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Handel’s ‘Israel in Egypt’ Takes Center Stage This Saturday on WHRO-FM

This Saturday evening at 8:00, join Raymond Jones on “This Just In” for an extraordinary lineup featuring grand music from across the centuries.

We begin with the monumental oratorio “Israel in Egypt” by George Frederick Handel, a dramatic and vivid work renowned for its powerful choral writing. Apollo’s Fire, under the expert direction of Jeannette Sorrell, brings this masterpiece to life with an interpretation that emphasizes the ensemble's expertise in Baroque performance, making this an unforgettable listening experience.

Next, we’ll turn to the virtuosic Piano Concerto in F Minor by 19th-century composer Adolf von Henselt, as performed by renowned pianist and barrister Paul Wee. This piece is part of the album “Henselt & Bronsart Piano Concertos,” released by Bis Records last year, and is beautifully accompanied by the Swedish Chamber Orchestra under Michael Collins' direction.

The evening continues with the Symphony in F Major by Ferdinand Ries, a gifted student of Beethoven. Recently released by Ondine Records, this recording has garnered critical acclaim, earning 5 out of 5 stars from BBC Music Magazine. With the Tapiola Sinfonietta conducted by Janne Nisonen, this performance highlights Ries's orchestral craftsmanship and emotional depth.

We’ll also hear the celebrated String Quartet No. 14 in A-flat by Antonín Dvořák, performed by the Emerson String Quartet. Composed during Dvořák’s return to Bohemia in 1895, this work reflects a stunning blend of Czech folk influences and the composer’s mature style, marking a key moment in the evolution of chamber music.

To close the evening, we’ll enjoy a pair of etudes by Fernando Sor, performed by guitarist David Leisner. Leisner’s nuanced and sophisticated interpretation of Sor’s works showcases the composer’s innovative contributions to the guitar repertoire, offering a fitting and elegant conclusion to the night.

Tune in to "This Just In" this Saturday at 8:00 p.m. on WHRO-FM to experience the excitement of these new classical releases. You can catch the program on the air at 90.3 FM or listen online through our media player. Don't miss out on the chance to discover the latest and greatest in classical music – it's an evening you won't want to miss!

As the Assistant Radio Producer at WHRO FM 90.3, Aurora contributes to the production of our classical music programs, extending her expertise to both WHRO and WHRV. Her journey in media began at a regional radio station in Valencia, Spain, before transitioning to television, where she spent nearly 20 years producing a variety of formats, from news to game shows and reality TV. In 2023, Aurora relocated to Hampton Roads, bringing her diverse media experience to this vibrant community and becoming an integral part of the WHRO team.