Classical KUSC announces special holiday programming

Classical KUSC (91.5 FM) celebrates the holidays this season with an extraordinary variety of concert programs, documentaries, and specials. "From cherished traditions, like the King’s College Nine Lessons and Carols, to full-length concerts by the Los Angeles Master Chorale, to film music spectaculars, we’re offering our audience a wide range of holiday music both familiar and off the beaten track," says KUSC Director of Arts Programming Gail Eichenthal.
KUSC President Brenda Barnes adds, "Support from our listeners has been so incredible this year, that we wanted to pull out all the stops and create the best holiday programming ever."
On Sunday, December 23, 2007 at noon, KUSC will present Embark! A concert by the Los Angeles Master Chorale featuring Haydn’s Creation Mass and music of Philip Glass conducted by Music Director Grant Gershon. Completed in 1801, the Mass shows the great Austrian composer at his most lyrical and intimate. The Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra makes a special appearance in the Haydn Mass, along with soloists soprano Elissa Johnston, mezzo-soprano Kelley O’Connor, tenor Jonathan Mack, and bass Steven Pence.
Immediately following, at 2 p.m., Classical KUSC presents Between Two Worlds: A Tribute to Erich Wolfgang Korngold. In commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the composer’s death in 1957, the program includes concert works, film scores, and interviews. Hosted and produced by Jon Burlingame, author and professor of film music history at USC.
The following Sunday, December 30, 2007, at noon, it’s another concert by the Los Angles Master Chorale. This time, Grant Gershon conducts a single, stunningly beautiful rarity: Sergei Rachmaninoff’s All-Night Vigil. Vespers, one of the most haunting a cappella pieces in the choral literature. The Chorale’s widely acclaimed beauty of sound is greatly enhanced in both Sunday concerts by Disney Hall’s sparkling acoustics. Alan Chapman hosts both concerts by the Los Angeles Master Chorale.
Again, following at 2 p.m., our second film music special is: Double Life: a 100th Birthday Tribute to Miklos Rozsa. We’ll hear interviews with the late composer, rare recordings of his concert music, and highlights from his film scores.
Classical KUSC’s Special Holiday Programs also include an extraordinary array of concert programs produced by American Public Media:
Sunday, December 23, 4 p.m. Chanticleer Christmas
Celebrate the mystery and wonder of Christmas with an elegant blend of traditional carols, medieval and Renaissance sacred works, and moving spirituals.
Sunday, December 23, 5 p.m. Welcome Christmas
The annual Christmas concert from Vocal Essence, recognized internationally as one of America’s premier choral groups.
Monday, December 24, 9 a.m. A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols
Recorded live at King’s College, Cambridge
Monday, December 24, 6 p.m. St. Olaf Christmas Festival
A service of hymns, carols, choral works, and orchestral selections featuring more than 550 student musicians of St. Olaf College.
Tuesday, December 25, 6 p.m. Echoes of Christmas
The Dale Warland Singers present a celebration of Christmas choral music new and old.
Monday, December 31, 7 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Jim Svejda’s annual New Year’s Eve Bash
Make KUSC an integral part of your holiday season. For further scheduling information visit KUSC.org and click Programming, or call the station at 213.255.7400.

ABOUT CLASSICAL KUSC
Classical KUSC is the largest non-profit classical music station in the country, dedicated to preserving classical music as a living art. Located in downtown Los Angeles, Classical KUSC uses digital transmission technology to broadcast commercial-free uninterrupted classical performances. The non-profit, listener-supported station has been broadcasting for over 60 years. The station is a broadcast service of the University of Southern California at 91.5(FM) in Los Angeles; 88.5 KPSC in Palm Springs; 91.1 KDSC in Thousand Oaks, and 88.7 KQSC in Santa Barbara. For more information, please visit www.kusc.org .