December means great holiday programming all month long on NPR 89.1, Classical 90.5, and Jazz 89.1 HD2.
2024 Holiday Programs NPR 89.1
Stories for the Season from Tucson – 2PM on 12/24 & 11AM 12/25 on NPR 89.1
Join NPR 89.1 at 2PM on Tuesday, December 24th and 11am on Wednesday, December 25th for “Stories of the Season from Tucson.” Listen to hear about Arizona’s connection to the holidays such as the Tucson resident who modeled as Santa Claus in some Coca-Cola ads and the Christmas song written by Irving Berlin while sitting poolside at the Biltmore in Phoenix, as well as a conversation with U of A Professor Andrea McComb Sanchez, about religious traditions with a focus on Native American holidays in the southwest. Plus, The Rogue Theatre presents an adaptation of an obscure Christmas story, written by Charles Dickens, that first appeared in “The Pickwick Papers.” Hear “Stories of the Season from Tucson” at 2pm on Christmas Eve and 11am on Christmas Day on NPR 89.1.
A World Café Holiday – 3PM 12/24 on NPR 89.1
The World Cafe celebrates the season during “A World Café Holiday” at 3pm on December 24th on NPR 89.1. Revisit special holiday performances from Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings, Los Lobos, Andrew Bird, The Bird and The Bee, Pink Martini, and the Preservation Hall Jazz Band for an hour of hip holiday cheer. Hosted by Raina Douris. Hear “A World Café Holiday” at 3pm on Christmas Eve on NPR 89.1.
A Christmas Carol with Jonathan Winters 6PM on 12/24 on NPR 89.1
Join NPR 89.1 for an encore presentation of “A Christmas Carol with Jonathan Winters,” at 6pm on Tuesday, December 24th. Master comedian Jonathan Winters presents a distinctive reading of Dickens' holiday classic, with a special performing edition prepared by Dickens for his own presentations. Featuring Mimi Kennedy as Bell. Listen for “A Christmas Carol with Jonathan Winters,” a public radio tradition from NPR and KCRW at 6pm on Christmas Eve on NPR 89.1.
Festivo Alt.Latino: with Cantigas 9PM on 12/24 on NPR 89.1
Join NPR 89.1 at 9pm on Tuesday, December 24th for an encore concert with Gaby Moreno presented by NPR Music’s Alt.Latino and recorded at KUT studios in Austin, Texas. Gaby Moreno and her band will perform selections from their holiday album, “Posada.” Guests include Gina Chavez, and Chicano Zen bandleader and record producer Michael Ramos. Listen for Festivo Alt Latino: Gaby Moreno in Concert at 9pm on Christmas Eve on NPR 89.1.
Customs and Candlelight: a Celtic Christmas Celebration 10PM on 12/24 on NPR 89.1
Explore music and customs with roots in ancient winter celebrations and traditional Christmas festivals during “Carols, Customs and Candlelight: A Celtic Christmas Celebration” at 10pm on Tuesday, December 24th. Hear an hour of music featuring classical ensembles and soloists such as “Apollo’s Fire” and Bryn Terfel, as well as traditional instruments such as the harp, fiddle and mandolin. Listen for “Carols, Customs and Candlelight: A Celtic Christmas Celebration,” hosted by Andrea Blain, at 10pm on Christmas Eve on NPR 89.1.
Three Tales of Christmas with Cantus Carols 11PM on 12/24 on NPR 89.1
Reflect on the meaning and joy of the holiday season with “Three Tales of Christmas with Cantus Carols” at 11pm on Tuesday, December 24th on NPR 89.1. Hear a blend of narration and song woven together during three holiday stories: Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” and Christine Lê’s “The Hawaii Snowman,” alongside Mark Twain’s “A Letter from Santa Claus.” Listen for “Three Tales of Christmas with Cantus Carols” at 11pm on Christmas Eve on NPR 89.1.
Selected Shorts - Holiday Hitches 9AM 12/25 on NPR 89.1
Despite how much people may try to enjoy getting ready for the holidays, things don’t always go as planned. At 9am on Wednesday, December 25th on NPR 89.1 listen for “Selected Shorts – Holiday Hitches,” with tales about uncommon roads travelled that mesh tradition, humor, and family dynamics. Hosted by Meg Wolitzer. “Selected Shorts – Holiday Hitches,” at 9am on Christmas Day on NPR 89.1.
The Big Tiny Desk Concert Holiday Special 10AM 12/25 on NPR 89.1
Celebrate the season during “The Big Tiny Desk Concert Holiday Special,” Wednesday, December 25th at 10am. Featuring performances by Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings, Hanson, The Polyphonic Spree and Steve Martin. Hosted by NPR Music frenemies Bob Boilen and Stephen Thompson. Listen for “The Big Tiny Desk Concert Holiday Special,” at 10am on Christmas Day on NPR 89.1.
Tinsel Tales 4: Stories of the Season Told Through Music – 2PM on 12/25 on NPR 89.1
Hear stories of the season told through music during Tinsel Tales at 2pm on Wednesday, December 25th on NPR 89.1. This year, hear conversations from the NPR Archives with Kenny Rogers, Katie Melua, Sting, Amy Grant and Jon Batiste as they share the power of music at Christmas. Listen for Tinsel Tales at 2pm on Christmas Day on NPR 89.1.
A Jazz Piano Christmas - 3PM on 12/25 on NPR 89.1
Hear jazz infused renditions of favorite holiday classics during “A Jazz Piano Christmas” at 3pm on Wednesday, December 25th on NPR 89.1. Listen to the annual sell-out event with the season’s most-loved tunes performed by Grammy Award–winning pianist Kris Davis, 2023 Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz International Piano Competition winner Jahari Stampley, and Cuban sensation Roberto Fonseca. A Jazz Piano Christmas Presented by The Kennedy Center and NPR, at 3pm on Christmas Day on NPR 89.1.
Candles Burning Brightly 6PM on 12/25 on NPR 89.1
Celebrate Chanukah with “Candles Burning Brightly” at 6pm on Wednesday December 25th on NPR 89.1. Hear a delightful hour celebrating the Jewish Festival of Lights with music and stories from communities around the world, including a humorous lesson on how to prepare a classic Chanukah dish, and a timeless and touching holiday story that brings light into every home. Hear “Candles Burning Brightly” at 6pm on Wednesday, December 25th on NPR 89.1.
2024 Holiday Programming On AZPM Jazz HD2
Hep to the Holidays - 6PM on 12/24 on AZPM JAZZ 89.1 HD2
Hear an hour of “cool Yule” classic jazz during “Hep to the Holidays” at 6pm on Tuesday, December 24th on AZPM Jazz. Listen for holiday jazz from Louis Armstrong, Bill Evans, and Horace Silver, plus poet Sascha Feinstein shares his “Christmas Eve” jazz poem. “Hep to the Holidays” at 6pm on Christmas Eve on AZPM Jazz 89.1 HD2, or listen online at radio.azpm.org/jazz.
A Jazz Piano Christmas - 5PM on 12/24 and 12pm on 12/25 on AZPM JAZZ 89.1 HD2
Hear jazz infused renditions of favorite holiday classics during “A Jazz Piano Christmas” at 5pm on Tuesday, December 24th and 12pm on Wednesday, December 25th on AZPM Jazz. Listen to the annual sell-out event with the season’s most-loved tunes performed by Grammy Award–winning pianist Kris Davis, 2023 Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz International Piano Competition winner Jahari Stampley, and Cuban sensation Roberto Fonseca. A Jazz Piano Christmas Presented by The Kennedy Center and NPR, at 5pm on Christmas Eve and noon on Christmas Day on AZPM Jazz 89.1 HD2 or listen online at radio.azpm.org/jazz.
Toast of the Nation – 8PM to Midnight on 12/31
Join AZPM Jazz from 8pm to Midnight on Tuesday, December 31st for “Toast of the Nation.” An NPR tradition every New Year's Eve since the 1970s, Toast of the Nation is the perfect audio complement for the occasion. It's festive jazz you can party to, all night long. Enjoy sets from Ibrahim Maalouf, José James, Ranky Tanky and Chucho Valdés. Hear “Toast of the Nation” starting at 8pm on New Year’s Eve on AZPM Jazz 89.1 HD2 or listen online at radio.azpm.org/jazz.
2024 Holiday Programming On Classical 90.5
Carols as Home with Imani Winds – 12PM on 12/24 on Classical 90.5
Hear a modern take on classic Christmas Carols during “Carols as Home with the Imani Winds” at noon on December 24th on Classical 90.5. Stories sharing intimate Christmas memories explore why classic carols are still essential today, accompanied by imaginative renditions of favorite carols. Hosted by Imani Winds founding oboist, Toyin Spellman-Diaz. “Carols as Home with the Imani Winds,” at 12pm on Christmas Eve on Classical 90.5.
Arizona Repertory Singers Holiday Concert – 1PM on 12/24 & 9am on 12/25 on Classical 90.5
Hosted by Classical 90.5’s James Reel. Arizona Repertory Singers, at 1pm on Christmas Eve and 9am on Christmas Day on Classical 90.5.
Holiday Card to Tucson – 2PM on 12/24 & 10AM on 12/25 on Classical 90.5
Hosted by Classical 90.5’s James Reel. Join us for Holiday Card to Tucson at 2pm on Christmas Eve and 10am on Christmas Day on Classical 90.5.
Canadian Brass 4PM on 12/24 & 6AM on 12/25 on Classical 90.5
Canadian Brass presents a performance full of dazzling virtuosity and delightful humor at 4pm on Tuesday, December 24th and 6am Wednesday, December 25th on Classical 90.5. Listen to hear a program ranging from staples of the classical repertoire to Christmas Carols and popular holiday tunes. Join us for the Canadian Brass, presented by Arizona Encore, at 4pm on Christmas Eve and 6am on Christmas Day on Classical 90.5.
Phoenix Chorale 5PM on 12/24 & 12PM on 12/25 on Classical 90.5
Arizona Encore shares Phoenix Chorale’s beloved holiday concert “A Chorale Christmas” at 5pm Tuesday, December 24th and 12pm Wednesday, December 25th. This concert blends Christmas and holiday music from across the centuries and traditions and is sure to make the season merry and bright. Listen for “A Chorale Christmas,” presented by Arizona Encore, at 5pm on Christmas Eve and 12pm on Christmas Day on Classical 90.5.
Arizona Encore Holiday Program 6PM on 12/24 & 1PM on 12/25 on Classical 90.5
Arizona Encore’s Holiday Program will feature seasonal favorites and festive performances from around the Phoenix at 6pm on Tuesday, December 24th and 1pm Wednesday, December 25th on Classical 90.5. students from the Arizona Musicfest Young Musician Competition along with Salt River Brass perform classics from Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite. Enjoy the voices of both the Phoenix Chorale and True Concord Voices and Orchestra in this one-of-a-kind program. Listen for The Arizona Holiday Program presented by Arizona Encore at 6pm on Christmas Eve and 1pm on Christmas Day on Classical 90.5.
A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols – 8PM on 12/24 & 2PM on 12/25 on Classical 90.5
Join Classical 90.5 at 8pm on Tuesday, December 24th and 2pm on Wednesday, December 25th for “A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols.” This world-wide Christmas Eve broadcast of a service with Biblical readings, carols, and classical music will be presented by one of the world’s foremost choirs of men and boys and performed in an acoustically and architecturally renowned venue, the 500-year-old Chapel of King’s College, Cambridge, England. Hear “A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols” at 8pm on Christmas Eve and 2pm on Christmas Day on Classical 90.5.
Saint Olaf Christmas Festival 2024 - 10PM on 12/24 on Classical 90.5
The Saint Olaf Christmas Festival 2024 celebrates 150 Years of Saint Olaf College at 10pm on Tuesday, December 24 on Classical 90.5. For one and a half centuries, Saint Olaf has been a hub of connections, knowledge, and growth, and for more than a century, the Saint Olaf Christmas festival has been a cherished part of that history. Celebrate their legacy during The Saint Olaf Christmas Festival 2024, at 10pm on Christmas Eve on Classical 90.5.
Welcome Christmas – 7AM on 12/25 on Classical 90.5
Welcome Christmas at 7am on December 25th on Classical 90.5 with the choral ensemble VocalEssence. Hear an hour of traditional carols and new discoveries, including the world premiere of three beloved Latvian carols by composer Ēriks Ešenvalds, conducted by Philip Brunelle and G. Phillip Shoultz. Hosted by Bonnie North. Listen for “Welcome Christmas” with VocalEssence at 7am on Christmas Day on Classical 90.5.
The Christmas Revels: In Celebration of the Winter Solstice 2024 – 8AM on 12/25 on Classical 90.5
Join Classical 90.5 at 8am on Wednesday, December 25th for “The Christmas Revels: In Celebration of the Winter Solstice 2024.” Hear a musical celebration of the Winter holidays: Advent, Chanukah, the Solstice, Las Posadas, Christmas, New Year’s, and Twelfth Night/Epiphany featuring traditional carols, wassails, pub songs, hymns, spirituals, children’s singing games, and folk dance-tunes from live productions presented around the country. Produced by Houston Public Media Radio Operations. Listen for “The Christmas Revels: In Celebration of the Winter Solstice 2024” at 8am on Christmas Day on Classical 90.5.
A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols – 8PM on 12/24 & 2PM on 12/25 on Classical 90.5
Join Classical 90.5 at 8pm on Tuesday, December 24th and 2pm on Wednesday, December 25th for “A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols.” This world-wide Christmas Eve broadcast of a service with Biblical readings, carols, and classical music will be presented by one of the world’s foremost choirs of men and boys and performed in an acoustically and architecturally renowned venue, the 500-year-old Chapel of King’s College, Cambridge, England. Hear “A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols” at 8pm on Christmas Eve and 2pm on Christmas Day on Classical 90.5.
A Chanticleer Christmas – 4PM on 12/25 on Classical 90.5
Join Classical 90.5 a 4pm on Wednesday, December 25th for “A Chanticleer Christmas.” The Grammy-winning men’s chorus brings an intricately blended sound to its signature holiday celebration during a centuries-spanning program ranging from Renaissance masterworks to roof-raising spirituals. Hear “A Chanticleer Christmas,” at 4pm on Christmas Day on Classical 90.5.
All Is Bright - 5PM on 12/25 on Classical 90.5
Listen for an hour of contemplative choral music during “All is Bright,” at 5pm on Wednesday, December 25th on Classical 90.5. Hear the traditional Christmas story with songs about angels, the star and the manger scene with performances by Cantus, Chanticleer, Cambridge Singers, Bryn Terfel, Emma Kirkby, Jessye Norman, and a variety of choirs. Hosted by Lynne Warfel. “All is Bright,” at 5pm on Christmas Day on Classical 90.5.
In Winter’s Glow – 12/25 at 6PM on Classical 90.5
Join Classical 90.5 at 6pm on Wednesday, December 25th for “In Winter’s Glow.” Hear a winter solstice program, with modern classical sounds, chosen especially to compliment the chilly, starry nights of the season. Hosted by Steve Seel. Listen for “In Winter’s Glow” at 6pm on Wednesday, December 25th on Classical 90.5.
New Year’s Day from Vienna – 01/01/25 at 9AM on Classical 90.5
Join Classical 90.5 at 9am on Wednesday, January 1st for “A New Year’s from Vienna.” The Vienna Philharmonic performs its ever-popular New Year’s Day concert from the Golden Hall of Vienna’s Musikverein, with Riccardo Muti, Music Director Emeritus of the Chicago Symphony at the podium, in his seventh New Year’s Day appearance. This year’s program includes favorites by Johann Strauss Junior and the “Ferdinandus Waltz” by Constanze Geiger, and the “Radetzky March” by Johann Strauss Senior. Hosted by WBUR’s Lisa Mullins. “A New Year’s from Vienna” starting at 9am on New Year’s Day on Classical 90.5.
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