Dave Tarantino
Classical HostDave Tarantino is a substitute classical host at WRTI.
The station has played a huge role in Dave’s journey as a music lover. While growing up in Southern New Jersey, he relied on WRTI’s classical and jazz programming as a source of information, education, and inspiration. At age 14, Dave decided that he wanted to be a classical musician and became an avid listener of the station, day and night, soaking up all the information he could.
While a graduate student at Boston University, Dave grew his love for radio even deeper as a host for their student-run radio station, and through internships he did with Boston’s local NPR News station, WBUR. Joining the team at WRTI is the perfect combination of his deepest passions.
Dave is a percussionist, and often views classical music through the lens of his experience as a performer and educator. He plays frequently with many of the Philadelphia area’s finest orchestras, and teaches for instrumental music programs at several middle and high schools in the city.
One of the biggest highlights in Dave’s career was being a member of the percussion section of the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra from 2016–2017. During this time he worked closely with then music director Zubin Mehta, and toured with them on four continents. Be sure to check out his YouTube channel to learn more about percussion instruments!
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Halloween has concluded and the holiday season is right on its tail. This week is packed, featuring Yannick leading the Curtis Symphony Orchestra in Mahler, two PCMS features, the recently revived London City Ballet, and more. -
Classical organizations big and small are taking a moment to celebrate America's 250th anniversary. Here are some highlights in the week ahead. -
This week's Fanfare promises a number of performances all across the city— and beyond! -
Valentine's Day is fast approaching. Luckily, this week is offering plenty of opportunities to see some lovely performances from a number of heavy hitters. Make it a date! -
This week's Fanfare offers an early cornucopia to send us off into Thanksgiving week, with performances from the Galilee Chamber Orchestra, The Crossing, Judith Ingolfsson and more. -
This week's Fanfare brings a haunting opera performance, a visit from violinist Lisa Batiashvili, a vocal offering from Variant 6 and more. -
In Fanfare this week, we've got a witty & wicked collaboration between Tugan Sokhiev, Haochen Zhang and The Philadelphia Orchestra, an extraordinary visit from the musicians from Marlboro, a futuristic soundscape experience from Max Richter, and more. -
This week's Fanfare brings a stunning array of not-to-miss performances, including by Lang Lang and Leif Ove Andsnes, as well as the Academy of Vocal Arts' 90th Anniversary Celebration and Gala. -
This week's Fanfare brings you plenty of offerings towards the end of the week to catch before Sunday's big game. Go birds! -
This week's Fanfare brings holiday cheer through its spectacular selection of performances, including Barbara Hannigan & Bertrand Chamayou, Sheku & Isata Kanneh-Mason, Alisa Weilerstein & the Ariel Quartet, and more.
