This Saturday at 8:00 p.m., immerse yourself in the freshest sounds of the classical music world on WHRO FM 90.3 with Raymond Jones. In his weekly program dedicated to exploring new releases, Jones will guide you through a captivating lineup that highlights the diversity and innovation of today’s classical music scene.
The journey begins with Margaret Bonds’ “Spiritual Suite,” a vibrant work that draws from African American spirituals to create a deeply moving and soulful experience. Performed by pianist Rochelle Sennet, this work is included in her latest album Bach to Black: Suites for Piano, Vol. III.
Next, prepare to be enchanted by William Williams’ “Sonata in Imitation of Birds for 2 recorders, viol and continuo.” This sonata captures the essence of birdsong, beautifully performed by Barbara Heindlmeier and the early music ensemble La Ninfea.
The program also features the Piano Concerto by Mason Bates, one of Virginia's most celebrated contemporary composers. Performed by virtuoso pianist Daniil Trifonov alongside the Philadelphia Orchestra, this concerto evolves through three distinct stylistic sound worlds: the opening movement has an almost Renaissance transparency, the middle one lurches forward to Romanticism, and the finale references jazz and minimalism, before all musical elements spin together in the concerto’s final minute.
After this journey through the ages, listeners will then be treated to a performance by the Emerson Quartet of Mendelssohn’s String Quartet No. 3 in D. Known for their precision and emotional depth, the Emerson Quartet brings Mendelssohn’s lyrical and expressive quartet to vibrant life.
In honor of the Bruckner year, the evening concludes with a monumental performance of Bruckner’s Symphony No. 8 in c minor by the Southwest German Radio Symphony of Stuttgart. Known as one of Bruckner's grandest and most profound works, this symphony offers a powerful close to the evening’s program.
Join Raymond Jones this Saturday at 8:00 p.m. on WHRO FM 90.3, and online, for an exploration of the latest classical releases.
