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Arts Alive Blog

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The Wheel of Fortune: Spring, Spirits, and Seeking Love in “Carmina Burana”

Explore the history and significance of Carl Orff's 1936 choral masterpiece, Carmina Burana, from its Latin origins to its global recognition today.

09/17/2025
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Chapman Challenge: What’s the Spookiest Instrument?

In this Chapman Challenge, Alan discusses the spookiest instruments in honor of Halloween, highlighting the eerie sounds of the theremin and the scary potential of violins.

10/31/2024
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John Carpenter, “Halloween” Composer for Hire

Renowned director John Carpenter discusses his journey from filmmaker to musician, his approach to scoring his own films, and his experience working on the Halloween series.

10/30/2021
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The Secret Love Affair Hidden in Alban Berg’s “Lyric Suite”

Explore the hidden love story in Alban Berg's Lyric Suite. Discover how Berg used musical references, initials, and numerology to encode his affair with Hanna Fuchs-Robettin.

02/11/2021
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Chapman Challenge: What Exactly Are Köchel Numbers?

This article explains Köchel numbers, a catalog system for Mozart's works created by Ludwig von Köchel in the 19th century, and its significance in musicology.

01/26/2021
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A Sampling of Birdcalls in the Concert Hall

Explore how composers like Beethoven, Handel, and Respighi have imitated bird songs in their works, from the cuckoo's call to the nightingale's song.

06/01/2020
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The “Defiant Requiem” Explores the Power of Music in the Darkest of Times

"Defiant Requiem," a concert by Murry Sidlin, commemorates Verdi’s Requiem performances by Terezin camp prisoners in the 1940s. Upcoming shows in California.

06/01/2020

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A DIY Spooky Film Festival for Classical Fans

Explore 10 iconic horror films known for their classical music scores, including Jaws, Psycho, and The Shining. Discover where to stream or rent these spine-chilling classics.

10/27/2026
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Deep Cuts for a Classical Summer

Explore lesser-known classical music pieces that celebrate summer, from composers like Copland, Zaimont, Delius, Mazzoli, Melartin, Prokofiev, Beach, Webern, and Still.

08/10/2026
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Classical Californians: Laura Karpman

Film composer Laura Karpman plays music that influenced her life, from her early days as a student to her success as a composer for Marvel Studios and HBO. Tune in for her playlist and inspirations.

08/05/2026
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A Tribute to Home

Classical California's Brian Lauritzen counts down Gustavo Dudamel's last concerts with the Los Angeles Philharmonic as his tenure as .Music and Artistic Director concludes.

07/29/2026
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Classical Californians: Riot Games Composers Vol 2

This week on Classical Californians, three of the composers behind the music at Riot Games: Bill Hemstapat, Alexander Temple, and J.D. Spears return!

07/25/2026
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Classical Kick-Off for World Cup 2026

The World Cup is nearing its final whistle, and we're bidding farewell to each departing team with music from home.

07/09/2026