As 2019 draws to a close, the music of Chanukah and Christmas reminds so many of us of our treasured holiday traditions.
We have a full slate of special programs scheduled to air on Classical 101 for Thanksgiving and throughout December, in addition to holiday editions of our regular shows and seasonal favorites throughout the month.
Thanksgiving Day Special
From traveling to the New World, to going home for the holidays, Thanksgiving has always been about journeying and gathering. Celebrate Thanksgiving with a special from The American Sound—a program of beautiful and uplifting American music for the holiday.
By and By: Journeying and Gathering features Stephen Paulus’ gorgeous choral work We Gather Together, William Schuman’s New England Triptych, Anonymous 4’s powerful rendition of Shall We Gather at the River, a sizzling performance of Ning Kam's Variations on Amazing Grace by violinist Siwoo Kim (recorded here at the WOSU studios) and Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Caroline Shaw’s stunning By and By.
Make your Thanksgiving inspiring and beautiful. Join host Jennifer Hambrick for By and By: Journeying and Gathering, Thanksgiving day at 2pm on Classical 101.
Traditional Favorites
When Christmas and Chanukah overlap, as they do this year, it creates a rich week of musical traditions! From December 22-27, Classical 101 offers a colorful tapestry of music from both holidays. You can hear a seasonal special each night that week at 7pm.
Our regular weeknight programs, like Essential Classics and Symphony Showcase, will move to 8pm for that week only.
Christmas Eve
This year, your Christmas box is full of… Bachs! On Christmas Eve, enjoy an hour of music from four generations of the Bach family: Johann Sebastian Bach’s great uncle Johann Bach and uncle Georg Christoph Bach, JS Bach himself, and his sons CPE, JCF, and Johann Christian Bach. From uplifting cantatas and motets to chamber works – make your holiday sparkle. Join host Jennifer Hambrick for Christmas Bachs, Christmas Eve at 9am.
Christmas Day
Christmas on High brings you seasonal favorites and new carols from the Kansas City Chorale, the Dale Warland Singers, St. John’s College Choir, Cambridge and the Roger Wagner Chorale, with beautiful instrumental music by Bach mixed in. Join host Kent Teeters Christmas Day at 7pm.
Full holiday programming schedule:
Thursday, November 28
Noon. Giving Thanks: A Celebration of Fall, Food and Gratitude
2 p.m. By and By: Journeying and Gathering. Thanksgiving with The American Sound
5 p.m. Every Good Thing
Sunday, December 22
3 p.m. A Music in Mid Ohio Christmas with Christopher Purdy
7 p.m. Candles Burning Brightly with Mindy Ratner
Monday, December 23
7 p.m. Christmas with the Tabernacle Choir
Tuesday, December 24
9 a.m. Christmas Bachs with Jennifer Hambrick
10 a.m. A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols from Kings College, Cambridge
7 p.m. Welcome Christmas!
8 p.m. Christmas with The American Sound: The Ballad of the Brown King
Wednesday, December 25
7 a.m. Hygge Holiday
8 a.m. St. Olaf Christmas Festival
10 a.m. A Chanticleer Christmas
7 p.m. Christmas on High with Kent Teeters
8 p.m. A MiMO Christmas with Christopher Purdy
Thursday, December 26
7 p.m. A Chanukah Celebration with Chicago A Cappella
Friday, December 27
7 p.m. Winter Holidays Around the World with Bill McGlaughlin
Wednesday, January 1
11 a.m. New Year’s Day from Vienna
