Mendelssohn and Prokofiev on Front Row Washington

Join us for two different approaches to chamber music for strings composed a century apart with the National Chamber Players and the music of Mendelssohn and Prokofiev.

The National Chamber Players have been the resident chamber ensemble at Episcopal High School since 2004. Made up of members of the National Symphony Orchestra and other prominent artists and under the artistic direction of N.S.O. cellist James Lee, the National Chamber Players perform four concerts per year in the Ainslie Arts Center's Pendleton Hall.

Image
Prokofiev

Classical Breakdown

John Banther and Evan Keely explore the genre of Theme and Variations. They present the four different techniques composers use in composing variations, explore some of the most beloved theme and variations in the repertoire, and highlight a variation on a theme that we all know!

Image
john banther

Wolf Trap Opera on Opera Matinee

Der Freischütz (The Marksman), a landmark of German Romantic opera, combines supernatural elements with folklore and spoken dialogue in a struggle between good and evil when an unsuccessful marksman makes a nefarious pact with the devil for skill and love.  A recorded presentation of Wolf Trap Opera's 2022 season at The Barns, conducted by Lidiya Yankovskaya.

Image
der freishutz

Choral Showcase

Music of love, passion, marriage, and fate: two works, remarkably similar, both drawn from ancient folklore. From Carl Orff, Carmina Burana, a lusty cantata based on 13th-century Latin and German secular sources, discovered at an abbey near Munich. Igor Stravinsky draws from ancient Slavic folk tradition for Les Noces, or "The Wedding," a ballet with chorus that inhabits the same sound-world as The Rite of Spring, written just a few years before.

Image
the wedding

Juneteenth

From the Top is commemorating Juneteenth this year with a special episode celebrating young Black classical musicians! Featuring special guest host Kevin Olusola, we meet outstanding young black musicians performing works by black composers, including music by William Grant Still, Sam Cooke, Florence Price, and a new work by a young composer. These excellent young players discuss what Juneteenth means to them and the black experience in classical music.

Image
juneteenth

Classical Sunrise

From a Schumann symphony to a keyboard work by Rameau, Classical Sunrise has the perfect offerings for this week's sunrise, helping you greet the day ahead.

  • Monday 6:05AM Hummel - Trumpet Concerto: III. Rondo
  • Tuesday 6:05AM Mozart - Overture to "The Abduction from the Seraglio"
  • Wednesday 6:05AM Schumann - Symphony No. 2: IV
  • Thursday 6:05AM Bruch - Piece No. 7 for Clarinet, Cello, and Piano
  • Friday 6:05AM Rameau - L'Egyptienne

Image
sunrise

Filed under: Program highlights

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.