Culture

America in the Bardo

What does America sound like?

Classical Californians: John Mario Di Costanzo

This week's Classical Californian is is conductor, pianist, and educator John Mario Di Costanzo, Music Director of the Temecula Valley Symphony and the Coachella Valley Symphony.

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.

An Obsessive Love that Mirrored Life

Explore the dramatic tale of Hector Berlioz's Symphonie fantastique, an autobiographical piece reflecting his obsessive love for actress Harriet Smithson and his descent into madness.

Classical Californians: Steven Schick

This week on Classical Californians, Percussionist, conductor, educator, and contemporary music pioneer Steven Schick shares a playlist featuring works by Iannis Xenakis, Anna Thorvaldsdottir, John Luther Adams, and Olivier Messiaen.

Classical Californians: Alexander Shelley

This week on Classical Californians, conductor and Music Director of Pacific Symphony, Alexander Shelley, shares a special recording of his parents, pianists Hilary Macnamara and Howard Shelley.