October

Volume 2, Issue 10
Classical Matters
October , 2013
Send your questions or comments to Brenda Bratton, Editor, [email protected]
Inside this issue:
Great Music and Culture
Programming Notes
Iconoclasts
And My Favorite Opera Is...
A Time Honored Tradition
Community Events
Thank a Sponsor
Contacts:
George Preston
General Manager
[email protected]
Melissa Anthony
Development Director
[email protected]
Jeanna Wearing,
Director of Corporate
Sponsorships
[email protected]
Keith Kauspedas
Traffic Director
[email protected]
Sherry Hamill,
Receptionist
[email protected]
Brenda Bratton
Editor-in-Chief
Finance/Office Manager
[email protected]
Great Music and Culture from Around the Country and In Our Own
Backyard ~ by KCME General Manager George Preston
Some exciting new programming is coming your way on KCME, some of it
from our country’s great musical capitols, and some of it made fresh right here in
Colorado Springs.
Jana Lee gives you the details about our new weeknight lineup below,
including orchestra programs from around America. Keith Simon’s new Friday evening show,
“Iconoclasts,” promises to be a stimulating listen each week to groundbreaking composers old
and new.
While I love hearing the latest from New York, Chicago, San Francisco, and Los
Angeles, I’m especially thrilled to introduce new initiatives to highlight our homegrown music
and culture. The KCME Culture Zone begins this coming Sunday at 5 P.M., welcoming local
musicians, artists, and cultural leaders to share news about their endeavors. Want to know
what’s happening at the Colorado Springs Philharmonic, Theatreworks, the Fine Arts Center, or
the Colorado Springs Conservatory? The KCME Culture Zone is the place for news and
engaging conversation with the people who make our arts scene so uniquely rich and vibrant.
Please plan to listen, and spread the word among your fellow culture mavens. Also, stay tuned
for details about a new broadcast partnership between KCME and Chamber Orchestra of the
Springs, coming soon!
Speaking of “local” and “vibrant,” the Colorado Springs Philharmonic really got their
season off to a rousing start on September 21st. It was my first opportunity to see and hear
them in the Pikes Peak Center. Not only did they sound fantastic, but the packed house and
enthusiastic audience response were joys to behold. One of the highlights of the evening took
place even before the music-making began, when Nathan Newbrough, the Philharmonic’s
President and CEO, took the stage to welcome the crowd. He asked season ticket holders to
stand up, and about 90% of those on hand rose in response. In this day and age, that’s an
incredible testament to our local commitment to great music. Listen for the encore broadcast of
that Philharmonic program, Sunday, October 6th, at 3pm!
Programming Notes
~
Jana Lee
Monday through Thursday beginning in October, travel—metaphorically, of
course—with KCME to some of the best music houses in the country and around the
world, as KCME brings you encore broadcasts of concerts from the likes of The New
York Philharmonic and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. We will also take you to the West
coast with the San Francisco Symphony and the Los Angeles Philharmonic. Beginning in
December, you can travel half way around the world when KCME brings you the Deutsche
Welle Festival Concerts, which will be aired through June, 2014. Then in the spring, we will
travel to the Milwaukee Symphony, just for a taste of the Midwest classical music scene.
And now, a little about each of the groups of artists you will hear. The New York
Philharmonic is no stranger to the KCME broadcast. We’re simply nudging the NY Phil forward
24 hours from Sunday to 8:00 on Monday nights. We’ll continue to bring you weekly offerings
from the Music Director Alan Gilbert and the usual suspects of internationally-acclaimed artists.
Riccardo Muti leads the Chicago Symphony Orchestra for the lion’s share of our
Tuesday night line-up. You’ll also hear exciting performances led by Susanna Malkki, Bernard
Haitinck, as well as featured soloists Jean Yves Thibaudet, Gil Shaham and other stellar soloists.
The West Coast beckons on Wednesday nights with performances from the San
Francisco Symphony led by Michael Tilson-Thomas with visits from Itzhak Perlman, Charles
Dutoit and Jane Glover throughout the season.
Travel a few hours south down the coast for Thursday nights with the Los Angeles
Philharmonic and Music Director Gustavo Dudamel.
“What about Friday you might ask?” And KCME would answer with Friday is the special
day of the week on which our own Keith Simon’s production “Iconoclasts” airs from 8:00 to
9:00 in the evening.
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In conjunction with All Pikes Peak Reads, 88.7 KCME-FM presents a program inspired by Steven Galloway's
harrowing novel The Cellist of Sarajevo. Join KCME at 3:00 on Sunday, October 13th, for "I Heard the Bullets Whistle,"
an exploration of music and art created against the backdrop of conflict and strife. Leonard Bernstein once said "This will
be our reply to violence: to make music more intensely, more beautifully, more devotedly than ever before." You'll hear
some stirring examples of this poignant truth, and of how we preserve our humanity through the arts during the hardest
of times.
Iconoclasts!
Mr. Webster’s definition
of “iconoclast” pretty
much sums it up for me:
A person who attacks
settled
beliefs
or
institutions.
This challenge to
established traditions or perceptions,
some merely habits begging to be
destroyed, has been prevalent in the
arts since the beginning of recorded
history.
~
by Keith Simon
another salvo of new ideas and "Yes, yes! They put their heads
expressions. The cycle continues to this together and open wide their mouths
because they have not seen anything
day.
Even Ludwig van Beethoven, a like it in the text books on harmony."
genius who is now consistently polled as
the world’s greatest classical composer,
was considered edgy by some in his
time. Considering Beethoven’s eccentric
and confrontational personality, such
attacks on his work only served as
entertainment.
Austrian musician,
In every genre of music, conductor and composer Ignaz von
including classical, the status quo has Seyfried conducted the premiere of
been challenged by artists who, in their Beethoven’s opera Fidelio.
day, were attacked, their music called
Seyfried wrote, "When he
“diseased”, by the establishment. (Beethoven) came across criticisms
Within time, though, what was accusing him of making blunders in
considered avant-garde became musical grammar he laughed loudly and,
mainstream, only to be upended by yet rubbing his hands gleefully, exclaimed:
And my favorite Opera is…
October 10, 2013 marks the
200th birthday of one of opera’s
greatest composers, and I want to
wrap up my series on my favorite
operas by taking a look at the works
of Giuseppe Verdi (1813-1901).
Verdi’s career divides fairly
easily into three different periods: the
years of his early works, some of
which are still produced today, but
many of which have been almost
completely forgotten; his middle
period, where he hit his stride and
produced fewer, but greater operas;
and his late years, wherein he
produced a handful of true and
enduring masterworks.
Among his early works, I
enjoy Nabucco , Ernani ,
Macbeth , and Luisa Miller ; but
although each of these scores contain
some very fine pages, Verdi had a
ways to go before becoming the
operatic genius he did. His “middle
most
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Please join me every Friday
evening at 8, starting October 4th, for
“Iconoclasts”. It is my sincerest wish
that you enjoy, and perhaps be
challenged, by the music you hear.
~ by Robert Bruce
period” begins with the composition of
three of his greatest operas: Rigoletto, Il
trovatore, and La traviata – favorites all.
These were followed by several operas
that, along with those three, I could
name as my favorite Verdi: Simon
Boccanegra, Un ballo in maschera, La
forza del destino, and the French grand
opera, Don Carlos – the Italian version
of which is known as Don Carlo.
But then the four last works of
his late career are all so fine, such
accomplished works of genius, that it
would be difficult to choose even one
favorite from among them: Aida, Otello,
Falstaff, and, though not an opera, the
Messa da Requiem.
So … my favorite Verdi opera?
It’s almost impossible to say with any
certainty. The sheer tunefulness and
drama of the early and middle period
works have a great deal going for them;
but then the composer matured, refining
his orchestration and adding greater
K C M E / K M PZ
They were celebrated,
reviled, ignored, and more - the list of
iconoclasts in classical music is quite
long.
In my new program,
“Iconoclasts”, I endeavor to explore
these ground-breaking composers
and their music, and the challenges
they faced for merely being ahead of
the curve or just humming their own
tune.
variety and depth of
characterization to those
late “middle period”
works; and then he
trumped even those
with the vitality and genius of the late
works. So I might choose three, one
from each period: Rigoletto, Don
Carlo, and Otello.
But that’s cheating. So the
litmus test I’ll use in deciding what
must be my favorite Verdi opera is by
taking a look at how many different
recordings of each of these works I
have in my CD collection. Let’s see …
four recordings each of Un ballo in
maschera , Macbeth , and Simon
Boccanegra … six different recordings
of Aida, Don Carlo/s, La forza del
destino, Rigoletto, La traviata, Il
trovatore, and the Requiem … but with
seven recordings, I guess my choice
rests with Otello. And you know what,
I’d have probably chosen that one in
the first place.
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A Time-Honored Tradition and
A New Time for the Encore Broadcasts with
the Colorado Springs Philharmonic
On 88.7 KCME-FM ~ Jeanna Wearing
When Charles
delayed broadcasts of
Symphony performed
afternoon. The future
Myers “Bud” Edmonds founded KCME-FM in 1979, he wasted no time in acquiring the rights to air
the concerts performed by The Colorado Springs Symphony – as it was known at that time. The
in Palmer High School on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings, with a matinee on Sunday
home of the Symphony, the Pikes Peak Center, was a dream that would await realization.
Although Bud was a polio survivor, and severely disabled, he would gather the equipment, which at that time
included a reel-to-reel recording machine, yards of cable, microphones and mixing boards, and truck everything to the
high school where he recorded all four concerts. Returning to the KCME studios, located in Manitou Springs at the time,
Bud would edit the tapes, splicing together the best performances from each concert and broadcast the Encore
Performance of the Colorado Springs Symphony a week after the live concerts. Bud died in 1982 – the same year the
Pikes Peak Center opened its doors as the premiere cultural and entertainment venue in Colorado Springs.
Throughout the years, no matter what challenges faced either KCME or the city’s orchestra, there has been an
unbroken tradition of broadcasting the concerts so that those who attended could enjoy the music again—or so KCME
could provide a special listening experience for those who were unable to attend the concert.
In addition to the musical performances, the broadcast includes interviews with the Artistic Director and
Conductor, guest conductors and artists, and sometimes individual players. You really have feeling of “being in the
moment” as a KCME host describes the activity on the stage, and you hear the reaction of the audience shouting “bravo”,
and the encores graciously performed by the guest artist.
Today, the 34-year-long artistic collaboration between KCME and the Colorado Springs Philharmonic, as it known
today, continues with enthusiastic dedication on the part of both organizations.
In order to serve the KCME audience more effectively, the decision has been made to change the day and time of
the Encore Broadcasts. The Colorado Springs Philharmonic Encore Broadcasts are moving to Sunday afternoons at 3:00
P.M. A new schedule has been announced and is included in this Classical Matters newsletter. It has also been posted on
the KCME website www.kcme.org . We have printed a special bookmark that gives the dates of the Encore Broadcasts,
available at the KCME studios, 1921 North Weber Street . Or, during the intermissions of the Philharmonic concerts in the
Pikes Peak Center, please stop by the KCME-FM promotions table in the foyer, and we will have a bookmark for you. We
would love to meet you, too!
There is an old maxim: “The more things change, the more they remain the same…” And certainly, this is the
case with respect to KCME-FM and The Colorado Springs Philharmonic. Together, our respective organizations share the
same dedication to making classical music available to our community—whether it is live musical performances or
broadcasts; we cherish the memories of those wonderful visionaries whose dedication to a dream resulted in the growth
of an orchestra, or the foundation of an independent, public radio station.
We hope you will appreciate the scheduling change for the Encore Broadcasts. Perhaps you will find it more
convenient to listen on a Sunday afternoon – in the “best seat in the house”… on your comfy sofa, in your home.
Many thanks to Planet Granite for its continued corporate sponsorship of the
Encore Broadcasts. Now in its fourth year, Planet Granite’s sponsorship
beautifies KCME’s airwaves in the same manner as it beautifies homes and
offices with the installation of granite and marble design elements.
And last, but by no means least, we thank you for attending the live concerts
of our Philharmonic. There is nothing to match the excitement of a “live”
concert. But, then, you can savor the musical moments again by tuning in on Sunday afternoons at 3:00 PM to the
Encore Broadcasts of the Philharmonic.
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88.7 KCME-FM—WHAT’S HAPPENING! With Melissa Anthony
A Great Day for a Picnic in the Park with KCME!
The sun was shining bright. The trees swayed
ever so slightly with the light breeze. Signs of fall with
the warmth of summer covered Acacia Park in
Colorado Springs on Saturday, September 21st for
Picnic in the Park with KCME. The weather simply
could not have been more cooperative for spending
the last day of summer outdoors. However, the
weather was not the only lovely factor of the day. Live
performances from local talent including a quintet from
the Colorado Springs Youth Symphony, Velvet Hills
Show Chorus, The Little London Winds, and the Pikes
Peak Youth Ringers put the icing on the cake that was
Picnic in the Park with KCME.
A great big classical thank you goes out to
everyone who attended KCME’s outdoor community
concert. We at KCME are so very proud to be your
source for classical music and to be able to provide
this community with free classical music entertainment
under the gorgeous Colorado sky.
Picnic in the Park with KCME was made
possible by the support of our amazing event
sponsors: Bettner Vision, Meeker Music, The
Learning Experience, and the
Colorado Springs Philharmonic.
Food, Fun, and Frights this Halloween at KCME!
Stop by the KCME studio at 1921 N. Weber St. in Colorado Springs on October 31 st for KCME’s Halloween Open House. We’ve
forgone the de-composer costumes ideas and opted for a lighter twist on things, but there will still be plenty of food, fun, and
frights for the entire family to enjoy!
What exactly is in store for you at KCME’s Halloween Open House? Well, we’ve got a variety of things
planned, including a Facebook costume contest for the kids and candy for all! Take a tour of the KCME
studio, watch KCME announcers hard at work in the on-air booth (please do not feed the announcers), and
enjoy sweet and savory goodies for all-ages.
Whatever your Halloween plans may be, come to the KCME studio for a few minutes or for a while and
enjoy the festivities! We look forward to welcoming you into our classical music lair.
Where to listen:
Colorado Springs/Pueblo/ Manitou Springs: 88.7 FM
Cripple Creek/Victor: 89.5 FM
Woodland Park: 93.5 FM
Salida/Buena Vista: 88.1 & 89.5 FM
Cañon City/Florence/Penrose: 91.1 FM
Summit County 89.3 FM
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KCME/KMPZ
Cla ssi ca l Ma tt ers
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KCME-FM began in 1979 as the dream of a small cluster of people who believed
that Southeastern Colorado should have a full-time classical radio station in the Cheyenne Mountain Public
Broadcast House, Inc.
area it was licensed to serve. Charles “Bud” Edmonds, Willard Smull, and John
1921 North Weber Street
Bennett undertook the laborious task of applying to the FCC for a permit to Colorado Springs, CO 80907
operate a public, non-profit, educational station from Manitou Springs, and on
Christmas Eve, 1979 KCME-FM went on the air for the first time. Today, KCME
Phone: 800-492-5263
broadcasts classical music 24-hours a day at 88.7 FM and on its translators, with
Fax: 719-578-1033
the majority of its funding derived from the voluntary contributions of
E-mail: [email protected]
foundations, corporations, and individuals in the community. KCME/KMPZ wants
to meet the expectation of excellence that classical listeners have, both with
www.kcme.org
regard to
quality audio sound and current levels of radio and broadcasting
technology, as well as the presentation of classical music by on-air announcers that can be compared
favorably with any other professional classical music station in the industry.
It takes all kinds of support to bring you the classical music you love to hear on KCME-FM.
Please let the following corporate sponsors know that you appreciate their support of the
community by patronizing their businesses and telling them you appreciate their support of
KCME-FM. Follow the links to their businesses by clicking on the logo of your choice.
If you know of any companies that you visit frequently that would be a good sponsor of KCME,
ask them to contact Jeanna Wearing at KCME’s business office 1-800-492-5263.
September Trivia Answer: Bignhorn sheep, a bald eagle, pronghorn
antelope, elk, and porcumpine were all seen on our trip to and from Salida.
Become a Business Member today and hear your business name and city read on-air
each week for the next year. Log on to KCME.org and sign up and write your own
description of your business to be posted on KCME’s website.
ATTENTION WEB LISTENERS! Classical KCME now has a total of 700 streams
available for our worldwide internet audience. For complete information go to kcme.org and click on LISTEN.
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