Bach CantataFest on WETA VivaLaVoce
WETA Classical celebrates the birthday month of Johann Sebastian Bach with the return of "CantataFest" on WETA VivaLaVoce. Throughout March, we will broadcast all of the more than 200 surviving cantatas by Bach. Cantatas air every other hour between 7am and 7pm each day, except on Bach's birthday (March 21), when we will air his large choral works (Mass, Passions, etc.).
Bach composed about 23 secular cantatas for civic occasions and more than 300 sacred cantatas (many lost), which he wrote and performed to supplement readings on Sundays and holidays at Lutheran church services in Leipzig. At the center of WETA Classical’s “CantataFest” is the highly acclaimed set of recordings of the sacred cantatas featuring the Monteverdi Choir and English Baroque Soloists led by John Eliot Gardiner, performed during their Bach Cantata Pilgrimage.
Please visit this page each day to see a list of the current day's featured cantatas. You may wish to visit the Bach Cantatas Website for texts and translations of the cantatas, in a variety of formats.
Women Composers with the National Philharmonic
John Banther is excited to feature local artists and ensembles on Front Row Washington, especially when it's one of our area's celebrated orchestras, the National Philharmonic. Led by Piotr Gajewski, they have been performing regularly at the Music Center at Strathmore since 2005. In this chamber music concert curated by the orchestra's concertmaster, Laura Colgate, they play music written by women composers from the 19th to the 21st century. Monday at 9PM ET.
Music for Passiontide
Choral Showcase is gearing up for Easter! Music for Passiontide on this weekend's Choral Showcase, including Lamentations for Holy Week by Lassus, and Penitential motets by Poulenc. Performance by The Sistine Chapel Choir; The Tallis Scholars, and the Huelgas Ensemble. Sunday at 9PM ET.
Wagner's Lohengrin
Opera Matinee presents Richard Wagner's Lohengrin. Wagner’s shimmering presentation of the Swan Knight and his mysterious background is rooted in German medieval romance, stemming from French and Italian grand opera yet bearing the marks of a new genre of opera. A new production starring renowned tenor Piotr Beczała in the title role, conducted by Yannick Nézet-Séguin. This live broadcast will begin at 12PM ET this Saturday.
Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center
On this week's Center Stage from Wolf Trap, enjoy this delightful all-Chopin program with the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, from his iconic works for solo piano to his trio for piano, violin, and cello. Saturday at 9PM ET.
A Haydn Concerto, A Virtuosic Teenage Cellist, and an Homage to Bach
On this week's From the Top, a brilliant young trumpeter performs the music of Haydn. He’s joined by a 15-year-old cellist performing a classic showpiece, a talented teenage piano duo from Hawaii, and two young musicians with deeply expressive solo performances. Sunday at 6PM ET.
Greet the sun with Classical Sunrise
Spring is emerging but old man winter still lingers. The warmth of the sunshine is a welcome friend on these chilly mornings! Join us at sunrise every weekday for Classical Sunrise to greet the sunrise with energizing music for the day. A special St. Patrick's Day selection this Friday!
- Monday 7:23AM Bach - Trio Sonata, BWV 529: III. Un poco allegro
- Tuesday 7:22AM Telemann - Oboe Concerto in E Minor: II. Allegro molto
- Wednesday 7:20AM Handel - Arrival of the Queen of Sheba
- Thursday 7:19AM Schumann - Allegro for cello and piano
- Friday 7:17AM Harty - An Irish Symphony: II. The Fair Day
WETA Passport
Stream tens of thousands of hours of your PBS and local favorites with WETA Passport whenever and wherever you want. Catch up on a single episode or binge-watch full seasons before they air on TV.