Violinist Augustin Hadelich was born in Italy to German parents, and then moved to the U.S. two decades ago to study at Juilliard, where he has lived ever since. Hadelich and his music embody the idea of the “American melting pot,” as does his new album, American Road Trip.
On the album, he reflects as much on his own travels and experiences with American culture as he does on the composers whose music he features. There are composers expressing the Black American experience, including Coleridge-Taylor Perkinson and Daniel Bernard Roumain; musings on the east coast by Aaron Copland, the Jewish-American composer who evokes the Wild West better than anyone; and of course, women adding their voices to the rich American tapestry, such as Amy Beach. The recording feels very comprehensive, and yet Hadelich and his piano partner, Orion Weiss, know they are just scratching the surface here.
All Classical Radio’s Director of Music and Programming John Pitman recently spoke with Hadelich about American Road Trip, and more.
As we approach Halloween, now is the perfect time to get into the fall spirit by celebrating National Horror Movie Day on October 23. The best horror movies create an eerie atmosphere, are full of tension and suspense, and most importantly, have a hauntingly good soundtrack.
To celebrate, we’re sharing 10 of our favorite horror film scores to iconic, spine-tingling movies that are perfect for the spooky season. And if you’re craving more spooky sounds this month, tune in to The Score with host Edmund Stone on Saturdays and Sundays at 2PM PT for deep dives into horror-themed film music throughout October.
Hereditary (Colin Stetson, 2018)
Released in 2018, Ari Aster’s first feature film Hereditary is recognized as one of the most haunting films in recent memory. Avant-garde composer and multi-instrumentalist Colin Stetson aimed to make the film sound “evil.” From the use of clarinet choirs to the human-sized bass saxophone, Stetson’s score takes on a disturbing and sinister character of its own in the film.
Candyman (Philip Glass, 1992)
Minimalist composer Philip Glass is regarded as one of the most influential composers of the late 20th century. His film scores can be heard in movies such as Kundun (1997),The Truman Show (1998), and The Hours (2002). Known for his repetitive structures and shifting layers, Glass’ score for Candyman delivers a hypnotic and intense atmosphere.
The Thing (Ennio Morricone, 1982)
The 1982 version of The Thing, directed by John Carpenter, is the quintessential sci-fi horror film for those looking for an extraterrestrial thrill. Italian composer Ennio Morricone is one of the most prolific film composers of all time with hundreds of compositions in a wide variety of genres. Morricone creates a cold and unsettling sound that fits perfectly in this science fiction classic.
Suspiria (Thom Yorke, 2018)
Luca Guadagnino’s Suspiria (2018) is a remake of the original 1977 horror classic by Dario Argento. The film follows a young American dancer who travels to Berlin to study at a world-renowned dance school and soon uncovers the academy’s dark secrets of witchcraft and murders. Radiohead’s Thom Yorke provides melancholic and solemn, yet beautiful songwriting to the film with tracks like “Suspirium” and “Unmade.”
Vertigo (Bernard Herrmann, 1958)
Widely regarded as one of the most impactful film composers, Bernard Herrmann’s compositions have been featured in classics such as Psycho (1960) and Taxi Driver (1976). In the track “Prelude and Rooftop” from Alfred Hitchcock’s Vertigo, the use of repetitive dissonant motifs in the strings mixed with the heavy low brass underscores the intensity and suspense of the film. The story follows an ex-detective who is hired to guard a possessed woman obsessed with death.
The Shining (Wendy Carlos, Rachel Elkind, Krzysztof Penderecki, et al., 1980)
The Shining is one of the most recognizable horror films of all time. Many people can identify the use of the traditional liturgical chant “Dies Irae,” which is a key sound element to the film’s identity. Based on Stephen King’s 1977 novel, The Shining is a psychological thriller that heavily utilizes pre-existing music from classical composers such as Bartók, Ligeti, and Berlioz.
The Nightmare Before Christmas (Danny Elfman, 1993)
Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas is the perfect family-friendly spooky movie to watch as the seasons change. Whether you watch it on Halloween or Christmas is completely up to you. Danny Elfman’s soundtrack for this iconic stop-motion film has given The Nightmare Before Christmas its place in pop culture along with a massive cult following.
It Follows (Disasterpeace, 2014)
In the film It Follows directed by David Robert Mitchell, a teenage girl’s new boyfriend passes a curse onto her of a shape-shifting entity that is out to get her. Richard Vreeland, also known as Disasterpeace, is a masterful electronic composer of video game, chiptune, and film music. He uses sinister-sounding synths and distortions to give It Follows a throwback horror film score sound.
Psycho (Bernard Herrmann, 1960)
Released in 1960, Alfred Hitchcock once again collaborated with Bernard Herrmann in the cult classic movie, Psycho. The intense string ostinati in the “Prelude” track are still widely recognized today. In music, an ostinato describes a repeating musical phrase derived from the Italian word for “stubborn” or “obstinate.” In this track, the ostinati elevate the panic in Marion’s drive to the Bates Motel, letting the audience know that something terrible is to come. Not to mention, the iconic shower scene with the track “The Murder,” where the piercing violins elevate both the musical and cultural identity of this influential slasher film.
Halloween (John Carpenter, 1978)
Horror genre legend John Carpenter wrote, directed, and composed the score for the timeless classic, Halloween. The main theme of the soundtrack is an essential leitmotif linked with one of the most famous horror film villains, Michael Myers. A leitmotif is a recurring musical theme that often represents a character or person (think Darth Vader and the Imperial March, or the famous Jaws theme). Inspired by learning about 5/4 time signatures on the bongos as a child, John Carpenter’s use of minimalist, repetitive, and rhythmic patterns helped produce one of the greatest horror film franchises of all time.
For this edition of John Pitman’s Reviews, John has invited All Classical host and producer Lisa Lipton to sit down with Larry Schoenberg, son of composer Arnold Schoenberg.
Lisa, along with microtonal composer Richie Greene, and 45th Parallel Universe musicians Ron Blessinger and James Shields, asked Larry what it was like having one of the 20th century’s greatest, and most controversial composers as a dad. The conversation runs the gamut from the inner workings of the 12-tone method that Schoenberg created, the many celebrities who were friends of the family, to the toys and games the composer created to entertain and teach his children, including Larry.
This interview was conducted in anticipation of 45th Parallel’s October 22, 2024 concert featuring chamber arrangements by Arnold Schoenberg of music by Gustav Mahler. Learn more at 45thparallelpdx.org.
Arnold Schoenberg, with his three children: Larry, Ron and Nuria.
All Classical Radio is thrilled to congratulate Coty Raven Morris, who has been named a semifinalist for the 2025 Music Educator Award, presented by the Recording Academy and GRAMMY Museum. Coty is one of 25 semifinalists, selected from more than 2,400 music educators nominated from across the country. Coty was previously named a semifinalist for the 2024 Music Educator Award, as well as a quarterfinalist for the 2023 Music Educator Award and the Portland State University George C. Hoffman Faculty Award.
The ultimate recipient of the 2025 Music Educator Award will be recognized during GRAMMY Week in February 2025, prior to the GRAMMY awards ceremony, and will receive a $10,000 honorarium and matching grant for their school’s music program.
“It is inspiring to see Coty’s commitment to accessible, inclusive, and exemplary music education recognized by the Recording Academy and GRAMMY Museum again this year,” says Suzanne Nance, President and CEO of All Classical Radio. “Coty’s ability to open minds and change lives through music is powerful to behold—in the classroom, in the community, and on the radio.”
Enjoy this video of Coty’s journey as a music educator, submitted as part of her award nomination.
ABOUT
Coty Raven Morris joined the All Classical Radio team in May 2023, and was the host of the station’s 2024 summer series, Sound in Print. In addition to her role as on air radio host, she is a featured author on the All Classical Radio Arts Blog, and a familiar voice on ICAN Radio, the station’s 24-hour arts and music network for children, their families, caregivers, and educators.
Coty is the Hinckley Assistant Professor of Music Education and Social Justice at Portland State University. She is the Northwest Choral Representative for the National Association for Music Education, as well as the Community Choir Chair for Northwest region of the American Choral Directors Association. Coty is also the Founder of Being Human Together, a community rooted in music education striving to normalize difficult topics – like mental health, systemic oppression, diversity, and inclusivity – through conversation and connection.
National Hispanic Heritage Month is a celebration of the histories, cultures, and contributions of American citizens whose families originate from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. The timing of the 30-day period beginning September 15th is significant for several reasons: September 15th is the anniversary of independence for Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Mexico celebrates its independence on September 16th, followed by Chile on September 18th.
At All Classical Radio, we celebrate the musical contributions of Hispanic and Latino composers—both living in the U.S. and outside—every day on air. In honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month, we’d love to highlight a few extraordinary composers who have recently joined our daily playlist.
Ricardo Castro Herrera (1864-1907)
Mexican composer, pianist, and educator Ricardo Castro Herrera exploded onto the musical scene at a young age. At 19 years old, he graduated from the National Conservatory of Music in Mexico City in half the typical amount of time, having already launched a professional career as a composer and pianist. Despite his relatively short life (he died in his early 40s from pneumonia), Castro Herrera left behind a sturdy oeuvre of works and traveled extensively to teach, from the US to the European continent.
As a composer, Castro Herrera was influenced by European composers of the Romantic era, particularly by German composers. Fun fact: Castro Herrera is credited with writing the first cello concerto and piano concerto by a Mexican composer.
Juan Bautista Plaza (1898-1965)
Image courtesy of the Sphinx Organization
Juan Bautista Plaza was a Venezuelan composer, educator, and musicologist who played a significant role in forming the national musical identity of his home country. In his early 20s, he earned a scholarship to study sacred composition in Rome, which would make a lasting impact on his musical output going forward. Plaza’s works include (mostly sacred) choral music, as well as music for orchestra and other instrumental ensembles.
Upon returning to Venezuela, Plaza became choirmaster of Caracas Cathedral and a music professor at the Escuela Nacional de Música. Eventually, he was appointed Director of Culture in the Ministry of Education where he was better able to facilitate increased access to the arts across the country and promote music education.
Antônio Carlos Jobim (1927-1994)
Photo courtesy of Encyclopædia Britannica
Brazilian composer and songwriter Antônio Carlos Jobim is best known for his soft and sophisticated style which ultimately manifested in the formation of bossa nova. As a young, developing musician, Jobim was influenced by the music of fellow Brazilian Heitor Villa-Lobos. Despite showing substantial promise at the piano as a teenager, Jobim initially chose to pursue a career in architecture. It didn’t take long for him to become disenchanted with his choice, ultimately returning to music. He started off working in clubs performing both his own compositions and arrangements of existing songs. Jobim made his way into the recording industry and began a series of important musical collaborations. Hits such as “Desafinado” and “The Girl from Ipanema” made Jobim a household name around the world.
Sonia Ivette Morales-Matos (b. 1961)
Photo courtesy of the University of Illinois
Originally from Puerto Rico, Sonia Morales-Matos is a composer, performer, and educator currently based in Cincinnati, Ohio. The recipient of many impressive accolades, Morales-Matos has already been identified as one of the most promising contemporary composers from Latin America. Having received degrees in both jazz studies and composition, her music spans multiple genres and styles, including Latin-tropical, jazz, pop, sacred, choral, and classical.
Growing up, Morales-Matos and her five siblings all played instruments—she continues to collaborate with several of her siblings on new musical works. Fun fact: Her brother, Jesús Morales, is the cellist for the Dalí Quartet, a performing ensemble that has commissioned works by Morales-Matos.
J. P. Jofre (b. 1983)
Photo courtesy of the composer’s website
Grammy-nominated Argentinian composer and bandoneonist Juan Pablo (J. P.) Jofre grew up immersed in music. His exposure to a wide variety of musical styles, from heavy metal to opera, helped shape his own unique musical language. However, no composer influenced the young musician more than Astor Piazzolla, whose music swayed Jofre to learn the bandoneon. As a recipient of the National Prize of the Arts grant in Argentina, Jofre has collaborated with well-known musicians from various musical styles, including classical, jazz, and Latin. His music for the concert hall is breaking down barriers by introducing unusual ensembles and pairings, such as his two (!) double concerti for violin and bandoneon.
To keep learning about Hispanic and Latino composers, check out these posts from the arts blog:
All Classical Radio’s “Music Heals” campaign is a community effort to celebrate the power of healing through music. The station invited musicians, conductors, music and art therapy professionals, and more to share their Healing Notes: reflections on their experiences with healing music. Keep reading to learn about our special guests and listen to interviews on demand.
You can help keep the healing going.
Listener support makes everything we do at All Classical Radio possible, from daily handcrafted playlists to special guest appearances that share a behind-the-scenes look into the music you love. Please consider making a tax-deductible contribution today to ensure continued access to All Classical Radio’s community-funded service. We hope you will share your story of healing when you get in touch.
Naomi LaViolette
Naomi LaViolette is a versatile composer, pianist, and singer-songwriter whose music is not only influenced by her classical education but also by her study of jazz, folk songs, soul, pop, and gospel. As a singer, Naomi attributes songwriting in her early 20s as a way to process strong emotions and experiences. With four albums of original music under her belt and many more singles, Naomi writes songs filled “with the stories, emotions, celebrations, and struggles of what it means to be human.”
Under the artist name Lucente Skye, Naomi writes works for solo piano that assist in mindfulness and meditation. With song names such as “Hope,” “Discovering Peace,” and “Now,” Naomi is helping listeners incorporate more calm and peace in their daily lives.
Listen to Naomi’s conversation on air with Christa Wessel (9/6/24):
David Danzmayr
David Danzmayr is widely considered one of his generation’s most dynamic and exciting conductors. Having served as Music Director of the Oregon Symphony since 2021, David is no stranger to All Classical’s local listeners. As Music Director, David has made a name for himself as a force of positivity and adventurousness. His programming is diverse and collaborative, with a particular focus on access to education and building community around the arts. Mixing European and American standards with a steady stream of new works and pieces by historically overlooked composers, David is influencing the future of concert programming from the heart of Portland.
In addition to his work with the Oregon Symphony, David leads the versatile ProMusica Chamber Orchestra Columbus and holds the title of Honorary Conductor of the Zagreb Philharmonic Orchestra.
Listen to David’s conversation on air with Brandi Parisi (9/9/24):
Elaina Stuppler
Elaina Stuppler is an award-winning composer, multi-instrumentalist, and vocalist who, despite her young age, already has an extraordinary list of commissions, premieres, and accolades under her belt. Currently serving as All Classical’s Young Artist in Residence and Co-Principal Trombonist for Portland Youth Philharmonic (PYP), Elaina is making a name for herself regionally and around the world. Elaina’s passion for music is inspired by her desire to share her love of the art form with the wider community and form opportunities for connection. When asked about her process for composing, Elaina noted, “What I enjoy most about composing is that it is a creative sanctuary that allows me to channel my emotions through music.”
Listen to Elaina’s conversation on air with Christa Wessel (9/10/24):
Dr. Larry Sherman
Dr. Larry Sherman is a Professor of Neuroscience at the Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) and serves on multiple national and international scientific panels. Dr. Sherman’s research on brain development and neurodegenerative diseases has been printed in over 100 publications. As a public speaker, one of his most sought-after topics of discussion is the neuroscience of music, which was expanded upon even further in his book (co-authored with Dennis Plies), Every Brain Needs Music: The Neuroscience of Making and Listening to Music. As music and art programs continue to get cut from educational institutions, Dr. Sherman is using his research to verify the importance of music and other creative endeavors to human brain development, brain aging, and overall human well-being.
Listen toDr. Sherman’s conversation on air with Suzanne Nance (9/11/24):
Ethan Sperry
Ethan Sperry is a renowned choral conductor responsible for bringing Portland State’s Chamber Choir to international renown. As Director of Choral Activities at PSU and Artistic Director and Conductor of the distinguished Oregon Repertory Singers, Ethan’s leadership promotes the power of artistic collaboration to make a positive impact on the community. He believes in music’s ability to capture essential human experiences and bring them to life for listeners. It wouldn’t be an understatement to say that Ethan has transformed the way local audiences feel about choral music—his performances are often noted as exhilarating and meaningful.
In addition to having recorded several award-winning albums, Ethan is a prolific arranger of World Music for Choir and a frequent collaborator with film composer AR Rahman.
Listen to Ethan’s conversation on air with Brandi Parisi (9/11/24):
Anna Schaum
Anna Schaum is a violist, mental health specialist, and founder/ proprietor of The Center for Sound Relationships, an organization that creates generative community through events that foster sound personal, professional, and societal relationships. Through her work, she uses music to help groups come together into community. Anna specializes in personal growth and views the human condition “as a giant opportunity to keep expanding awareness and exercising creativity to meet challenges.”
Listen to Anna’s interview, produced by Lisa Lipton and Christa Wessel (9/12/24):
Kenji Bunch
Kenji Bunch is a composer, violist, and educator whose music transcends cultural or generational barriers and inspires empathetic connections with his listeners. As one of the most frequently performed composers of the Pacific Northwest, Kenji writes music to entertain, inspire, and facilitate healing. In collaboration with George Takei, Kenji created Lost Freedom: A Memory, interweaving music with Takei’s narration of his WWII-era childhood incarceration. Through this experience, Kenji learned “the potential of using music as a healing force.” Kenji co-directs Portland-based chamber music ensemble Fear No Music with his wife, pianist Monica Ohuchi, with the mission to make classical music more accessible.
In addition to his work as a composer and performer, Kenji teaches at PSU, Reed College, and for Portland Youth Philharmonic.
Listen to Kenji’s conversation on air with Christa Wessel (9/12/24):
Todd Lawrence
Todd Lawrence has been working in non-profit organizations for over 25 years, including as Volunteer Program Administrator for Housecall Providers, an institution providing primary care medical services and hospice to our community’s homebound and chronically ill members. Todd also serves as a board member of the Portland-area Swan Songs, an organization providing private live music concerts for individuals with a terminal illness or nearing the end of life. In addition to his hospice career, Todd has spent his life in music as a songwriter and recording artist under the pseudonym Milo Binder.
Listen to Todd’s conversation on air with Christa Wessel (9/13/24):
Maggie Johnson
Maggie Johnson is an Oregon Licensed and Board Certified Music Therapist and currently serves as Program Director for Earthtones Northwest. She is also the lead music therapist for the Oregon Symphony’s Music Now program, bringing symphony musicians to dementia care communities for fun and interactive performances. Maggie’s clinical focus is on relational-based music therapy for groups and individuals experiencing isolation or marginalization due to health and/ or societal barriers. Through her work, Maggie promotes the power of music to help people experience the full range of human emotions and connect with a sense of peace, wonder, and excitement.
In addition to her work with Earthtones and the OSO, Maggie facilitates drop-in music therapy classes for babies, toddlers, and young children and their families called Birdie Beats.
Listen to Maggie’s conversation on air with Brandi Parisi (9/13/24):
María García
Puerto Rican native María García is a distinguished pianist, teacher, and coach, as well as All Classical Radio’s 2022-2023 Artist in Residence. In addition to her work as a sought-after collaborator and music teacher, María performs with regional ensembles such as the Oregon Symphony, Oregon Ballet Theatre, Third Angle Ensemble, and 45th Parallel Universe, and was a founding member of the Award-winning 20 Digitus Piano Duo. As an educator, she not only instills a love of music in her students but facilitates emotional intelligence and human compassion: “Teaching music is about personal connection and opening a key to another world for students. I hope to pass on how to connect to your emotions, to your culture, and learn about the world and its beauty.”
Listen to María’s conversation on air with Brandi Parisi (9/16/24):
Nancy Ives
Nancy Ives is an exceptionally accomplished composer and cellist, known locally and beyond as an Oregonian legend. She has served as Principal Cellist of the Oregon Symphony for over 20 years. As a composer (and relative of Charles Ives), Nancy creates music deeply inspired by the natural world while also being accessible and relatable without sacrificing depth and complexity. Her collaborative multimedia work Celilo Falls: We Were There evokes the oldest continuously inhabited native community in North America that was ultimately flooded by The Dalles Dam construction in 1957.
In addition to her work as a performer and composer, Nancy is an Instructor of Chamber Music at Lewis & Clark College. She co-founded Classical Up Close, providing greater community access to music by bringing intimate performances to the places where people live, work, and play.
Listen to Nancy’s conversation on air with Christa Wessel (9/16/24):
A lot can happen in five years – and built on the foundation of our listeners and community members, All Classical Radio has seen groundbreaking growth and achievements since 2019. From launching the International Children’s Arts Network, to creating the award-winning Recording Inclusivity Initiative, and celebrating the station’s 40th anniversary, there are many highlights to reflect on as we move into our fifth decade of community-minded, community-funded radio. We’re proud and grateful to share this most recent impact report with you, celebrating some of the highest high notes of the past five years of orchestrating happiness over the airwaves.
This report is more than just a symphony of statistics, it’s a full score of all that we have accomplished together – made possible by your support. Thank you for keeping the music playing.
Congratulations to Rebecca Richardson, All Classical Radio’s Music Researcher & Digital Producer. She has been named a 2024 “Rising Star” by Current. The trade publication launched the honor to celebrate younger employees who are making a difference in public media. Rebecca was recognized for her work with All Classical Radio and the station’s children’s network, ICAN.
“Rebecca Richardson makes a difference for All Classical’s audience every day,” says Suzanne Nance, President and CEO of All Classical Radio, who nominated Rebecca for the honor along with her enthusiastic colleagues Riley Moore and Kristina Becker.
“Rebecca’s leadership and hard work have furthered All Classical Radio’s transformation into a comprehensive media arts network. Rebecca continues to build an incredible research database, spanning eras from Medieval to Modernism, and every composer she can find in between, which has deepened the information available to our on-air hosts and in-turn our audiences. She helped lead the creation of All Classical Radio’s Artist Anthology: 40 Creatives of the Pacific Northwest, a groundbreaking multimedia initiative to uplift artists. In addition, her blog posts and articles about classical music on All Classical’s website spark curiosity and enthusiasm for the artform. She’s dedicated, generous, and creative, and we are so lucky to have her on our team,” Nance adds.
Music has been a fundamental part of Rebecca Richardson’s life since her earliest memories. From a childhood spent in choirs, piano lessons, and musical theater productions to earning an Master of Music degree in voice performance, she has been guided by the call of classical music. A SoCal native currently settled in SE Portland, she spent nearly a decade writing and performing on the East Coast. She got her first taste of music research while working as a Music History T.A. in grad school, and ever since, has been obsessed with humanizing the names behind the music we all love so much.
When she’s not stooped over her desk, gleefully going down rabbit holes, you can find her on long, scenic walks with her husband and daughter, savoring a glass of Pacific Northwest wine, or immersed in a sturdy historical biography.
Current is a nonprofit news organization covering public media in the U.S for professionals in the industry. Leaders and staff at NPR, PBS, CPB, public radio and TV stations, independent producers, board members, and national policymakers rely on Current for information, inspiration and insights into this mission-driven field.
Current was founded in 1980 by the National Association of Educational Broadcasters, the historic forerunner of both PBS and NPR. For several decades, Current was managed financially by WNET, a leading national producer and PBS station that serves the New York City region.
John Pitman, All Classical’s Program Director, recently caught up with Hollywood actor and classical musician John Malkovich. Hear their hilarious chat about Malkovich’s The Music Critic, released last year from a recording made in 2020.
Malkovich shares what went into this funny and fascinating recording, based on the live show, where the actor reads actual (and unbelievably negative) contemporary reviews of Dvořák, Beethoven, Brahms, Tchaikovsky, and other 20th century composers.
John (Pitman) had a blast talking with one of his favorite actors about the process, and their shared love of classical music. He hopes you enjoy it just as much!
