
Sam Wisman
Senior Producer - 91.9 Classical KC / Backup Announcer - KCUR 89.3Sam started listening to jazz on his local NPR affiliate when he was just 13 years old, and his life as a musician and radio guy continues to intertwine. Son of a merchant and a classical musician, he came to Kansas City to attend the UMKC Conservatory. During school, he shelved a lot of records and played “drop the needle” at The Marr Sound Archives, working with KCUR’s own Fish Fry host Chuck Haddix. After graduating Cum Laude with a degree in Percussion Performance, Sam became a versatile fixture in Kansas City’s music scene. He hosted Jazz Afternoon on 90.1 FM KKFI for over 10 years, and currently hosts Jazz Across America - Kansas City on San Diego's KSDS Jazz 88.3. Sam lives with his family in Roeland Park, and has yet to measure the volume of his kids with a decibel meter — but he has thought about it.
Email him at samwisman@classicalkc.org.
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French conductor Paul Paray was music director of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra for ten seasons and turned it into one of the top orchestras in the United States. We’ll hear an historic live concert from 1968, one with special meaning to him and his musicians.
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French conductor Paul Paray was a master of orchestral precision and texture. He made over 70 recordings during his tenure as music director of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. We’ll hear some of his best from the French repertoire he knew and loved.
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Czech pianist Ivan Moravec was one of the greatest pianists of the 20th century. While not one to promote himself, he was greatly respected around the world and was called “the poet of the piano.” We’ll hear his artistry on display in three familiar works by Beethoven.
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From the Top is America’s largest national platform celebrating young, classically trained musicians. In a special Kansas City episode, we'll hear performances by five area musicians.
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If delicious pastries were music, it would be like this week’s show. There's charming and important music by Henry Purcell, Jean-Philippe Rameau and the king of baroque: Johann Sebastian Bach. Superbly crafted and delicious, it’s sure to please.
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Exercise and sport are sometimes seen as antithetical to classical music, but there’s a lot to be gained by maintaining a workout regime, with health benefits transferable to music making.
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“Carmen” is not only one of the world’s favorite operas, it is also the source of irresistible melodies that live on in popular culture. Host Frank Byrne guides you through three works inspired by George Bizet's memorable music.
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Explore how composers can transform a theme by the age-old method of variations. We’ll hear two conventional variations by Sergei Rachmaninoff and Zoltan Kodaly and a completely different – even bizarre – short set of variations by Luciano Berio on a theme by Mozart.
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Host Frank Byrne has prepared a program of carols composed over two centuries. Music by Marc-Antoine Charpentier, Morton Gould, and Benjamin Britten will remind us of the long history and musical traditions of the holiday.
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Add some holiday cheer to your regular classical listening with our special holiday programming. From Hanukkah and Christmas to Kwanzaa and New Year's Eve, enjoy music fit for any and every celebration this season.