With today’s technology, KWAX isn’t just for Oregon listeners anymore. I myself live on the East Coast, but I know a surprising number of people in my area, and through social media, who have turned to this station. We’ve been enjoying it through our internet radios and at kwax.com.

And why? Because KWAX offers things that aren’t so common in classical radio anymore. For one, KWAX broadcasts major works complete, the way a composer intended. I can’t emphasize how important that is to me, to not have a symphony or a concerto hacked off after a single movement, as has become the norm, sadly, on so many other stations.

Furthermore, the announcers – who are actually in-house and not pumped in from a satellite service somewhere – select ALL the recordings they broadcast themselves, making for an unpredictable and stimulating blend of familiar and unusual repertoire. Sometimes you don’t know how much you need Bohuslav Martinů or Gerald Finzi until they make an unexpected appearance.

This is no small thing. The abuse of satellite networks has changed the face of classical radio – eliminating local jobs, destroying the unique character of stations across the country, and dumbing down programming with slice-and-dice playlists. You get none of that with KWAX. It might not be your local station, but it definitely has local character. You will feel like you are a part of Eugene, Oregon.

Add to these qualities, the variety of content – the concert broadcasts, artist interviews, Saturday operas, and syndicated shows – and you have a classical music resource that is very precious indeed.

KWAX respects not only the music, but also its listeners. And it is worthy of listener support.

70 percent of the KWAX budget comes from people just like you, who understand their invaluable role in sustaining the high standards and quality programming, offered by knowledgeable folks, who palpably enjoy what they’re doing, without filling the airwaves with inane, extraneous chatter.

KWAX makes life more pleasant by sharing beautiful music every day.

If the station enhances the quality of your world, bringing you moments of solace, excitement, intelligence, and elevation, please consider making a donation – wherever you are, in whatever amount – by contributing online at kwax.com, or calling 541-345-9451, during regular business hours.

And if you’ve never tuned in, give it a shot! Obviously, today and tomorrow will be fundraising days, so perhaps they won’t be quite so characteristic. But I guarantee you will not be disappointed with what you hear on a regular basis. This is classical music radio the way it should be, presented commercial-free, without a set playlist, and offered with real integrity.

As host of “Picture Perfect,” “The Lost Chord,” and “Sweetness and Light,” I thank you – from behind the microphone AND as a fellow listener.

https://kwax.uoregon.edu/