Hi there,
I hope you're doing well, and surviving the heat! I experimented with leaving my windows open on Saturday night. The old saying, "It's not the heat....it's the humidity!" proved to be true! I woke up early on Sunday, and promptly shut the windows, and turned on the A.C! Mind you, I'm not complaining here.....I will enjoy this summer weather for as long as we have it here in New England!
We're making plans for a couple of enjoyable weekends on WCRB. Starting this Friday afternoon, we'll be featuring the greatest pianists ever by playing some of the most beloved works from the classical piano repertoire. We hope you can make us part of your plans for this special weekend of music....which will begin at 4 on Friday afternoon.
The following week, we'll be anticipating the Labor Day weekend by playing the top 500 classical pieces of all-time. That's quite an undertaking! And, we're asking for your help in putting this list together. Please visit our website, (www.wcrb.com) and click on the Labor Day 500 on the front page. From there, we'll ask you to let us know about your favorite piece. Visit and vote as often as you like....it's a long way to 500 pieces. We will play the 500 pieces as complete works....beginning sometime next week. Once we've tabulated the top 500 pieces, I'll actually schedule the music in reverse....so that #1 plays Labor Day night around 9. Keep checking back to this blog, and to our facebook page. I'll let you know when the Labor Day 500 will begin....just as soon as I've put it all together! :)
Thanks for listening to WCRB, and as always, thanks for your support of Boston's Classical Station!
My best,
Mark
Monday, August 24, 2009
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Last night's Hatch Shell concert
Good morning!
I'm still in for Laura while she and her family finish their great Alaskan adventure! Laura will be back on Monday morning at 5, and I'll get back to my routine, playing classical music from 2-7. While I have enjoyed doing the early morning show, we are creatures of habit....and I look forward to a return to "normal"....or at least as "normal" as my life gets! :)
Last night's concert at the Hatch Shell marked the return of the Landmarks Orchestra to the Landmarks Festival at the Shell. We celebrated "opera highlights" with 4 soloists from the Boston Lyric Opera. What a night! Charles Ansbacher and the orchestra gave brilliant performances, and the soloists were exceptional!
The night began quite literally with a bang....one of those accidents on Storrow Drive got our attention. But, our frayed nerves were soon calmed by the beautiful sounds coming from the historic Hatch Shell. One of the highlights came for me when the first half of the evening ended with a beautiful rendition of "La Dona e mobile"....I wanted to sing along, but not knowing Italian very well, settled for a little humming instead!
These Wednesday night concerts are a highlight of the summer for many of us! In spite of drizzle and mist, about 4,000 of us really enjoyed the experience. I hope you'll be with us for next Wednesday night's concert.
If you were there last night, I'd love to know what you think! Feel free to respond to my blog here, or on our facebook page!
Here's to a great rest of the week,
Mark
I'm still in for Laura while she and her family finish their great Alaskan adventure! Laura will be back on Monday morning at 5, and I'll get back to my routine, playing classical music from 2-7. While I have enjoyed doing the early morning show, we are creatures of habit....and I look forward to a return to "normal"....or at least as "normal" as my life gets! :)
Last night's concert at the Hatch Shell marked the return of the Landmarks Orchestra to the Landmarks Festival at the Shell. We celebrated "opera highlights" with 4 soloists from the Boston Lyric Opera. What a night! Charles Ansbacher and the orchestra gave brilliant performances, and the soloists were exceptional!
The night began quite literally with a bang....one of those accidents on Storrow Drive got our attention. But, our frayed nerves were soon calmed by the beautiful sounds coming from the historic Hatch Shell. One of the highlights came for me when the first half of the evening ended with a beautiful rendition of "La Dona e mobile"....I wanted to sing along, but not knowing Italian very well, settled for a little humming instead!
These Wednesday night concerts are a highlight of the summer for many of us! In spite of drizzle and mist, about 4,000 of us really enjoyed the experience. I hope you'll be with us for next Wednesday night's concert.
If you were there last night, I'd love to know what you think! Feel free to respond to my blog here, or on our facebook page!
Here's to a great rest of the week,
Mark
Monday, August 10, 2009
In for Laura Carlo this week...
Good morning!
Laura is cruising the Alaskan coastline this week with her husband, son and several WCRB listeners. So, I'm sitting in for her, rising very early to spend time with you from 5 to 9. All of my friends ask me, "how can you function that early in the morning?!?" It's a good question. But, there really is something to driving in to the station before anyone else is on the road...(the commute is a breeze!). And, there's something to collecting your thoughts before anyone arrives here at work...then getting the opportunity to start the day with some of the most amazing music ever created. It really does set the pace, and help me to put things in perspective. As you head into work this week, or begin your day doing whatever you do, I hope that our classical music will do the very same for you.
Starting tomorrow, WCRB's going to begin playing what we're calling "WCRB's classic from the archives"...at different times every day. As you probably know, WCRB has been around for a very long time...over 60 years. And, we have lots of music in the archives. We thought it would be good to share this music with you over time. As I preview some of the material we'll be featuring from performers no longer with us, in many cases, I'm struck by the timelessness of classical music. It was every bit as powerful then as today. And, the performers from 40 or 50 years ago played with passion and virtuosity. I hope you'll rediscover the beauty of these recordings with us over time.
All for now....have to head on the air. Here's to a good week for all of us!
Mark
Laura is cruising the Alaskan coastline this week with her husband, son and several WCRB listeners. So, I'm sitting in for her, rising very early to spend time with you from 5 to 9. All of my friends ask me, "how can you function that early in the morning?!?" It's a good question. But, there really is something to driving in to the station before anyone else is on the road...(the commute is a breeze!). And, there's something to collecting your thoughts before anyone arrives here at work...then getting the opportunity to start the day with some of the most amazing music ever created. It really does set the pace, and help me to put things in perspective. As you head into work this week, or begin your day doing whatever you do, I hope that our classical music will do the very same for you.
Starting tomorrow, WCRB's going to begin playing what we're calling "WCRB's classic from the archives"...at different times every day. As you probably know, WCRB has been around for a very long time...over 60 years. And, we have lots of music in the archives. We thought it would be good to share this music with you over time. As I preview some of the material we'll be featuring from performers no longer with us, in many cases, I'm struck by the timelessness of classical music. It was every bit as powerful then as today. And, the performers from 40 or 50 years ago played with passion and virtuosity. I hope you'll rediscover the beauty of these recordings with us over time.
All for now....have to head on the air. Here's to a good week for all of us!
Mark
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Last night's concert
Hi there,
Last night, the Landmarks Festival at the Shell was moved from the Hatch Shell to Jordan Hall at New England Conservatory because of the weather. Thanks to all of you who made the transition to join us at this location...Jordan Hall was filled to capacity.
From a completely selfish standpoint, I have to say that I was thrilled with the result! The acoustics in Jordan Hall are second to none....and we were able to hear every single note, every single nuance to the music...it was quite a treat.
The Youth Orchestra of the Americas, 75 young musicians from the western hemisphere...was just sensational. It was exciting to see young people in an orchestra....swinging, swaying, feeling the passion of the music. It really brought Dvorak's New World Symphony to life for me. The double bass players were a sight to behold!
Gabriela Montero, the pianist for Rachmaninov's Piano Concerto #2 was just amazing. She felt and expressed every imaginable nuance....one could think....just as intended by Rachmaninov himself. She then treated us to her musical talent in an encore....she asked the audience to name a couple of songs everyone knew, and she would improvise on them for us. So, we heard a brilliant classical approach to The Sound of Music...and to Take Me Out To The Ball Game! What fun!
I cannot think of a better teacher for these young musicians than Benjamin Zander. I believe his passion for music is contagious. He is one of those fine conductors that not only expresses himself so that the musicians know what he wants....when he conducts, he actually helps the audience to understand what's happening on the stage. It's a true gift.
OK. I realize I sound like I'm gushing a bit....I just wanted to share some of my impressions of the night with you....in hopes that perhaps you will come and join us for our next free concert....the Landmarks Orchestra at the Shell continues with another free concert next Wednesday night at 7 at the Hatch Shell...we hope to see you there!
Mark
Last night, the Landmarks Festival at the Shell was moved from the Hatch Shell to Jordan Hall at New England Conservatory because of the weather. Thanks to all of you who made the transition to join us at this location...Jordan Hall was filled to capacity.
From a completely selfish standpoint, I have to say that I was thrilled with the result! The acoustics in Jordan Hall are second to none....and we were able to hear every single note, every single nuance to the music...it was quite a treat.
The Youth Orchestra of the Americas, 75 young musicians from the western hemisphere...was just sensational. It was exciting to see young people in an orchestra....swinging, swaying, feeling the passion of the music. It really brought Dvorak's New World Symphony to life for me. The double bass players were a sight to behold!
Gabriela Montero, the pianist for Rachmaninov's Piano Concerto #2 was just amazing. She felt and expressed every imaginable nuance....one could think....just as intended by Rachmaninov himself. She then treated us to her musical talent in an encore....she asked the audience to name a couple of songs everyone knew, and she would improvise on them for us. So, we heard a brilliant classical approach to The Sound of Music...and to Take Me Out To The Ball Game! What fun!
I cannot think of a better teacher for these young musicians than Benjamin Zander. I believe his passion for music is contagious. He is one of those fine conductors that not only expresses himself so that the musicians know what he wants....when he conducts, he actually helps the audience to understand what's happening on the stage. It's a true gift.
OK. I realize I sound like I'm gushing a bit....I just wanted to share some of my impressions of the night with you....in hopes that perhaps you will come and join us for our next free concert....the Landmarks Orchestra at the Shell continues with another free concert next Wednesday night at 7 at the Hatch Shell...we hope to see you there!
Mark
Monday, July 27, 2009
Youth Orchestra of the Americas AND a different kind of Top 30 weekend!
Hi again!
It is really feeling like summer this week....with heat and humidity, no less! I'm glad that you're listening to WCRB this summer....and being so great about supporting our station and our events! Last Wednesday night, we had another huge turnout for the "Landmarks Festival at the Shell."
This Wednesday night should be extraordinary: Benjamin Zander will conduct the Youth Orchestra of the Americas. Seventy-five of the most talented young musicians from across the Western Hemisphere have come together this summer for an international tour of concerts and community outreach programs. And, this Wednesday night, we’ll be treated to the orchestra performing Rachmaninov’s Piano concerto #2 featuring the pianist Gabriela Montero, and Dvorak’s Symphony #4! Our free concert begins at 7 at the Hatch Shell. Bring a friend, a picnic, and be ready for a great evening. And remember to stop by and say hi.....I'll look forward to meeting you!
This coming weekend on WCRB, we're putting together a different kind of top 30 countdown.....we'll be counting down the 30 greatest Symphonies of all time! To be sure, any top 30 list of this sort is subjective in nature....one thing is certain, however....we have a weekend of incredible music planned! Our "Top 30 Symphonies" weekend begins Friday afternoon at 4. Oh...and by the way, we will be featuring the complete works....not just individual movements! Enjoy! :)
Thanks again for listening to WCRB....and for taking the time to read my blog today!
Mark
It is really feeling like summer this week....with heat and humidity, no less! I'm glad that you're listening to WCRB this summer....and being so great about supporting our station and our events! Last Wednesday night, we had another huge turnout for the "Landmarks Festival at the Shell."
This Wednesday night should be extraordinary: Benjamin Zander will conduct the Youth Orchestra of the Americas. Seventy-five of the most talented young musicians from across the Western Hemisphere have come together this summer for an international tour of concerts and community outreach programs. And, this Wednesday night, we’ll be treated to the orchestra performing Rachmaninov’s Piano concerto #2 featuring the pianist Gabriela Montero, and Dvorak’s Symphony #4! Our free concert begins at 7 at the Hatch Shell. Bring a friend, a picnic, and be ready for a great evening. And remember to stop by and say hi.....I'll look forward to meeting you!
This coming weekend on WCRB, we're putting together a different kind of top 30 countdown.....we'll be counting down the 30 greatest Symphonies of all time! To be sure, any top 30 list of this sort is subjective in nature....one thing is certain, however....we have a weekend of incredible music planned! Our "Top 30 Symphonies" weekend begins Friday afternoon at 4. Oh...and by the way, we will be featuring the complete works....not just individual movements! Enjoy! :)
Thanks again for listening to WCRB....and for taking the time to read my blog today!
Mark
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Another week, another free concert!
Hi there!
It's hard to believe over a week has gone by since I've posted a blog here....where is the summer going? We've finally had some nice weather, and it's so good to experience it.
Last week, a good 6,000 friends joined us at the Hatch Shell for the first "Landmarks Festival at the Shell" for the summer season. What a great night! The orchestra was in fine form as always, and the audience had a great time. So did I, for that matter! If you missed it, you can see the pictures that I took of the event on our facebook page...just click on the facebook button at wcrb.com to get there.
Tonight promises to be another great evening. Mother Nature is cooperating nicely...as I write this at 11AM, the skies are clearing, and the forecast indicates we should have spectacular weather for tonight's concert.
Tonight, Charles Annsbacher has prepared a great program for us: the Landmarks Orchestra will perform music by the "Viennese Masters." We'll hear the Haydn Cello Concerto in C ... featuring the cellist Jacqueline Choi, and the beautiful Brahms Symphony #1. The concert is free! It begins at 7. Parking is available at the Boston Common garage. Also, the DCR blocks off the right lane of Storrow Drive westbound about 20 minutes before the concert....you can park there. Or, do what I do....take the T to the Charles St./Mass General station on the red line....just a short walk from there to the shell!
I hope you can join us...and I hope you'll stop by the WCRB tent while you're there. That's where I'll be once my emcee duties are over!
See you tonight,
Mark
It's hard to believe over a week has gone by since I've posted a blog here....where is the summer going? We've finally had some nice weather, and it's so good to experience it.
Last week, a good 6,000 friends joined us at the Hatch Shell for the first "Landmarks Festival at the Shell" for the summer season. What a great night! The orchestra was in fine form as always, and the audience had a great time. So did I, for that matter! If you missed it, you can see the pictures that I took of the event on our facebook page...just click on the facebook button at wcrb.com to get there.
Tonight promises to be another great evening. Mother Nature is cooperating nicely...as I write this at 11AM, the skies are clearing, and the forecast indicates we should have spectacular weather for tonight's concert.
Tonight, Charles Annsbacher has prepared a great program for us: the Landmarks Orchestra will perform music by the "Viennese Masters." We'll hear the Haydn Cello Concerto in C ... featuring the cellist Jacqueline Choi, and the beautiful Brahms Symphony #1. The concert is free! It begins at 7. Parking is available at the Boston Common garage. Also, the DCR blocks off the right lane of Storrow Drive westbound about 20 minutes before the concert....you can park there. Or, do what I do....take the T to the Charles St./Mass General station on the red line....just a short walk from there to the shell!
I hope you can join us...and I hope you'll stop by the WCRB tent while you're there. That's where I'll be once my emcee duties are over!
See you tonight,
Mark
Monday, July 13, 2009
Wednesday night at the Hatch Shell
Hi there!
Finally, summer weather has come to Boston.....isn't it glorious? It's great to be able to listen to WCRB with the windows down in the car, and let the weather and the music lift my spirits!
This Wednesday night, we can experience soaring spirits together, as we enjoy live classical music at the Hatch Shell for the "Landmarks Festival at the Shell!" WCRB is proud to carry on the tradition of live music at the Hatch Shell every Wednesday night through the rest of the summer. The free concerts begin at 7! Bring a picnic, bring your friends, and enjoy a wonderful night with us.
Wednesday, Charles Annsbacher will lead the Landmarks Orchestra in "Italian Night"....with the music of Verdi, Mendelssohn, Scarlatti and others.
I'm honored to be the MC of the event once again this season....please plan to stop by the WCRB tent before the concert and at intermission. I'll be "hanging out" there, enjoying the music, and looking forward to meeting and perhaps speaking with you!
Hope to see you then.
Mark
Finally, summer weather has come to Boston.....isn't it glorious? It's great to be able to listen to WCRB with the windows down in the car, and let the weather and the music lift my spirits!
This Wednesday night, we can experience soaring spirits together, as we enjoy live classical music at the Hatch Shell for the "Landmarks Festival at the Shell!" WCRB is proud to carry on the tradition of live music at the Hatch Shell every Wednesday night through the rest of the summer. The free concerts begin at 7! Bring a picnic, bring your friends, and enjoy a wonderful night with us.
Wednesday, Charles Annsbacher will lead the Landmarks Orchestra in "Italian Night"....with the music of Verdi, Mendelssohn, Scarlatti and others.
I'm honored to be the MC of the event once again this season....please plan to stop by the WCRB tent before the concert and at intermission. I'll be "hanging out" there, enjoying the music, and looking forward to meeting and perhaps speaking with you!
Hope to see you then.
Mark
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