CapRadio: Classical Blog RSShttps://capradio.org/images/logo/CapRadio_logo_STACKED_RGB_1400SQ.jpgCapRadio: Classical Blog RSShttps://www.capradio.orghttps://www.capradio.org/Sat, 01 Aug 2026 13:30:00 GMTen-USCopyright 2026, CapRadioCPR RSS Generator 2.0120noCapRadiowebmaster@capradio.orgCapRadioYesLocal Artist Feature, July 24 2026: Italian and American Heritage Blend Seamlessly for this SopranoSoprano Vanessa Martucci brings her Italian heritage to the stage, including her recent debut with the Sacramento Philharmonic and Opera!By Jennifer Reason

The Sacramento Philharmonic and Opera recently welcomed a brand new face onstage- soprano Vanessa Martucci! But Vanessa has been performing long before her debut with the Sac Phil. In this feature we discover how she found her way to opera as a young girl, and also how her Italian heritage influences her sound. And of course-as always- there are many samples of her work to enjoy as well. 
]]>https://www.capradio.org/218460Tue, 28 Jul 2026 17:29:00 GMThttps://www.capradio.org/218460noSoprano Vanessa Martucci brings her Italian heritage to the stage, including her recent debut with the Sacramento Philharmonic and Opera!Soprano Vanessa Martucci brings her Italian heritage to the stage, including her recent debut with the Sacramento Philharmonic and Opera!Local Artist feature July 17, 2026: Dr. Brittany Trotter uses the flute to... beatbox!The flute is one of the oldest instruments in the world. Dr. Brittany Trotter is exploring NEW ways to use it!By Jennifer Reason

The flute is one of the oldest instruments in the world. There are relics made of bird bone and mammoth ivory dating as far back as 40,000 years ago. Dr. Brittany Trotter is propelling the instrument forward in time with all sorts of creative "new" uses and soundscapes. For example, did you know you can use the flute to beatbox? It also make a lovely contributor to sonic worlds involving electronics!
In this feature we enjoy recordings of several creative uses of the flute. We also enjoy recordings of Dr. Trotter's classical background and get to know her passion for education as well. 
]]>https://www.capradio.org/218271Tue, 21 Jul 2026 20:11:00 GMThttps://www.capradio.org/218271noThe flute is one of the oldest instruments in the world. Dr. Brittany Trotter is exploring NEW ways to use it!The flute is one of the oldest instruments in the world. Dr. Brittany Trotter is exploring NEW ways to use it!Local Artist Feature July 10th, 2026: Violinist Finds A Knack For Conducting...By AccidentHe's a violinist...and a conductor...AND an educator! Find out in this feature how he manages all three sides of his career.By Jennifer Reason

Paolo Reyes has been playing violin since childhood. But it wasn't until adulthood that he realized he's got a knack for two other sides of the music business: conducting and education. And he's managed to make a trifecta of a career out of all three of these talents! 
In this feature we explore his thoughts on the values of music education as well as get some backstories on his discovery of the violin! We also enjoy his performances in various different instrumental lineups. 
]]>https://www.capradio.org/218073Mon, 13 Jul 2026 20:33:00 GMThttps://www.capradio.org/218073noHe's a violinist...and a conductor...AND an educator! Find out in this feature how he manages all three sides of his career.He's a violinist...and a conductor...AND an educator! Find out in this feature how he manages all three sides of his career.Local Artist Feature June 12th, 2026: Composer Writes Music to Help Deal with Tragedy- Including His Own.We all know that music heals. Composer Kurt Erickson takes a firsthand approach in writing music to help deal with life's tragedies.By Jennifer Reason

Composer Kurt Erickson specializes in writing works for multi-disciplinary collaborative projects that address loss and healing. His song set Here, Bullet has been performed across the globe and occupies a unique place in the classical music world as a composition being turned into a short film, as a vehicle for veterans arts therapy programs, and the recipient of the First Prize Award in the 2020 NATS Art Song Composition Competition.

Each Moment Radiant, his latest work with poet Brian Turner, tells the stories of interweaving lives affected by the tragic bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 in December 1988. The work honors loss while celebrating resilience, love, and our capacity to celebrate the precious and ephemeral moments in our daily lives.

In this feature we enjoy samples of both these works, in addition to several others, and Kurt shares some of his own vulnerable personal tragedy as well. 

Performers in this feature include: Sybarite5 and pianist Tania Stavreva, Kindra Scharich-mezzo-soprano, Paul Yarbrough-viola, Tony Striplin-clarinet, Jeff LaDeur-piano, Joel David Balzun-baritone, Kathleen Roland-Silverstein-mezzo soprano, Katie Weber-mezzo soprano, Philip Marten-violin, Holgen Gjoni- cello, and Scott Cuellar-piano.

 





]]>https://www.capradio.org/217458Mon, 15 Jun 2026 21:57:00 GMThttps://www.capradio.org/217458noWe all know that music heals. Composer Kurt Erickson takes a firsthand approach in writing music to help deal with life's tragedies.We all know that music heals. Composer Kurt Erickson takes a firsthand approach in writing music to help deal with life's tragedies.Local Artist Feature June 5th, 2026: The Only Thing Better than One Flute Is...Four Flutes!When you picture a quartet, most likely string instruments spring to mind, and perhaps at an event like a wedding. But have you considered an all flute quartet? Turns out they do exist, and they can even play jazz!By Jennifer Reason

Flutes aren't exactly the top of mind instrument to comprise a quartet, but they really make a fascinating combination when they do! Given the many different size and types of flutes out there, a quartet of four players can present as many as twelve flutes in one composition. They can also play lots of different genres!
The wonderful women who comprise FluteSong4- Carina Celesia Moore, Pat Walton, Irene Warschauer, and Ann DiPasquale- were collectively my local artist feature, in anticipation of their jazz show at Twin Lotus Thai. 
In this feature Ann DiPasquale walks us through how the ensemble works and we enjoy a variety of recordings. 
]]>https://www.capradio.org/217397Fri, 12 Jun 2026 19:41:00 GMThttps://www.capradio.org/217397noWhen you picture a quartet, most likely string instruments spring to mind, and perhaps at an event like a wedding. But have you considered an all flute quartet? Turns out they do exist, and they can even play jazz!When you picture a quartet, most likely string instruments spring to mind, and perhaps at an event like a wedding. But have you considered an all flute quartet? Turns out they do exist, and they can even play jazz!Local Artist Feature May 29, 2026: Pulitzer Prize Winner for Music This Year Happens to be LocalWhat a month: Gabriela Lena Frank was named Musical America’s Composer of the Year. Her opera about Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera is being performed at the Met. And earlier this month she won the Pulitzer Prize for Music. Wow!By Jennifer Reason

Gabriela Lena Frank is about to become a household name. She was named Musical America’s Composer of the Year. Her opera about Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera is being performed at the Met, making her the first woman of color ever to have an opera staged there. And earlier this month she won the Pulitzer Prize for Music. To make it even more special, she is one of our own! She is from Berkeley originally and currently lives in Mendocino County, while also acting as Artist in Residence for the lucky students right here at UOP. 
In this feature we discuss all of the above and enjoy examples of many iterations of her composing. 
]]>https://www.capradio.org/217013Fri, 29 May 2026 06:19:00 GMThttps://www.capradio.org/217013noWhat a month: Gabriela Lena Frank was named Musical America’s Composer of the Year. Her opera about Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera is being performed at the Met. And earlier this month she won the Pulitzer Prize for Music. Wow!What a month: Gabriela Lena Frank was named Musical America’s Composer of the Year. Her opera about Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera is being performed at the Met. And earlier this month she won the Pulitzer Prize for Music. Wow!Local Artist Feature May 22nd, 2026: From the New York Philharmonic to Founding the Chamber Music Society of SacramentoBill Barbini was one of the youngest violinists selected to the New York Philharmonic, and while Leonard Bernstein himself was conducting no less! He has since moved to Sacramento with his wife and formed the now long-standing Chamber Music Society.By Jennifer Reason

Violinist Bill Barbini has had a decorated and full career. After Julliard he became one of the youngest violinists to join the New York Philharmonic, and had the singular experience of performing under the baton of Leonard Bernstein! Since then he has made Sacramento his home and worked as concertmaster to many an ensemble here- including the Sacramento Philharmonic, Monterey Symphony, S.F. Chamber Orchestra, and Pacific Symphony. You might now know him best for his work with the Chamber Music Society of Sacramento, an ensemble he founded upon moving here in 1987. 
In this feature we enjoy discussing memories of his life and career, and listening to some performances with the Chamber Music Society. 
]]>https://www.capradio.org/216962Wed, 27 May 2026 19:06:00 GMThttps://www.capradio.org/216962noBill Barbini was one of the youngest violinists selected to the New York Philharmonic, and while Leonard Bernstein himself was conducting no less! He has since moved to Sacramento with his wife and formed the now long-standing Chamber Music Society.Bill Barbini was one of the youngest violinists selected to the New York Philharmonic, and while Leonard Bernstein himself was conducting no less! He has since moved to Sacramento with his wife and formed the now long-standing Chamber Music Society.Local Artist Feature May 15th, 2026: Sicilian Guitarist Makes His Home in Northern CaliforniaItalian culture is strong in these acoustic guitar performances, ranging from the Italian baroque to modern day originals.By Jennifer Reason

Guitarist Peppino D'Agostino was born in Sicily and has since performed in over 30 countries. And now- lucky us -he makes his home right here in the Bay Area. 
In this feature we explore his stunning and flavorful originals, and also enjoy some Baroque music in which Peppino is joined by another guitar legend, David Tanenbaum. 
]]>https://www.capradio.org/216930Tue, 26 May 2026 20:09:00 GMThttps://www.capradio.org/216930noItalian culture is strong in these acoustic guitar performances, ranging from the Italian baroque to modern day originals.Italian culture is strong in these acoustic guitar performances, ranging from the Italian baroque to modern day originals.Local Artist Feature May 8th, 2026: 22 year Old Pianist Is Taking the Classical World By StormPianist Parker Van Ostrand may have been born in 2003, but he already has the music career of a man twice his age.By Jennifer Reason

22 year old pianist Parker V. started winning piano competitions at the age of five. Since then he's taken first prize at the SF International Piano Competition, and Third Prize/Best Sonata at the International Chopin Competition. He's also got some great performance accolades his belt, with numerous international appearances, collaborations with the likes of Yuja Wong, and concertos with the SF Symphony. Most recently he joined the Auburn Symphony Orchestra for Rachmaninoff's second piano concerto at the Mondavi Center.
In this feature we enjoy live performances of several different composers, and discuss how things like the gym and ziplining keep him sane. 
]]>https://www.capradio.org/216602Wed, 13 May 2026 18:07:00 GMThttps://www.capradio.org/216602noPianist Parker Van Ostrand may have been born in 2003, but he already has the music career of a man twice his age.Pianist Parker Van Ostrand may have been born in 2003, but he already has the music career of a man twice his age.The Local Artist Feature Celebrates the Milestone 100th Episode!Over two years ago the Local Artist Feature was started. This April we reached the milestone of the 100th feature on air! And, we had a live concert at the station to celebrate.By Jennifer Reason

Hi- I'm Midday Classical Host Jennifer Reason. I began the weekly Local Artist Feature over two years ago, with the goal of highlighting and celebrating the incredible musical talent in our Northern California community. Now, this April, the milestone 100th feature has been reached- and without repeating one guest on air! In celebration, we recorded a live concert right here in the station's community room and invited multiple guest artists to come participate. Some guests were previous features, others were brand new; the performances ranged from solo classical guitar, to opera, to jazz quartet- all reflecting our music station's on air programming. 

Enjoy the entire hour long live concert recording, and be sure to tune in every Friday at noon and 6pm as we look to future milestones for the feature!

Performers:

Guitarist George England

Cellist Mike Dahlberg, accompanied by Jennifer Reason

Pianist Arend Aldama

Tenor Robert Vann, accompanied by Jennifer Reason 

Italian Soprano Vanessa Martucci, accompanied by Jennifer Reason

Violinist Bill Barbini and Flutist Mathew Krejci, accompanied by Jennifer Reason 

CapRadio’s Mike Nelson on French horn, accompanied by Jennifer Reason

Jazz Combo with Avery Jeffry on standup bass, Andrew Maloney on sax, Andrew Mills on jazz guitar, and drummer Jeremy Paz

]]>https://www.capradio.org/216541Mon, 11 May 2026 17:44:00 GMThttps://www.capradio.org/216541noOver two years ago the Local Artist Feature was started. This April we reached the milestone of the 100th feature on air! And, we had a live concert at the station to celebrate.Over two years ago the Local Artist Feature was started. This April we reached the milestone of the 100th feature on air! And, we had a live concert at the station to celebrate.Local Artist Feature April 17th, 2026: ABC10's Evening News Anchor Divulges Secret Prior Life as a Classical MusicianYou may know her as an evening news anchor for ABC 10. But did you know that Lora Painter is also a classically trained pianist and soprano?By Jennifer Reason

Local Artist Feature April 17th, 2026
People will pleasantly surprise you if you let them. Most of us watching the news would never guess that ABC10 evening news anchor Lora Painter is harboring a lifelong talent for piano and singing! In this feature we get to know her musical side, and enjoy live recordings from her tour of Seoul, fronting a big band, and also playing a little casual Debussy on vacation. 
]]>https://www.capradio.org/215989Mon, 20 Apr 2026 21:24:00 GMThttps://www.capradio.org/215989noYou may know her as an evening news anchor for ABC 10. But did you know that Lora Painter is also a classically trained pianist and soprano?You may know her as an evening news anchor for ABC 10. But did you know that Lora Painter is also a classically trained pianist and soprano?Local Artist Feature April 10th, 2026: Sac State has a New Cello Professor and He Brings Wide Expertise to the RoleCellist Kyle Stachnik comes to Sac State via the Bay Area, and brings broad experience with him.By Jennifer Reason

Local Artist Feature April 10th, 2026
You may have heard him in his role as executive and artistic director of Viridian Strings. Or perhaps you caught him in a performance with the Santa Rosa Symphony or the Bay Philharmonic. Wherever you've listened, you discovered Kyle Stachnik's lush and warm cello playing and adept musicality- skills that he now brings to the students at Sac State's School of Music in his new role as cello professor. In this feature we enjoy several performances recorded live in San Francisco, and hear about his journey to arriving in Sacramento. 
]]>https://www.capradio.org/215981Mon, 20 Apr 2026 21:05:00 GMThttps://www.capradio.org/215981noCellist Kyle Stachnik comes to Sac State via the Bay Area, and brings broad experience with him.Cellist Kyle Stachnik comes to Sac State via the Bay Area, and brings broad experience with him.Local Artist Feature April 3, 2026: The wide versatility of....the tuba?Sacramento-based composer, educator and professional tubist Portia Njoku opens our eyes to the expansive world of her instrument.By Jennifer Reason

Local Artist Feature April 3, 2026
It turns out the tuba isn't just in parades and marching bands. Professional tubist Portia Njoku is keen to educate the world on the many different (and expressive) roles the tuba can have in music. In this feature we enjoy her own compositions for tuba quartet- both moving tributes to Dr. Martin Luther King, and we also sample the tuba in Vaudeville Blues and Oktoberfest stylings. 
]]>https://www.capradio.org/215803Tue, 14 Apr 2026 03:20:00 GMThttps://www.capradio.org/215803noSacramento-based composer, educator and professional tubist Portia Njoku opens our eyes to the expansive world of her instrument.Sacramento-based composer, educator and professional tubist Portia Njoku opens our eyes to the expansive world of her instrument.Local Artist Feature March 27, 2026: Violinist from Yale has been Impacting Our Community for Two Decades!From Grammy-nominated ensembles to decades in the classroom, violinist Anna Presler is everywhere in our community!By Jennifer Reason

Local Artist Feature March 27, 2026
Violinist Anna Presler may have studied at Yale, but she's spent the last two decades teaching and working right here in our area. Her efforts and accolades could fill a book - they include long time membership in both the Grammy nominated New Century Chamber Orchestra and the Left Coast Chamber Ensemble, as well as holding a professorship at Sac State's School of Music since the 1990's. In this feature we discuss the joys of chamber music and enjoy performances by Left Coast. 
]]>https://www.capradio.org/215642Wed, 08 Apr 2026 18:42:00 GMThttps://www.capradio.org/215642noFrom Grammy-nominated ensembles to decades in the classroom, violinist Anna Presler is everywhere in our community!From Grammy-nominated ensembles to decades in the classroom, violinist Anna Presler is everywhere in our community!Local Artist Feature March 13, 2026: Harpist from the Detroit Symphony moves here to Sacramento, and brings her own record label with her!Harpist Kerstin Allvin is a multi-genre artist with her own record label and school for harp!By Jennifer Reason

Local Artist Feature March 13, 2026
Kerstin Allvin has been in music her whole life, having gravitated to the harp as a child. She's gone on to play for the Detroit Symphony for 40 years, found her own record label-High Heel Records, and also start a school for harp right here in Sacramento where she now resides. In this feature we discuss how she's turned the harp into a multi-genre performance avenue for herself and also enjoy her performances ranging from classical to jazz. 
Every Friday at noon and 6pm Jennifer Reason curates and hosts the Local Artist Feature on air, created to highlight and celebrate the extraordinary talent right here in our region. Come meet your musical neighbors!
]]>https://www.capradio.org/215035Tue, 17 Mar 2026 21:38:00 GMThttps://www.capradio.org/215035noHarpist Kerstin Allvin is a multi-genre artist with her own record label and school for harp!Harpist Kerstin Allvin is a multi-genre artist with her own record label and school for harp!Local Artist Feature, February 27 2026: Choral Conductor Julie Adams embodies the heart of CapRadio's musical programmingBoth classical and jazz are reflected in this feature of choral conductor Julie Adams, as is her mission to make the world a better place through music.By Jennifer Reason

Choral conductor Julie Adams has quite the legacy here in our community: she worked with the Sacramento Children's Chorus and American River College, and was also the founder of groups like the award winning CSUS Vocal Jazz Ensemble and RSVP-Reconciliation Singers Voices of Peace. In this feature we enjoy Julie directing performances in both her areas of expertise: classical AND jazz. We also hear her wonderful thoughts on just how powerful a force for reconciliation music can be.
]]>https://www.capradio.org/214669Wed, 04 Mar 2026 21:40:00 GMThttps://www.capradio.org/214669noBoth classical and jazz are reflected in this feature of choral conductor Julie Adams, as is her mission to make the world a better place through music.Both classical and jazz are reflected in this feature of choral conductor Julie Adams, as is her mission to make the world a better place through music.Local Artist Feature, February 20th 2026: Bassoonist Dr. David Wells Discloses How Swimming Helps Him Perform OnstageBassoonist David Wells discusses using his instrument for a variety of musical genres, and also how long distance swimming helps him breathe while playing.By Jennifer Reason

Local Artist Feature, February 20th 2026

Bassoonist Dr. David Wells plays the instrument like few others. In other words, he has figured out how to make it work flawlessly all the way from historically performed baroque performances, to lyrical classical playing, and even to taking solos with a jazz ensemble! In this feature we enjoy hearing the bassoon in three different settings, including a fun jazz standard. We also learn how long distance swimming has helped Dave develop breath control for his difficult wind instrument.

Every Friday at noon and 6pm Jennifer Reason curates and hosts the Local Artist Feature on air, created to highlight and celebrate the extraordinary talent right here in our region. Come meet your musical neighbors!

]]>https://www.capradio.org/214416Tue, 24 Feb 2026 20:25:00 GMThttps://www.capradio.org/214416noBassoonist David Wells discusses using his instrument for a variety of musical genres, and also how long distance swimming helps him breathe while playing.Bassoonist David Wells discusses using his instrument for a variety of musical genres, and also how long distance swimming helps him breathe while playing.Local Artist Feature, February 13th 2026: Oboist Dr. Cindy Behmer is everywhere in town!Every Friday at noon and 6pm Jennifer Reason curates and hosts the Local Artist Feature on air, created to highlight and celebrate the extraordinary talent right here in our region. Come meet your musical neighbors!By Jennifer Reason

Local Artist Feature, February 13th 2026
Oboist Dr. Cindy Behmer has traveled the world and is also an incredibly familiar face all around Sacramento- you've likely seen her on campus at Sac State and UC Davis, or with ensembles such as the Sacramento Philharmonic and Opera, Broadway at Music Circus, and the Sacramento Choral Society and Orchestra. In this feature we explore her career and enjoy performances of Hindemith and Benjamin Britten, but we also get to know other parts of her life - such as her work with 4H and her endeavors to grow cane for reed making!

 

 

]]>https://www.capradio.org/214232Tue, 17 Feb 2026 22:26:00 GMThttps://www.capradio.org/214232noEvery Friday at noon and 6pm Jennifer Reason curates and hosts the Local Artist Feature on air, created to highlight and celebrate the extraordinary talent right here in our region. Come meet your musical neighbors!Every Friday at noon and 6pm Jennifer Reason curates and hosts the Local Artist Feature on air, created to highlight and celebrate the extraordinary talent right here in our region. Come meet your musical neighbors!Local Artist Feature February 6th, 2026: Sacramento Executive First Studied Classical Percussion at StanfordEvery Friday at noon and 6pm Jennifer Reason curates and hosts the Local Artist Feature on air, created to highlight and celebrate the extraordinary talent right here in our region. This feature marks the two year anniversary!!By Jennifer Reason

Local Artist Feature February 6th, 2026
You probably know him as the current Executive Director of the Sacramento Philharmonic and Opera. But did you know that Giuliano Kornberg is no typical administrator and also has a degree in classical percussion from Stanford? In this feature we explore his musical side and also enjoy some of his performances on solo marimba!

 

]]>https://www.capradio.org/214000Fri, 06 Feb 2026 23:41:00 GMThttps://www.capradio.org/214000noEvery Friday at noon and 6pm Jennifer Reason curates and hosts the Local Artist Feature on air, created to highlight and celebrate the extraordinary talent right here in our region. This feature marks the two year anniversary!!Every Friday at noon and 6pm Jennifer Reason curates and hosts the Local Artist Feature on air, created to highlight and celebrate the extraordinary talent right here in our region. This feature marks the two year anniversary!!Jennifer Reason Celebrates Two Years of the Local Artist FeatureMidday Classical host Jennifer Reason’s Local Artist Feature shines a spotlight on the region’s best performers and composers, and has become a staple of KXPR’s weekly programming.By Jennifer Reason

 

Midday Classical host Jennifer Reason’s Local Artist Feature shines a spotlight on the region’s best performers and composers, and has become a staple of KXPR’s weekly programming. February marks its two year anniversary and the show will also reach the milestone of the 100th artist featured on air in April! You can check it out every Friday afternoon at 12pm noon and again at 6pm on 88.9 FM. Here’s a selection of highlights from the past year.

Brennen Milton, woodwinds

Multi-instrumentalist Brennen Milton has had a diverse and fascinating career- he’s twice been invited to Carnegie Hall, once as the winner of the Golden Classical Musical Awards; as a student, he’s studied at California State University Sacramento, in VIterbo Italy, and in Norfolk, VA at the Naval School of Music for the Armed Forces, as a member of the US Marine Corps field band. In this feature he explores the clarinet music of Yayoï Kitazume and Paul Reade.

 Lingyu Dong, violin

Violinist Lingyu Dong was born and raised in China and had already made his first concerto performance with Shandong Symphony Orchestra at the age of 7! He also took first place in the Hong Kong International Violin Competition and the East Asia International Violin Competition in Tokyo. He eventually made his way right here to Sacramento as part of an exchange program with the Sacramento Youth Symphony, where he met lifelong friend and collaborator pianist Roger Xia. They still frequently perform together here in town all these years later. In this feature Lingyu joins Roger for several wonderful works for violin and piano. 

Dr. Robert Halseth, conductor

 Dr. Robert Halseth has been conducting right here in our area for many decades! Since 1993, he has been Director of Bands and Professor of Music at California State University, Sacramento; he also conducts the Sierra Winds, who performs in this feature. As he is not just a conductor but also a professional trombonist of 40 years he particularly understands directing winds. In this feature he discusses creating during covid and presents some stunning American folk tunes. 

 Shuying Li, composer

Composer Shuying Li was born in China and went to Shanghai Conservatory before moving here to the states. Her music has been performed all over the country with venues/ensembles like Carnegie Hall, San Francisco Symphony, President's Own United States Marine Band, and West Edge Opera, and around the world in countries like Finland, Romania, Netherlands, Canada, Italy. Students at Sac State are now lucky enough to call her their professor of Composition. In this feature we explore selections from her new album Hive Mind.  

 Darita Seth, conductor/composer/countertenor

Darita Seth is a Cambodian-American conductor, composer, choral artist and professional counter-tenor. With roots right here in our area, he now works up and down this entire state- making a career with, among many others, the LA Master Chorale, UOP’s choral department, his own ensemble Choral Audacity (a chamber choir advocating for QBIPOC voices)…and you may have caught him during his tenure with the famed ensemble Chanticleer. In this feature we enjoy two sides of his talents- an arrangement of his own featuring Choral Audacity, and a vocal solo performed with the Sacramento based ensemble RSVP.

Anna Crumley, soprano

Soprano Anna Crumley is a Sacramento native who got her start in singing as a young girl enrolled in the Sacramento Children’s Chorus. Had you asked her then, she surely would not have imagined that she’d later have two vocal degrees and an international performance career that includes working on two Grammy nominated albums, arrangement credits, and collaborations with the singularly renowned ensemble Voces 8. In this feature we hear from Anna and her own 6 voice treble ensemble Lyyra.

Ramya Shankar, Indian classical vocalist and sound healer 

Ramya Shankar resides in the Bay and is a bridge between many worlds. Not only does she combine the seemingly disparate worlds of classical Indian music and jazz, she’s also a sound healer, a vocalist trained in the Carnatic traditions, a composer and a producer. And she’s recently contributed to her first ever Grammy nominated album! In this feature we explore her settings of meditative traditional Indian ragas.

]]>https://www.capradio.org/213684Wed, 28 Jan 2026 19:25:00 GMThttps://www.capradio.org/213684noMidday Classical host Jennifer Reason’s Local Artist Feature shines a spotlight on the region’s best performers and composers, and has become a staple of KXPR’s weekly programming.Midday Classical host Jennifer Reason’s Local Artist Feature shines a spotlight on the region’s best performers and composers, and has become a staple of KXPR’s weekly programming.