This week on WCRB

Hi there,

I hope you had the change to enjoy the Top 100 Classical Pieces of All-Time on WCRB over this past Memorial Day weekend!  It was wonderful to hear so many of these great works in their entirety on WCRB....including Beethoven's 9th....the piece you voted in at #1 once again.  If you missed the Top 100, we will leave the list up at www.wcrb.com for a week or so....to give you the chance to see what you and your neighbors think are the greatest classical pieces.  This list makes a great classical music primer....and, is a great resource if you're ever looking to introduce friends and family to classical music!

I understand there's lots of rain in the forecast for the week....but at these warmer temperatures, it's good to see things turn greener and grow!  There's nothing like looking at the majesty of our surroundings this time of year while listening to classical music....hopefully provided by WCRB!  

This coming Saturday night, I'm looking forward to being behind the microphone once again for another broadcast with the Boston Pops live from Symphony Hall.  John Williams returns to the Pops this week, and the broadcast will feature some great music by our Pops, as the orchestra joins forces to raise awareness for the American Society of Transplantation.  As always, we hope you can be with us at Symphony Hall.  If not, the next best seat in the house is with us....at Boston's Classical Station, 99.5, WCRB.

Talk to you later this week,

Mark

Thoughts of Summer!

We've had a few hints of summer already.....and I'm always ready to think warm thoughts! Summers are always a great time for us fans of classical music....because we can actually enjoy the music in the open-air often! There's nothing like listening to this great music in the pastoral settings of the great outdoors.

We've been busy working towards our summer plans here at WCRB. And, I know it's early, but I wanted to share how things are shaping up with you.

We're going to be part of Boston's huge 4th of July celebrations once again this year at the Hatch Shell. We have plans to be there, broadcasting live all day, finishing with a live broadcast of the nationally-televised Pops Concert, with Keith Lockhart conducting. Should be a great day! I'll have more details about that for you as we approach the summer.

Also, we are going to be part of Wednesday night concerts at the Hatch Shell again this year. It's the "Landmarks Festival at the Shell" featuring the Landmarks Orchestra, under the direction of Charles Ansbacher, and other great orchestras....every Wednesday night, all summer, starting July 15th with an "Intensely Italian" theme...the music of Verdi, Mendelssohn, Scarlatti, and others. The concerts are free, and begin at 7. Bring your friends, bring a picnic, and plan to celebrate the summer with WCRB!

OK, back to reality. Summer is still a few weeks away....and I should bask in the moment....spring is beautiful, after all, isn't it?

Thanks as always for making WCRB part of your day!

Mark E.

Mother's Day and Music

It was my Mom and Grandmother who really taught me an appreciation of music early in life!  I remember my grandmother bought me a "Chord Organ" at the age of 5  for Christmas....and that started my love affair with music.  I would not leave that organ alone....much to the dismay of the rest of my family!  If your Mom is still around, I hope you get the chance to wish her the best on Mother's Day.  You've probably heard about what  we'll be doing here at WCRB over the weekend:  We're spending the weekend putting the spotlight on classical music's "Leading Ladies!"  We'll be featuring some of the greatest female performers in the business:  conductors, soloists, and even composers!  Wait til you hear it.....as I was putting the weekend together, I  was amazed at the talent!  

But, I think it's worth tipping the hat to the "silent" voice of women in classical music, as well.  Think about this:  female musicians make up a large portion of virtually every orchestra on the planet!  So, the presence of women permeates every corner of classical music.  This weekend, even the pieces we play that don't feature female soloists really do represent female musicians.....and that makes a huge statement about the impact of women in classical music.

Enjoy your weekend, and enjoy the music!

Mark

First ever blog!

Good morning!

What an amazing world we live in! Things change at such an incredible pace.....just a few months ago, many of us would have asked, "What's Facebook?!?" "What on earth is Twitter....and what do you mean, you've just sent a Tweet?!?" Having said that, I'm really excited that we at WCRB are entering into this bold new world.....because it's a great way for us to stay connected with each other!

Many of you know that in addition to doing the afternoon show at WCRB that I'm also the station's program director. I welcome your feedback! Send me your thoughts.....let's have conversation together about classical music, about what's important to you, and especially how I can help make your experience with WCRB better every time you tune in!

I'll be submitting posts here frequently....so check back often!

I'm doing the morning show for Laura Carlo the rest of this week.....I hope you'll have the chance to listen.

Thanks for checking out my first blog!

Mark