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The Lesser-Known History of “Jingle Bells”
Explore the history of the iconic Christmas song "Jingle Bells," from its creation by James Lord Pierpont in 1850 to its evolution and various renditions by famous artists over the years.
13 Days of Spooky Classical
Countdown to Halloween with 13 Days of Spooky Classical
Five Classical Pieces to Add to Your Hanukkah Playlist
The Ukrainian Folk Tune Behind “Carol of the Bells”
Dianne Nicolini’s Bay Area Holiday Highlights
Explore holiday events in the Bay Area, from Zachary Quinto narrating Peter & the Wolf, to SF Ballet’s Nutcracker, and the Oakland Symphony’s tribute to Prince and Leonard Cohen.
The Story Behind Tchaikovsky’s “Nutcracker”
Explore the origins of the classic Christmas ballet, The Nutcracker, from Tchaikovsky's inspiration to its journey to the US. Click to listen to a brief history.
The Holidays
A tribute to that special time of year.
Chapman Challenge: The Story Behind Handel’s “Messiah”
In this Chapman Challenge, Alan discusses Handel's journey with oratorios, from his first encounter in Italy to his profitable English oratorios, culminating in the creation of Messiah.
Celebrate the Holidays with Classical California
Holiday live, streaming and video programming.
What Makes a Christmas Concerto a Christmas Concerto?
In this Chapman Challenge, Alan explains that a Christmas concerto is a type of concerto grosso from the Baroque period, characterized by a Pastorale movement.
A Playlist to Celebrate All Things Fall
Explore the beauty of autumn through music with this curated list of compositions inspired by the season's warm colors, chilly weather, and melancholic mood.
Classical Music and Its Powerful Effect on the Brain
Explore the transformative impact of music on the brain with Classical California host Brisa Siegel and USC's Brain and Creativity Institute. Discover how music shapes young minds.
Trippy Tales in Classical Music
Explore the connection between altered states of consciousness and music composition, featuring works by Berlioz, Hildegard of Bingen, and Schumann.
