Join us on Thursday, April 16th for the first-ever Public Radio Music Day on WRTI. We’re joining radio stations across the country, in collaboration with the noncomMUSIC Alliance, in highlighting the special role that non-commercial, public radio stations play in the music world. Read why this day is so important in an article written by WRTI General Manager Bill Johnson and WXPN General Manager Roger LaMay.
WRTI Classical is celebrating local artists from the Philadelphia region all day long. From faculty and stand-out students ensembles at Curtis and Temple's Boyer College, to home-grown groups, including Tempesta di Mare, Daedalus Quartet, Dali Quartet, Allentown Band, Philadelphia Brass, Dolce Suono Trio, Choral Arts Society of Philadelphia, Lansdowne Symphony Orchestra Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia and The Philadelphia Orchestra, the day overflows with Philly music vibes.
Solo artists are well represented—guitarist Jason Vieaux and pianist Jonathan Biss to name a few. Plus, violinist Elena Urioste’s new release gets a spin. We also dig into our archives to bring you some of our “WRTI Exclusive” favorites from the WRTI Performance Studio and the Fabulous Philadelphians at Verizon Hall.
All morning, every hour has a local treat (or two!) in store, and the afternoon sees an-extra special “local love” push—with three-in-a-row every hour from noon to 6 PM. In all, you’ll hear 14 ensembles, 15 solo and chamber artists, and seven conductors from our region.
WRTI Jazz is excited to present an evening of jazz featuring Philadelphia-area musicians, including special performances recorded in Philadelphia. We'll bring you local legends like Jimmy Heath, McCoy Tyner, Grover Washington Jr. and Jymie Merritt. You will also hear favorites like Orrin Evans, Joanna Pascale, the Hot Clubs of both Philadelphia and Reading, and many others.
We'll also focus on recordings exclusive to WRTI, captured right here in Philadelphia. Be it music recorded live from a WRTI media-sponsored concert, Live from the WRTI Performance Studio, The Rite of Swing Café, or music from one of our NPR Live Sessions.
Check out two amazing NPR Live Session videos that will go live on Public Radio Music Day: one from saxophonist Teodross Avery, and another from acclaimed Philadelphia jazz organist Lucas Brown. Listen for tracks from these special sessions on the radio, and see the video recordings on our website.
Join us as we champion all of the jazz that Philadelphia has to offer, and the unique role that WRTI consistently plays in providing extraordinary music programming.