Tune in to WHRO-FM at 8:00 p.m. this Saturday for “This Just In,” your gateway to the newest releases in classical music. Join host Raymond Jones as he curates a rich selection of musical treasures, from beloved masterpieces to hidden gems, each offering a unique listening experience.
The program opens with Ralph Vaughan Williams’s evocative “The Lark Ascending,” performed by violinist Guy Braunstein with the Royal Liège Philharmonic under the direction of Alondra de la Parra. This iconic piece transports listeners to a realm of peace and serenity, with rich melodies imitating the gentle, soaring flight of a lark amid the serene sounds of the British countryside.
Next, discover the Piano Quartet No. 3 by Ferdinand Thieriot, brought to life by the Amadeus Chamber Musicians. Featured in the recently released album Ferdinand "Thieriot: Chamber Music, Volume Three," this lesser-known 19th-century chamber work is a rare gem that showcases Thieriot’s lyrical and expressive style.
Raymond Jones also presents Symphony No. 8 by Antonín Dvořák, performed by the Czech Philharmonic under maestro Semyon Bychkov. Composed in 1889, this symphony diverges from the dramatic intensity of Dvořák’s Seventh, embracing the natural beauty and spirited folk traditions of his native Czech lands.
Listeners can also enjoy Piano Concerto in F by George Gershwin, featuring soloist Daniil Trifonov with the Philadelphia Orchestra. Trifonov’s interpretation breathes fresh energy into Gershwin’s unique fusion of jazz and classical styles, capturing the vibrant rhythm and soul of American music in the early 20th century.
The program will continue with French Suite No. 4 by J.S. Bach, performed by pianist Rochelle Sennet, a display of Bach’s mastery in form and emotion. Additionally, the Emerson String Quartet will present String Quartet No. 2 “Intimate Letters” by Leoš Janáček, a passionate and personal piece inspired by Janáček’s intense correspondence with his muse, Kamila Stösslová.
Finally, enjoy a selection of Assorted Airs for Organ by contemporary composer Christopher J. Hoh, performed by organist Jonathan Dimmock at the historic Trinity Episcopal in Staunton, VA.
Experience the beauty and diversity of classical music’s latest offerings this Saturday at 8:00 p.m. on WHRO-FM 90.3 or listen online.