Join us to experience the uplifting music of the Jewish Festival of Lights. We have a wonderful lineup of music planned and, of course, our yearly broadcasts of Hanukkah specials starting on Thursday, Dec. 7, the first night of Hanukkah.
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Our Hanukkah celebration starts on Dec. 6 during classical hours, when you'll hear music by David Serkin Ludwig, Rachel van Voorhees, Herbert Fromm, Robert Applebaum, Mikhl Gelbart, and ensembles including Choral Arts Philadelphia, the Western Wind Ensemble, and more.
Schedule for specials:
Dec. 7, 5 to 6 p.m.
Itzhak Perlman’s Chanukah Radio Party
Itzhak Perlman invites you to his Chanukah Radio Party. Join the superstar violinist as he tells the story of the Festival of Lights, and shares his favorite recordings for the holiday – some serious, some silly. This engaging one-hour special includes numbers from Itzhak Perlman’s radio-addicted childhood in Israel; evocative songs in Yiddish and Ladino; classical music that revolves around the Maccabee heroes of the story; and Chanukah gems by American folk singers. The master storyteller also regales you with jokes and memories, plus tales of three classic Chanukah symbols: the menorah, the latke, and, of course, the dreidel. A good time for the whole family, at Itzhak Perlman’s Chanukah Radio Party!
Dec. 7, from 7 to 8 p.m. on HD-2 & the Classical Stream
Chanukah Memories and Melodies
Six prominent artists share memories of Chanukah, and the music the holiday brings to mind. From soothing to surprising, from reverent to rowdy, their musical choices will inspire and delight you. With Broadway actress Tovah Feldshuh, social entrepreneur Aaron Dworkin, cellist Alisa Weilerstein, Sephardic music virtuoso Daphna Mor, conductor Eric Jacobsen, and Yiddish music maven Henry Sapoznik. Hosted by WQXR's Elliott Forrest.
Dec. 7, from 8 to 9 p.m on HD-2 & the Classical Stream
Candles Burning Brightly
A delightful hour for everyone to celebrate Hanukkah! Lots of music from Jewish communities around the world, plus a hilarious lesson on how to prepare a classic Hanukkah dish, and a timeless and touching holiday story that brings light into every home. American Public Media’s Mindy Ratner hosts.
Dec. 8, from 9 to 10 p.m. on HD-2 & the Classical Stream
The Western Wind: Chanukkah In Story & Song
The acclaimed vocal sextet and the renowned actor Leonard Nimoy present 25 eclectic selections, from the Ladino songs of the Spanish Jews and Yiddish melodies of Eastern Europe to modern Israeli tunes and their original version of “I Have a Little Dreydle.” The singers sing a cappella and are also joined by instruments including violin, accordion, bass and guitar. The narration written by Rabbi Gerald Skolnik sheds light on the holiday customs and rituals.
This year, Hanukkah begins at sundown on Dec. 7 and ends at sundown on Dec. 15. Happy Hanukkah to all of our listeners celebrating the Festival of Lights!
Want more? Check out our classical, jazz and choral Hanukkah playlist on Spotify!