Join Raymond Jones this Wednesday evening at 9:00 on WHRO-FM for a vibrant edition of “A Local Touch: Music with a Virginia Connection,” featuring an eclectic mix of pieces that honor musical tradition, cultural heritage, and virtuoso performances.
We’ll begin with a tribute to the late Paul Bierley, a renowned Sousa scholar and former member of the Virginia Grand Military Band. Under the direction of Loras John Schissel, the band delivers a stirring salute, performing classic Sousa marches like “The Stars and Stripes Forever” alongside lesser-known gems such as the “Tales of a Traveler” suite. The program also includes works by composers Filmore, Lehár, and Fahrbach, offering a delightful journey through timeless military and band music.
In honor of Native American Heritage Month, the spotlight shifts to René Clausen’s “Crying for a Dream.” This profound work incorporates Native American musical themes and features Dr. Kathleen Joyce-Grendahl on Native American flute, narration by Chief Red Hawk, and the Choir of the College of William & Mary. Clausen's composition is a poignant meditation on the history, resilience, and enduring spirit of Indigenous peoples, conveying universal themes of loss, hope, and justice.
From Staunton’s Heifetz Institute of Music, we’ll enjoy “A Little Romance” with classics like Edward Elgar’s “Salut d’Amour” and Vivaldi’s Guitar Concerto in D, showcasing the lighter, more lyrical side of classical repertoire.
The program concludes with a stunning rendition of Eugène Ysaÿe’s Violin Sonata No. 3, performed by Virginia native Hilary Hahn. Renowned for its intricate technical demands and profound emotional resonance, this virtuosic masterpiece earned Hahn the distinguished 2024 Gramophone Record of the Year award. The sonata showcases the violinist's exceptional skill, featuring rapid transitions, intricate melodic turns, and flawless technical precision.
Tune in Wednesday at 9:00 p.m. to WHRO-FM 90.3, or online, for an unforgettable evening of music that connects the past, the present, and Virginia’s rich musical legacy.
