Classical Music

At least as far as new classical releases are concerned, 2024 could not be off to a more exciting start. Halfway through the year, here are five favorites picked by our Classical Program Director, Zev Kane.

Tune in on Sunday, Dec. 22 at 1 p.m. as The Philadelphia Orchestra in Concert brings you a complete concert performance of Handel’s Messiah from The Philadelphia Orchestra's 2023-24 season.

The Philadelphia Orchestra in Concert brings you a program of Mozart and Price, plus a world premiere by French-Argentine composer Esteban Benzecry. Yannick Nézet-Séguin is on the podium, and welcomes his frequent collaborator, Hélène Grimaud, as piano soloist.

The Philadelphia Orchestra in Concert presents Mahler’s Symphony No. 1 (“Titan”) with guest conductor Rafael Payare, as well as a piano concerto composed by Jimmy López Bellido for Javier Perianes.

The Philadelphia Orchestra in Concert brings you Beethoven’s Symphony No. 6, a recent work by Indian-American composer Reena Esmail, and Haydn’s First Cello Concerto, featuring principal cellist Hai-Ye Ni. Guest conductor David Robertson is on the podium.

The Philadelphia Orchestra in Concert brings you Haydn’s Horn Concerto No. 1, featuring Jennifer Montone, and Bruckner’s Symphony No. 6. On the podium is acclaimed guest conductor Mirga Gražinytė-Tyla.

Passover begins on Friday night at sundown, and Jews around the world will be celebrating the exodus of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt with a special family meal, called a Seder. Join us on WRTI to hear music for Passover and learn more about the holiday.

A visionary with seemingly boundless energy, pianist Lara Downes is clearing new paths in the classical music landscape, expanding minds and spurring…

You're invited to experience the music of Hanukkah, the Jewish Festival of Lights, with WRTI. The holiday lasts for eight days, and this year it begins at sundown on Sunday, November 28th —just as you're wrapping up Thanksgiving weekend—and lasts until sundown on Monday, December 6th. So while you're munching on leftover Pumpkin pie, check out our wonderful lineup of Hanukkah specials on Sunday starting at 3 PM.

We wish all of our listeners celebrating Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur a Happy and Healthy New Year.