classical music

For the 150th anniversary of the first complete Ring festival in Bayreuth, we’re taking a look at some of the most memorable reactions, reviews and anecdotes surrounding those early performances. From astonished first impressions to sharp-tongued criticism, from logistical headaches to the unpredictable realities of live theater, these stories remind us that even the grandest artistic visions don’t always go according to plan.

Wagner's Der Ring des Nibelungen was first performed in its entirety at Bayreuth in 1876. It remains a powerful and influential work 150 years later, with Wagner’s vision continuing to inspire artists, audiences, and opera companies—including Seattle Opera and Tacoma Opera in the Pacific Northwest.

NWPB's classical service host Jedd Greenhalgh interviews the creator, composer and pianist behind The Hip Hop Orchestra Experience.

Johann Strauss, Jr. was born in an outlying district of Vienna two centuries ago, on October 25, 1825. His music has been celebrated at the annual New Year’s concerts given by the Vienna Philharmonic since 1939. Champagne glasses at the ready, then. Let’s raise a toast to the immortal “Waltz King.”

NWPB's Anjuli Dodhia spoke to WSU professors, Drs. Melissa Parkhurst and Jacqueline Wilson (Yakima), about their upcoming Olsen Festival of native American Music. With Artist-in-Residence Connor Chee, the festival will be hosted on the WSU Pullman campus, November 12-23, 2024.

(Runtime 1:00)On Tuesday, the Walla Walla Symphony will raise the curtain on a new season and a new director.Dina Gilbert, the symphony’s new music…

Since 1993, musicians from around the country have gathered in Northwest Washington for the Bellingham Festival of Music. Co-founder and Artistic Director Michael Palmer stepped down from conducting duties in 2002, opening the door for a new leader of the orchestra. Enter Brazilian-born Marcelo Lehninger.

Classical music can have a reputation of being all too serious. But not in the hands of Sarah Hagen. Part piano recital, part comedy show, “Perk Up Pianist!” pairs anecdotes and stories with pieces by Chopin, Debussy, and Liszt. NWPB’s Steve Reeder spoke with Hagen.

Playlist of music selected for Variations on a Theme episode Winter is Coming.

Turn on your radio, pour a cup of tea, cozy up to a warm fire, and enjoy uplifting music, heartwarming stories and inspiring performances to celebrate the season.Here’s a list of special programs coming your way throughout the month of December.