Classical 89.7 KCNV

Claudette Barius

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HBO

How composer Nicholas Britell created the sound of 'Succession'

Rachel Treisman

Sunday's finale marks the end of Succession and its iconic opening theme. Composer Nicholas Britell reflects on shaping the show's signature sound over four seasons — and what he might do next.
Hrafn Asgeirsson

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Courtesy of the artist

Structural integrity: Anna Thorvaldsdottir's rigorous, regenerative music

Tom Huizenga

The Icelandic composer talks about the creative forces behind her distinctive music, her presence in the movie Tár and the "dome of energy" that fuels her country's artistic productivity.

Classical 89.7 KCNV

Opera Ebony broke boundaries in classical music for 50 years — but what comes next?

Brandon Gates

Opera Ebony was formed when opportunities for Black singers were few and far between. The company celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, but may not survive its 81-year-old founder.
Classical 89.7 KCNV

Mo Willems' bossy Pigeon makes his operatic debut

Isabella Gomez Sarmiento

Mo Willems' picture book Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! turns 20 this month. To mark the anniversary, Willems and Renee Fleming presented the pigeon's story in an opera at the Kennedy Center.
Classical 89.7 KCNV

Ryuichi Sakamoto, '20211201'

Miguel Otárola

This recording is intimate and physical, a harsh reminder of the pain he endured while battling cancer.
Classical 89.7 KCNV

Writer Neil Gaiman debuts his first music album with an Australian string quartet

Olivia Hampton

British writer and comic book author Neil Gaiman launches first studio music album with Australia's FourPlay String Quartet.
Classical 89.7 KCNV

Bill Orcutt Guitar Quartet: Tiny Desk Concert

Lars Gotrich

With a who's who of forward-thinking guitarists, Bill Orcutt brings his ecstatic minimalism to the Tiny Desk.
Classical 89.7 KCNV

Pianist Lara Downes heals loss with 'Love At Last'

Olivia Hampton

Gathering music, new and old, from around the world, the thoughtful pianist finds the core of humanity amid the chaos.
Classical 89.7 KCNV

Apple Music Classical aims to reach music lovers the streaming revolution left behind

Anastasia Tsioulcas

Apple recently launched a standalone streaming service for classical music exploration, including guided playlists, exclusive content and detailed metadata. Does Apple Music Classical deliver?
Classical 89.7 KCNV

Thomas Adès, 'Paolo and Francesca — the endless whirlwind'

Tom Huizenga

Hear an excerpt from the most fantastical and kaleidoscopic orchestral works of our time.
NPR

Lara Downes: Tiny Desk Concert

Tom Huizenga

With a piano draped in spring flowers, Lara Downes plays a smart set of music, new and old, that offers the power of renewal.
Classical 89.7 KCNV

yMusic, 'Cloud'

Tom Huizenga

Let the new music sextet yMusic serenade you with a light-as-air track from a forthcoming album.