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Albums of the Year | 2025
Top albums of 2025 according to the music programmers at Classical California.
Chapman Challenge: The History of Handbells
In this Chapman Challenge, Alan explains the history of handbells, their transition from bell tower practice tools to melody instruments, and how melodies are divided among ringers in a handbell choir.
The Ukrainian Folk Tune Behind “Carol of the Bells”
These Rides Really Sleigh
Brian Lauritzen gallops into the holidays with these compositions about sleigh rides.
A Classical California Holiday Sing-a-Long Special | Saturday, December 20, 7-9PM
Saturday, December 20, 7-9PM: A Classical California Holiday Sing-a-Long Special hosted by Jennifer Miller Hammel – From your favorite carols to Handel’s Messiah, tune in and follow along with the lyrics below (as well as the score for the Handel choruses), so you can sing-a-long with the season!
Harmonious Holiday Highlights
highlights from Classical California’s Harmonious Holidays 2025
Beyond the Classics: 12 More “Sleigh Rides” For the Holidays
Explore the history of the popular holiday song 'Sleigh Ride', from its creation by Leroy Anderson in 1946 to various renditions by artists like Mozart, Delius, and Mahler.
The Holidays
A tribute to that special time of year.
Farewell Herbert Blomstedt
Dianne Nicolini's tribute to conductor Herbert Blomstedt, former Music Director of the San Francisco Symphony
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.
The Ride of the Golden State Valkyries!
Dianne Nicolini roots for WNBA's Gold State Valkyries, a team full of Brünnhildes!
The Spookiest Melody in History
Solomon Reynolds illuminates an ancient musical death code.
Trippy Tales in Classical Music
Explore the connection between altered states of consciousness and music composition, featuring works by Berlioz, Hildegard of Bingen, and Schumann.
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.
