Summer Wind Sounds

flower

May is the unofficial kick-off of summer with the return of Wind Sounds.

Everything from haunting music inspired by the mysteries of outer space to marches by Sousa, this unique summer series has it all.  Tune in Saturday afternoons at 5 for all new programs featuring band, wind ensemble, and wind instruments.  This week’s program covers American Symphonies for Wind Band.  For more program descriptions click here.

IncidentallY . . .

mailboxAnnouncing the Classical 89.5 enewsletter!
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behind the scenes icon Behind the Scenes
 Click here for more information about the people and stories on Classical 89.5


blog icon Visit the KMFA blogs to read entries from Music Director Sara Hessel, Film Score Focus Producer and Host Brian Satterwhite, and Development Associate Judy Watts.

spotlight Weekend Spotlight
Tune in this weekend and hear what you've been missing on Classical 89.5.



iPod iPod Picks
Want to know what's on KMFA Member Services Director Susannah Erler's iPod? Check out this month's music list.


ArkivMusic.com, The Source for Classical MusicIf you like a recording you've heard on KMFA
Many of the selections on Classical 89.5 are available for purchase through our website – and a portion of the sales price directly supports the station. To purchase a CD, visit: www.arkivmusic.com

listen icon Listen When you Want: Have you missed one of KMFA's locally produced weekend programs? Catch your favorite shows by visiting the Listen section.

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Find out organizations within the community who support KMFA.

 

News and Events

MET Opera
Last chance! The Met at the movies!
Back by popular demand, the Metropolitan Opera will present an encore presentation of La Boheme in HD in theatres Wednesday, May 14th at 6:30 pm.  Local listeners may view the opera at South Park Meadows or Metropolitan Stadium 14 in Austin, or at Tinseltown 20 in Pflugerville. 



Dan Welcher
Commission a Composer!
Classical 89.5 is excited to announce that its own Dan Welcher has been asked to compose his 5th Symphony honoring the Austin Symphony Orchestra and commemorating Peter Bay’s tenth year as conductor. A full year will be needed to compose and finish the symphony and the master work commission will cost $50,000. If you would like to invest in this very special gift to the Austin Symphony and the Long Center send your tax-deductible check to the Austin Community Foundation. Read on.

car
Turn 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. The proceeds will be split between Vehicles for Charity and Classical 89.5. Donating is simple; read on for further details.

Carmen opening night
Carmen – a night at the Opera
Dianne Donovan and Lauren Rico hosted the live simulcast of the opening night of ALO’s Carmen.  Check out a recap of the magical evening including a few photos here.

Lorin Maazel
New York Phil performs in North Korea
In a rare visit, the New York Philharmonic gave the first-ever performance by an American orchestra in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea Tuesday evening, February 26th.  The New York Phil was invited by Korea last summer as relations were building between the U.S. and North Korea.  More

Richard Buckley
ALO’s Richard Buckley Remains Classically Austin
Things continue to look up for the Austin Lyric Opera. An announcement was recently made that Richard Buckley will remain on board as the Principal Conductor through the 2009-2010 season.  Maestro Buckley, a renowned musical interpreter, began working with the ALO in 2003 and garnered international press for his involvement in the American premiere of Philip Glass’ Waiting for the Barbarians.  Continue reading.

Mark O' Connor
click to view larger imageMark O’ Connor talks with Dianne Donovan
Dianne Donovan interviewed Mark O’Connor live from the KMFA studios on Wednesday, February 13th. This acclaimed composer and violinist performed later that evening at Bates Recital Hall on the UT campus. To hear the interview, visit the archive page.

Sara Hessel Listener Letter
Have you read Music Director Sara Hessel’s letter to listeners? Keep up with it, by reading it here. This month Sara highlights May programming.

headphonesKMFA’s Future: HD Radio
In 1967 a band of visionary Austinites launched Classical 89.5.  In 1983 KMFA became one of the first local stations to implement Compact Discs, and in 1999 through listener support, KMFA gathered enough resources to broadcast classical music around the clock. In 2008 Classical 89.5 will upgrade to include a high definition signal, giving listeners a greatly improved listening experience and offering two KMFA channels.  Read on to find out more about HD Radio and how you can help!