Genuinely learned inhabitants of the Western world – in centuries past – studied the Aeneid, a towering work from antiquity. But recent years have changed all that. Try dropping the name Virgil even at an acclaimed university today. Pegboards of even the most educated minds often have no place for this author. Publius Vergilius Maro – a poet once hailed among the greatest of all authors – finds a place on Classical 89’s Thinking Aloud in a discussion of his masterpiece of epic poetry.
Eccles Organ Festival (Sundays at 3pm)
Each year, Utah’s Cathedral of the Madeleine is home to the internationally-recognized Eccles Organ Festival. The event features recitals offered free to the public as part of the Festival’s goal to provide organ performances of the highest-quality to the residents of Salt Lake City. Join Classical 89 as we bring you all five recitals.
7/5/2009
Daniel Kerr, BYU-Idaho (recorded 9/21/2008)
7/12/2009
Todd Wilson, Indiana University Jacobs School of Music (recorded 10/05/2008)
7/19/2009
Delbert Disselhorst, University of Iowa School of Music, Emeritus (recorded 10/19/2008)
8/2/2009
Cristina Garcia Banegas, University Music School of Uruguay (recorded 11/16/2008)
Celebrate July Holidays With Classical 89
Patriot Strains: Music of the American Revolution
7/4 at 5pm
Often forgotten in the celebrations of our independence is the music that accompanied the struggle for democracy. Patriot Strains: The Music of the American Revolution, is an in-depth recollection of the stirring music that was so important to both sides of the conflict. From propagandistic popular songs and hymns to military marches and “Yankee Doodle,” enjoy this Classical 89 holiday special produced by Brian Hawkins.
Bastille Day: Music of the French Revolution
7/14 at 8pm
Join Classical 89’s Reg Pontius for an interesting journey through music associated with this turbulent time in French history.
Tabernacle Choir Pioneer Day Celebration
7/18 at 7pm
Tune in for the annual celebration concert by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square (recorded 7/17/2009)
Woman the Pioneer
7/24 at 1pm
A suite of seven dances paying tribute to the indomitable spirit of pioneer women, past and present, who braved the Western wilderness and continue to blaze new trails today. The original score by Robert Cundick echoes the faith, hope and courage of these valiant women.
All Faces West
7/24 at 4pm
The 1947 centennial commemoration of the arrival of the Mormon Pioneers in the Salt Lake Valley prompted composer, Roland Perry, to begin work on a musical that focused on the character of Brigham Young and the western migration he led. The composition, titled All Faces West, debuted four years after the centennial and became an annual event observed for some two decades more. KBYU-FM General Manager Walter Rudolph hosts this special program about the musical featuring baritone Igor Gorin, singing the role of Brigham Young.
Utah Festival Opera
Saturdays at 11am
Join Classical 89 for two marvelous performances from the 2008 season including Verdi’s Aida with Marie-Adele McArthur in the title role (pictured). In addition we bring you two other top-notch performances from past seasons. July 4 Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro (2006) July 11 Puccini’s La Bohéme (2006) July 18 Puccini’s Manon Lescaut (2008) July 25 Verdi’s Aida (2008)
Bayreuth Specials
Wilhelmine and Bayreuth’s Royal Legacy
7/21 at 8pm
Every region seems to have its own royalty and Bayreuth, Germany is no exception. Before the reign of its most famous composer (Richard Wagner) or cruelest dictator (Adolf Hitler), Bayreuth was subject to the whims of a gentler hand, the Prussian princess Wilhelmine, who was born 300 years ago, July 3, 1709. As the 2009 Bayreuth Festival is about to get underway, join Classical 89’s Walter Rudolph, and producer Jacqueline Tateishi for an hour that is sure to be gilded in gold.
The Saga of Bayreuth
7/28 at 8pm
The word “Saga” evokes heroism and history in epic proportions. Richard Wagner was a “saga” of his own. The same can be said of his Bayreuth Festival, and for the Wagner family self-image today. The 2008 Bayreuth Festival put it all on the line with a new production of Parsifal, plus revivals of The Ring, Die Meistersinger, and Tristan. Join Walter Rudolph for an hour of interviews, commentary and music. Classical 89 brings this broadcast to you as the 2009 Festival is just getting under way in Europe.
Albert Mamriev in Concert
7/23 at 9pm
Richard Wagner had no stronger proponent than Franz Liszt. One of the things which Franz Liszt did to further the influence of Wagner, was to write piano transcriptions of some of Wagner’s vocal and orchestral music. These transcriptions allowed Wagner’s music to achieve fame, not just in the opera house, but in the concert hall, as well. Gina Bachauer International Piano Competition prize winner Albert Mamriev came to Salt Lake City in June 2009 to perform an entire recital dedicated to these Wagner/Liszt transcriptions. Join Classical 89 for a broadcast of the program on June 23 at 9pm.
