As 2020 draws to a close, the music of Chanukah and Christmas reminds so many of us of our treasured holiday traditions and the things we’re thankful for, even at a time of great challenges.
We have a full slate of special programs scheduled to air on Classical 101 for Thanksgiving and throughout December, in addition to holiday editions of our regular shows and seasonal favorites throughout the month.
Thanksgiving Day Specials
Giving Thanks brings music and stories together for thoughtful reflection on the meaning of the holiday. It’s the perfect atmosphere for Thanksgiving: the warmth of great music, and truly memorable words. Be listening Thanksgiving morning at 9 a.m.
Since many of us won’t be traveling this year, Classical 101 host Jennifer Hambrick takes us on a musical tour around America with a Thanksgiving special from The American Sound. Be listening for Away from Home at 11 am on Thanksgiving morning.
Host Andrea Blain and classical music fans from all around the country take time to give thanks and celebrate one of life's most meaningful gifts: music. It's Every Good Thing — an hour of stories and music to celebrate Thanksgiving. You can hear it at noon on Classical 101.
Traditional Favorites
December is a month rich with musical traditions! This year Classical 101 offers a colorful tapestry of music from both Hanukkah and Christmas.
We hope the special music this month on Classical 101 makes your holidays seem a little more normal! You’ll find some perennial favorites as well as lots of local highlights. Christmas Eve and Christmas Day will feature Handel’s Messiah and Holiday Pops from the Columbus Symphony Orchestra, and a host of other local groups.
See the complete schedule below and be listening for these:
All is Bright: Contemplative Music for Christmas
Lynne Warfel hosts an hour of gorgeous, contemplative choral music that tells the traditional Christmas story with songs about angels, the star and the manger scene. Featured artists include Cantus, Chanticleer, Cambridge Singers, Bryn Terfel, Emma Kirkby, Jessye Norman, and a variety of choirs.
O Clap Your Hands: Christmas with the Columbus Children’s Choir
If you’re missing live choirs this Christmas, let the angelic voices of children make your holiday special. Jennifer Hambrick hosts.
An English Cathedral Christmas with LancasterChorale
Another treasured local choir presents music in the fine English Cathedral tradition. Hosted by Jennifer Hambrick.
Christmas with the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square
A holiday celebration featuring a choir of 360 voices, a 150-piece orchestra at Temple Square, the 32-member Bells on Temple Square, along with other artists and special guests.
A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols
Even though the pews will be empty this year, we can all share in the traditional live, world-wide Christmas Eve broadcast of Biblical readings, carols, and seasonal music presented by King's College.
Full Classical 101 Holiday Programming Schedule
Thursday, November 26
9 a.m., Giving Thanks
11a.m., Away from Home: Thanksgiving with The American Sound
Noon, Every Good Thing
Hanukkah, Thursday, December 10
8 p.m., Candles Burning Brightly
Monday, December 14
8 p.m., Welcome Christmas
Tuesday, December 15
8 p.m., Hygge Holiday
Wednesday, December 16
8 p.m., All is Bright
Thursday, December 17
9 p.m., O Clap Your Hands: Christmas with the Columbus Children’s Choir
Friday, December 18
9 p.m., An English Cathedral Christmas with LancasterChorale
Monday, December 21
8 p.m., Hollywood Holiday
Tuesday, December 22
8 p.m., Christmas with the Tabernacle Choir
Wednesday, December 23
8-10 p.m., St. Olaf Christmas Festival
Thursday, December 24
10 a.m., Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols Live
8 p.m., Handel’s Messiah with the Columbus Symphony
Friday, December 25
9 a.m., A Music in Mid Ohio Christmas
10 a.m., An English Cathedral Christmas with LancasterChorale
11 a.m., O Clap Your Hands: Christmas with the Columbus Children’s Choir
Noon, A Chanticleer Christmas
1 p.m., A John Rutter Christmas
2 p.m., Columbus Symphony Holiday Pops
7 p.m., A Front Row Center Christmas
Friday, January 1
11 a.m., New Year’s Day from Vienna
