ON THE AIR

September Programming News
from the desk of Sara Hessel, KMFA Music Director

Celebrate Monteverdi's Vespers on
Ancient Voices and Choral Classics
Jeffrey Blair and Sara Hessel are celebrating an important anniversary in their programs on Sunday, September 5th. The greatest liturgical work from the time before Bach, the Vespers of the Blessed Virgin by Claudio Monteverdi, was printed in Venice in 1610. If you have never heard this work for soloists, choirs, winds and strings, prepare to be enthralled.
Ancient Venice
The origins of the work are a mystery. Was it composed as the greatest job application of all time, to get Monteverdi a coveted post in Venice? Musicologists continue to debate, but we can just bask in the glory of the music! Jeffrey and Sara will be presenting the work in its entirety, during their back-to-back shows, Ancient Voices and Choral Classics, starting at 9am (and again at 4pm) on Sunday, September 5th. Please join us!

Last Night of the Proms — LIVE on KMFA!

Royal Albert Hall
For some reason, “fun” is not usually the first word that springs to mind when you think about classical music concerts, unless you’re thinking of the Last Night of the Proms, that is! KMFA will be airing this event live from London’s Royal Albert Hall beginning at 1pm on Saturday, September 11th. If four hours of fun, live from London, isn’t quite enough English charm for you, worry not! David Crews will feature British selections throughout the morning, and our own resident Brit, Carmel O’Donovan, will be on hand to share her special insights about the Proms phenomenon. Join KMFA as we celebrate "Merrie Olde England" all day on Saturday, September 11th, culminating in a live broadcast of the Last Night of the Proms starting at 1pm!
Jolly good!

If you'd like to know when your favorite KMFA program is on the air, check out our Program Schedule.

 

About KMFA

Listening to radio

KMFA is a non-profit, listener-supported public radio station whose mission is to uplift, entertain and educate Central Texans by providing the best in classical music and cultural programming. The most important and reliable funding KMFA receives as a public radio station comes from individual listeners.

If you value the service that KMFA provides, you can show your support by donating now in any amount. Thank you!

News and events

Coming up on the next Classical Austin....
... host Dianne Donovan introduces us to some of the creative leadership behind our favorite "classically Austin" arts events. 
Austin at night

It's that time of year again: all of Austin's fabulous music ensembles are kicking off their new seasons! Dianne will be chatting with some of our leading classical music luminaries, such as Maestro Peter Bay (Austin Symphony Orchestra), Dr. Michelle Schumann (Austin Chamber Music Center), Craig Hella Johnson (Conspirare), and Stephen Mills (Ballet Austin). As always, we’ll have a great selection of music. On the 22nd join us for a special LIVE Classical Austin, with pianist/lecturer from The Butler School of Music, Rick Rowley. He’ll perform from right here in the KMFA studios.

Stay tuned to Classical 89.5 on Wednesdays, 8pm, to hear what's next on Classical Austin.

Conversations with Austin's Musical Best
Armstrong Community Music School
Have you ever wanted to improve your appreciation of classical music just a little bit more? Well, the Armstong Community Music School (part of Austin Lyric Opera) is offering lectures from some of Austin's most esteemed musicians. Meet some of Austin's best-known musical personalities as they share their insights into the music and composers that inspire them.

Sunday Morning Classes — 10:30a - 11:30a
Sep. 19th - Craig Hella Johnson, Artistic Director of Conspirare
Sep. 26th - Keith Womer, Artistic Director, La Follia
Oct. 3rd - Matt Hinsley, Exec. Director, Austin Classical Guitar Society

Wednesday Evening Classes — 6:30p - 7:30p
Sep. 22th - Graham Reynolds, composer, performer, and teacher
Sep. 29th - Michelle Schumann, Artistic Dir. Austin Chamber Music Ctr.
Oct. 6th - Kathryn Mishell, composer and Artistic Dir. of Salon Concerts

To enroll, or for more information, call 512-474-2331.

Visit our staff blog

Classical 89.5 Blog
recent posts

KMFA programs score twice on the Austin Chronicle's "Best of Austin" list!
Bion Tsang and Anton Nel featured on KLRU
Happy Birthday, Leonard Bernstein
Having fun with Art in the Park at Symphony Square

(Browse all the blog entries — click here)

IncidentallY . . .

Watermelon VWTurn a Vehicle into a Gift!
Are you in possession of an unwanted car, truck, motorcycle, RV, camper or boat? Donate your transportation to KMFA and it will be auctioned off for charity. Donating is simple; read on for further details.