The first day of “winter.” With temperatures rising into the 70s by Christmas Eve, the hosts at WPRB will do their best to keep you thinking frosty thoughts.
First of all, Marvin Rosen and I will be switching shifts this week, Marvin kindly consenting to take Christmas Eve morning to allow me a full day of last-minute panic. So tune in on Thursday at 5:30 a.m., not Wednesday, for the third leg of Marvin’s annual Christmas Trilogy. The focus will be on Christmas music of the Medieval, Renaissance and Baroque eras.
Tomorrow, Marvin’s usual day and time, I’ll present part two of my own Christmas revels, including a wintry mix of Christmas film scores, some light music, some lovely choral performances, Christmas songs sung by some of the great opera singers, Early Music, seasonal works by contemporary composers, and music evocative of Christmases past – occasionally long past!
On Christmas Eve, for the 27th consecutive year, Jon Solomon will don the Santa hat for a 25-hour mix of holiday music, beginning at 5 p.m. The show will include “never-before-played pieces and original stories/songs specifically recorded for the program… plus all your past favorites.” There will be live-listener chat and webcam functions available during the broadcast. More information will be posted at http://wprb.com/jon-solomons-25-hour-holiday-radio-show-2/
On Saturday, Marvin will embark on his annual, 24-hour-plus “Viva 21st Century” marathon (that’s another way of saying it too is a 25-hour show), beginning at 2 p.m. This year, Marvin will celebrate the 75th anniversary of WPRB with works by more than 75 living composers. More information at https://www.facebook.com/events/1102695103095837/
And since Marvin doesn’t know the meaning of the word sleep, he’ll be back the first thing on Monday morning with a 5 ½ hour salute to American maverick Henry Cowell, to mark the 50th anniversary of his death. “Cowell-Mania” will commence Monday at 5:30 a.m.
On December 30, Marvin’s Classical Discoveries will be back to its regular day and time, as he celebrates the impending New Year with his annual program, “Shall We Dance,” from 5:30 to 11 a.m.
Teri Noel Towe will be filling in for me on New Year’s Eve morning, so be sure to tune in bright and early if you like champagne in your stirrup cup. As you probably know, he too likes to go on the air at 5:30. (What is it with these people?)
I hope you’ll join me tomorrow morning, from 6 to 11 ET, on WPRB 103.3 FM and at wprb.com. I’ll be wishing you a Mele Kalikimaka on Classic Ross Amico.
