself. Discover how each sonnet perfectly fits the music's rhythm.

10/28/2026
Organ-e1548466757597.jpg

10 Scary-Good Performances of Bach’s Toccata and Fugue

What goes through your mind when you hear those opening notes?

10/26/2026
Clara-Schumann-9x6-v2.jpg

Clara Schumann Returns to the Limelight

Explore the life of Clara Schumann, a leading pianist of the Romantic era, who defied norms, balanced family and career, and whose work is gaining recognition.

10/26/2026