WQXR

WQXR Evening host Terrance McKnight will host a post-concert Q & A after the NYC premiere of The Chevalier on January 21st at United Palace on 175th Street. Music Before 1800, The Harlem Chamber Players, and a consortium of local non-profits present this original work of concert theater that tells the story of Joseph Bologne, the 18th-century composer, violinist, abolitionist, the finest fencer in Europe, general of Europe’s first Black regiment, and an acquaintance of both Mozart and Marie Antoinette.

THE CHEVALIER – Music Before 1800 MB1800 is proud to present the NYC premiere of this global touring production, featuring our first-ever collaboration with our neighbors, The Harlem Chamber Players, in a landmark performance at the sumptuous United Palace on 175th St.

After some fifty years on the radio in New York, beloved weekend host Clayelle Dalferes's last day on the air is this Sunday, and to celebrate her legacy, afternoon host Elliott Forrest has written a heartfelt tribute. If you'd like to share some warm wishes with Clayelle for her retirement, you can send them to [email protected] by Wednesday, January 10th.

Here’s to Clayelle Dalferes | WQXR Features | WQXR "Clayelle Dalferes has been a constant, soothing, knowledgeable voice on WQXR and NY Radio for decades," writes Elliott Forrest. 

Happy Monday! Which piece of classical music gets you most energized?

Carmen might be the most famous heroine in all opera. She refuses to be pinned down — in fiction and reality. Is she a heartless temptress? An icon of liberated womanhood? A stereotype? On the latest episode of Aria Code, Rhiannon Giddens and guests unpack the myth and the magic of Bizet’s “Carmen,” and mezzo-soprano Clémentine Margaine mesmerizes us with her performance of “La Habanera” on The Metropolitan Opera stage.
🎧 Listen here: https://bit.ly/3REFiqW

Beloved WQXR weekend host Clayelle Dalferes has decided to retire, and she’ll be hosting her last shift on Sunday, January 14. Clayelle has shared her incomparable voice and love of music (and animals!) on WQXR for many years. If you’d like to contribute a kind word or fond memory, please email [email protected] by noon on Wednesday, January 10. They will be read on-air on January 13 and 14.

Clayelle Dalferes Announces Her Retirement | WQXR Features | WQXR Our beloved host Clayelle Dalferes has decided to retire.

On tonight's edition of the Young Artists Showcase at 9 pm ET, host Simone Dinnerstein shares chamber music performances by the talented young musicians from Greenwood Music Camp, a summer chamber music program for middle and high school students. Listen on-air, or on-demand.

Greenwood Music Camp | Young Artists Showcase | WQXR Host Simone Dinnerstein shares chamber music performances by the talented young musicians from Greenwood Music Camp.

What is the difference between a chamber ensemble and an orchestra? Here's a lowdown of what to expect when you attend a classical music concert, by taking a look at the various ensemble configurations you might see on stage.

From Solo to Symphony: Different Configurations of Classical Music Explained | How To Classical | WQXR Here's a lowdown of what to expect when you attend a classical music concert by taking a look at the various ensemble configurations you might see on stage. 

Start the new year off right, with the music you love! 🎹📻
Listen on-demand to Daniil Trifonov's dazzling recital from Carnegie Hall, featuring an exclusive interview with the pianist. The program includes works by Rameau, Mozart, and Mendelssohn. Plus, after intermission, the grand Hammerklavier Sonata by Beethoven.

Daniil Trifonov | Carnegie Hall Live | WQXR Hear Daniil Trifonov on the piano at Carnegie Hall on Tuesday, December 12th. 

Live from Austria, on-air now: waltz into 2024 with a special annual tradition, The New Year’s Day concert by the Vienna Philharmonic. The orchestra invites a different conductor each year; this time around it will be Christian Thielemann.

New Year's Day 2024 from Vienna | WQXR Special Programming | WQXR Waltz into the New Year with a broadcast from the Vienna Philharmonic.

The 2023 Classical Countdown is now live! Are you listening along? Leave your predictions in the comment section about the rankings and reveals.

2023 Classical Countdown Welcome to Classical Countdown! Every year WQXR asks listeners: “What is your favorite piece of classical music?”

What new music did you discover in 2023? It’s been a year marked with great new classical recordings, and we’ve had the pleasure of sharing many of them with you on WQXR. Which ones have you heard?

Best Classical Albums of 2023 | WQXR Features Here's our recap of some of the best classical albums of 2023.

To all those who celebrate, from all the hosts at WQXR, we wish you a restful and very Merry Christmas. Thank you to all of our listeners, community partners, and musicians that make WQXR a vibrant community of classical music lovers. Listen to our Holiday Channel for traditional choral favorites here: wqxr.org/streams

Hosts from left to right: Terrance McKnight, Annie Bergen, Jeff Spurgeon, Nimet Habachy and Elliott Forrest!

From 2:30-4 pm ET, you'll hear Bach's Cristmas Oratorio: the breathtaking cantatas Bach wrote for the first three days of Christmas in Leipzig, 1734. Philippe Herreweghe conducts the Collegium Vocale Gent. Listen at 105.9 FM, WQXR.org & on our mobile app, or ask your smart speaker to play WQXR ✨

Looking for a bit more "Sanctus" and slightly less "Santa" in your holiday music? Tune in from 10 am to 11:30 am ET for a live broadcast from the chapel of King's College in Cambridge, England, featuring the 30-voice King's College Choir in the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols. Listen on-air at 105.9, stream at wqxr.org, listen on the WQXR app, or tell your your smart speaker to "Play WQXR".
📸: King's College Choir (Kevin Leighton)

Join evening host Terrance McKnight and explore the rich beauty and variety of memorable traditional spirituals and hymns that celebrate the Christmas story, tonight at 7 pm ET.

A Spiritual Celebration with Terrance McKnight | WQXR Special Programming | WQXR Terrance McKnight explores the beauty and variety of traditional spirituals that celebrate the Christmas story.

Set in medieval Europe, Wagner's Tannhäuser tells the story of a man’s struggle between the flesh and the spirit, and today you will hear The Metropolitan Opera's production at 1 pm ET.

Wagner's Tannhäuser from Metropolitan Opera | WQXR Wagner's Tannhäuser tells the story of a man’s struggle between the flesh and the spirit

Which piece of classical music best evokes snow to you? ❄️ ☃️
We’re celebrating the arrival of the new season with music inspired by winter, on-air throughout the day. If you're looking for a Winter Wonderland playlist, here are 10 pieces perfect for the colder season.

10 Pieces That Sound Like a Winter Wonderland | WQXR Features | WQXR Whether you're staying inside or intending to venture outdoors with a set of headphones, here are 10 pieces to listen to as the snow falls.

Based on the Grimm Brothers’ fairy tale The Elves and the Shoemaker, cellist Zlatomir Fung’s new radio play tells the story of a New York City cello maker, starring WQXR host Jeff Spurgeon. Joined by the familiar voices of WQXR hosts Paul Cavalconte, Nimet Habachy and Clayelle Dalferes, it's a holiday treat for the whole family. You can listen on-demand anytime.

Coming Soon: The Elves and the Cello Maker by Zlatomir Fung | Artist Propulsion Lab | WQXR The Elves and the Cello Maker is a new radio play by Zlatomir Fung.

One of the great WQXR traditions: Host Nimet Habachy's reflections on Christmas in New York. This holiday special feature an affectionate, nostalgic, music-filled look at our city in the holiday season. You can tune in to the program tonight at 10 pm ET, or on Dec. 20 and at 8 pm on Dec. 24.

A New Yorker's Christmas with Nimet Habachy | WQXR Special Programming | WQXR One of the great WQXR traditions: Host Nimet Habachy's reflections on Christmas in New York.

Hear an hour of beautiful music for the Christmas season from the Baroque, Renaissance and Medieval eras, with host Jeff Spurgeon tonight at 8 pm ET. If you're looking to explore more essential recordings for the winter holidays, check out WQXR's recommendations.

Essential Christmas Recordings | WQXR Editorial 'Tis the season to listen to nothing but the best of Christmas music.

Leonard Bernstein’s daughter, Jamie Bernstein, fills in for Terrance McKnight as evening guest host tonight from 7 -9 pm ET! Join her for hand-picked recordings of her father’s music and conducting, stories, and reflections on the new film Maestro.
🔗: Full program here: https://bit.ly/484B9C2
📻 Listen at 105.9 FM, at wqxr.org, on our mobile app, or ask your smart speaker to "Play WQXR."

Lift your spirits and celebrate the holiday season with Voces8's newest album, "A Choral Christmas." Interpretation, originality, and joyfulness ensure this work stands out amongst the seasonal tunes at this time of year, be sure to tune in to WQXR all week to hear tracks from the record.

Have You Heard | "A Choral Christmas" by VOCES8 WQXR's Ed Yim reviews Voces8's newest album, "A Choral Christmas."

Tune in for a special broadcast of Handel’s Messiah today from 6-9 pm ET, presented by Trinity Wall Street and hosted by Jeff Spurgeon. Trinity Wall Street and Handel's Messiah have a long tradition in New York City, dating back to 1770. You can also listen on-demand at the link below.

Handel's Messiah from Trinity Wall Street Tune in to a special broadcast of Handel's 'Messiah' from Trinity Wall Street.

Happy Birthday, Beethoven! In 1812, a young pianist named Emilie wrote to her idol, Ludwig van Beethoven. His heartfelt response may surprise you.

Beethoven's Amazing Response to a 12-Year-Old's Fan Mail In 1812, a 12-year-old fan wrote to her idol, Ludwig van Beethoven. Here's his response.

The Metropolitan Opera's production of Mozart’s dazzling fairy tale The Magic Flute returns, today at 1 pm ET. Sung in English and running under two hours, this holiday presentation is enchanting for all ages.

Mozart's The Magic Flute from The Metropolitan Opera Mozart's The Magic Flute returns, today at 1 pm ET.

Thank you to all of our listeners and supporters who helped us reach our goal for the Winter Fundraising Drive! There is a lot of rejoicing in the studio. 🎶📻🥳
Thanks to your generous contributions, classical music and our rich arts and culture programming will continue to be accessible to all. We couldn’t do it without you, thank you!