Andrew Brownell is a pianist and former Portlander who, in the mid-1990s would occasionally stop by the All Classical studios for an interview with John Pitman. Often, Andrew would play something on the piano, or accompany violinist Nicholas Crosa (now part of Pink Martini), for an upcoming recital.
Brownell recently stopped by for a chat with John about his latest album, “Shades of Night,” available now on Divine Art. The pianist explores a time when the night was an antithesis to the clarity of an illumined day. In the especially fertile imaginations of the 19th- century Romantic composers, this was a time when the world gave itself over to mystery and magic. Brownell shares insight into his choices of repertoire, and the careful arrangement of them on the album, and how the pairings reveal secrets otherwise hidden, as though shielded from the light of the moon or campfire.
On August 1st, All Classical will celebrate 40 years of orchestrating magic! Since 1983, this station has provided an innovative classical soundtrack, broadcasting from the heart of the Pacific Northwest and now serving millions of listeners worldwide, from the Oregon Coast to Antarctica and beyond.
This community-funded radio station is here thanks to YOU, our listeners, and we can’t wait to celebrate with you!
With highlights on the radio, events at our station, and collaborations in the community, there are many ways to take part in our 40th anniversary. Read more below, and be sure to tune in on August 1 for our birthday party on the radio at 89.9 FM, via our free mobile app, or online at allclassical.org.
40TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS
ON AIR – Tune in throughout the day on August 1 for our one-day fundraiser and celebration, as our hosts gather on the air to commemorate the big 4-0. During this one day fundraiser, please consider making a “birthday” gift to All Classical in support of this service. Your donation in any amount will make a difference! Give online, mail in a check, or call 888-899-5722.
BIRTHDAY GRAND PRIZE GIVEAWAY – Make a gift on August 1st and you will be entered to win a one-of-a-kind Birthday Gift Basket filled with Pacific Northwest treasures. One lucky winner will be drawn following our Birthday Fundraiser! Learn more.
ON AIR – Then tune in at 7:00 PM PT on August 1 for Birthday Notes!, a retrospective birthday program, hosted by John Pitman and featuring musical moments and highlights from the last 40 years, plus appearances by all your favorite All Classical hosts. Learn more.
SUMMER OPEN HOUSE – You’re invited to celebrate with us in person at the station on Sunday, August 6, 2023, from 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM! Our Summer Open House will include tours of the station, snacks and light refreshments, chances to meet your favorite hosts, an ICAN Radio room with fun activities for children and families. Plus, you’ll enjoy live performances by Meester & Meester and pianist María García. Learn more here.
FREE CONCERT IN THE PARK – Our birthday month festivities continue on Thursday, August 24, 2023, at 5:30 PM at Irving Park in Portland, OR. The International Children’s Arts Network (ICAN Radio) invites you to a free concert featuring Mo Phillips & the Spaghetti Pants Dance Band! Learn more at ICANRadio.org.
Join the party at 89.9 FM or worldwide via the All Classical live player.
In honor of Pride Month, and all year round, join All Classical in celebrating LGBTQI+ musical artists who provide so much joy, talent, and beauty to our collective soundscape. As we come together to enjoy the station’s catalog of diverse programming, let’s get to know a few of the LGBTQI+ artists who regularly grace our airwaves.
Thomas Lauderdale
Photo by Autumn de Wilde courtesy of Harvard Magazine
While celebrated as an extraordinary performer and bandleader globally, Thomas Lauderdale is an absolute icon among audiences of his Pacific Northwest hometown. Lauderdale has had a keen interest in politics and social justice since his teens and planned to run for political office after graduating (with honors) from Harvard University. Instead, in 1994, the musician founded the band, Pink Martini, to play events for progressive causes. Since its founding, Pink Martini has blossomed into a cultural staple integral to Portland’s identity while staying true to Lauderdale’s founding mission to participate in community interests actively. As a pianist and sought-after collaborator, Lauderdale is admired for his captivating stage presence and dazzling musicianship.
Last month, Lauderdale joined All Classical host Christa Wessel at the station to chat about his new collaboration with legendary Portland surf rock band Satan’s Pilgrims called “Thomas Lauderdale Meets The Pilgrims.” Listen to Christa and Thomas’s conversation here.
Yannick Nézet-Séguin
Photo by George Etheredge courtesy of Nézet-Séguin’s website
Canadian-born and Grammy Award-winning conductor and pianist Yannick Nézet-Séguin has led the world’s most acclaimed orchestras and opera houses, not to mention his seemingly endless collaborations with the most distinguished singers and musicians of our time. Currently, Nézet-Séguin serves as Music Director of the Metropolitan Opera, Artistic and Music Director of The Philadelphia Orchestra, and Artistic Director and Principal Conductor of Orchestre Métropolitain in his native Montreal. The conductor has become a beloved household name known for his fresh perspective, his dedication to the art form, and his charisma. In an industry where prominent arts leaders historically have rarely been openly gay, Nézet-Séguin is a beacon of hope for up-and-coming musicians who otherwise may have feared discrimination.
Edna Vázquez
Photo by Kale Chesney courtesy of Vázquez’s Facebook page
Edna Vázquez is a multifaceted performing artist whose music seamlessly spans the genres of rock, folk, pop, and R&B. Her Mexican heritage plays a vital role in her identity as a performer whose roots are in mariachi music (she grew up in Jalisco, the heartland of the musical genre). Additionally, Vázquez regularly tours with Pink Martini as a featured soloist and even released an album, “Bésame Mucho,” with the ensemble. She has become a household name for her powerful vocal performance and passion that permeates any listener’s heart. When Vázquez first came out as a lesbian as a teenager, she was culturally isolated. Ever since, the musician has been a fierce advocate for LGBTQI+ rights and spreading the message of love and cultural healing through music.
Marin Alsop
Photo by Grant Leighton courtesy of Alsop’s website
American conductor Marin Alsop is a trailblazer in classical music, known for modernizing the world’s leading orchestras with her fresh, diverse programming. Among her list of inspiring accolades are an impressive collection of “firsts” – the first woman to lead a major orchestra in the United States, South America, Austria, and Great Britain, the first (and only) conductor to receive a MacArthur Fellowship, and the first female conductor of BBC’s Last Night of the Proms, among many others. As an openly gay woman conductor, Alsop creates a sense of hope among aspiring conductors and musicians about the future of inclusivity and equity in the industry and beyond.
In breaking news, Alsop has just been appointed as Artistic Director and Chief Conductor of the Polish National Radio Symphony Orchestra, in addition to continuing to serve as Chief Conductor of the ORF Vienna Radio Symphony Orchestra.
Hunter Noack
Photo courtesy of Noack’s website
Pianist Hunter Noack is a native Oregonian and All Classical’s inaugural Artist in Residence whose love of the outdoors has manifested in the innovative musical experience IN A LANDSCAPE: Classical Music in the Wild™. In the annual series, Noack and his 9-foot Steinway replace the concert hall with some of this country’s most stunning natural backdrops, bringing his gorgeous interpretations of classical music to larger and more diverse audiences. Noack earned degrees from the University of Southern California and Guildhall School of Music & Drama and has toured nationally and internationally with his partner, Thomas Lauderdale’s band, Pink Martini. In 2022, the musician released his debut album, “In a Landscape,” which topped Billboard’s classical music charts.
All Classical Portland’s Program Director John Pitman recently spoke with American choral composer Eric Whitacre, who has a career now spanning over three decades, is one of the world’s most popular composers among audiences and choirs alike. Several of his works have been recorded multiple times, but even then, the composer sees opportunities when one special group comes forth to work with him.
The 8-voice British mixed choir, Voces8, renowned for their stunningly melded yet clear singing, collaborated with Whitacre on Home, which includes the very personal musical statement, The Sacred Veil. There are also several stand-alone works such as The Seal Lullaby, Go Lovely Rose…, and a world premiere: All Seems Beautiful to Me (with text by Whitman). John Pitman interviews Mr. Whitacre, and weaves in moments of musical magic as sung by Voces8.
As we prepare for a summer of sun, music, and fun, you will be hearing some new friends on our airwaves. All Classical Portland is proud to welcome two new on-air hosts: Coty Raven Morris and Leb Borgerson!
Coty has been a frequent guest on Noteworthy and a featured author on ICAN Radio. You’ll hear more of Coty on various special summer programs that we have planned for you, alongside article highlights on our well-loved Arts Blog.
You can hear Leb overnight on Saturdays from 3:00 – 7:00 AM PT, as well as guest hosting throughout the summer.
Get to know our fabulous new hosts below.
ABOUT
GRAMMY-nominated music educator Coty Raven Morris is a proud alumna of Texas State University- San Marcos and Michigan State University, where she received a Master’s in Choral Conducting.
At Portland State University, Coty is Professor of Choir, Music Education, and Social Justice. She is also the Founder of Being Human Together, a community rooted in music education striving to normalize difficult topics through conversation and connection. Prior to this, she was the Director of Choirs at Crosby High School in the Houston area and has served as the Outreach Choir Director at the MSU Community Music School and Music Director at Grand Ledge United Methodist Church.
Coty was recently named a Quarter-finalist for the 2023 Music Educators Grammy! She was also nominated for the coveted Portland State University George C Hoffman Faculty Award.
Leb Borgerson is a multi-instrumentalist who grew up in Eastern Washington. After moving to Portland in 2000, he performed with several popular local bands, recorded numerous records, and toured the Western United States. Leb is the bass player for the well-loved Portland cumbia act Orquestra Pacifico Tropical. As a freelance producer, Leb has written, recorded, and produced over 150 original compositions for multiple production companies.
While studying music composition and guitar performance at Washington State University, he was a DJ on the college radio station KZUU. Outside of work, Leb continues to write and perform music and enjoys spending time with his wife and dog, as well as cooking and traveling.
All Classical Portland recently updated our streaming encoders to a new service, allowing us to provide better connectivity to our listeners. Unfortunately, not all services have immediately made the transition.
If you were using a direct URL to connect to our stream, please note that the urls have changed. If you use an internet radio device and are able to manually update your streams please use the below options.
If you are not able to update your stream, please email help@allclassical.org. In your message, let us know the manufacturer and model of your device, and if you know how the stream is distributed (vTune, SkyTune, Roon, etc.).
Thank you for listening to All Classical Portland! We appreciate your patience and apologize for any inconvenience.
Host Christa Wessel spoke with Pink Martini bandleader and Portland pianist Thomas Lauderdale about his new collaboration album with legendary Portland surf rockers Satan’s Pilgrims. Over 25 years in the making, the new album, Thomas Lauderdale Meets The Pilgrims, features new takes on beloved standards such as Night and Day, Malagueña, and George Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue.
Infusing classical music and Thomas’s sparkling piano work with the Pilgrims’ signature surf rock sound, it’s the perfect summer party record you can enjoy all year round!
Hear Christa and Thomas‘s exciting conversation below:
Christa Wessel interviews Thomas Lauderdale
Thomas Lauderdale Meets The Pilgrims is available now on CD and vinyl at pinkmartini.com!
Experience the album live at the Crystal Ballroom on Thursday, May 18, 2023. Tickets and more information at crystalballroompdx.com.
ABOUT
Thomas Lauderdale was raised on a plant nursery in rural Indiana. He began piano lessons at age six with Patricia Garrison. When his family moved to Portland in 1982, he began studying with Sylvia Killman, who to this day continues to serve as his coach and mentor. He has appeared as soloist with numerous orchestras and ensembles, including the Oregon Symphony, the Seattle Symphony, the Portland Youth Philharmonic, Chamber Music Northwest and Oregon Ballet Theatre (where he collaborated with choreographer James Canfield and visual artists Storm Tharp and Malia Jensen on a ballet based on Felix Salten’s Bambi, written in 1923).
Lauderdale currently serves on the boards of the Oregon Symphony, Pioneer Courthouse Square, the Oregon Historical Society, Confluence Project with Maya Lin and the Derek Rieth Foundation. He lives in downtown Portland, Oregon.
Satan’s Pilgrims formed in 1992 during a series of house parties hosted by the members of the band, and were playing shows in their hometown of Portland, Oregon by 1993. Twisting their name from the 60’s AIP film “Satan’s Sadists” and donning their now familiar matching outfits complete with vampire capes, they became a band.
The Pilgrims are one of the most influential surf instrumental bands around and while much of their sound has a definite Southern California influence, what sets them apart is the legacy of their Pacific Northwest rock ‘n’ roll ancestors and other influences, creating their own sub-genre of surf instrumental that many fans call “Pilgrim Rock”.
While you’ve been listening to us, we’ve heard you.
We’ve grown. We’ve adapted. And we’re here for you — in more ways than ever.
All Classical is committed to being a source of positive change in our community of listeners — at home in Oregon and Washington, and around the world.
Our Heritage
All Classical’s mission broadens the appeal and reach of classical music and the arts, increasing social and economic benefits to our community.
Join us in celebrating our 40th Anniversary and the way we:
Consistently rank in the top three classical music public radio stations across the USA.
Produce 98% of our content locally.
Pioneer youth programs and arts journalism mentorships.
Established a ground-breaking Artist in Residence program, culminating in a Carnegie Hall debut and an appearance on CBS Sunday Morning.
Launched icanradio.org, a new International Children’s Arts Network, the first station of its kind, in 2019, to bridge the arts education gap with great content for young listeners and their families.
Created the award-winning Recording Inclusivity Initiative that’s increased the number of classical musicians and composers from underrepresented communities that are heard on the radio – a program that we are helping over 40 radio stations establish in communities across the country.
Our Challenge
To better position All Classical and the arts as a force for positive change, it’s time to move to new headquarters, which will enable us to:
Increase the range of activities we can offer, thanks to audio and video studios.
Create and manage a unique performance and events space.
Build a new state-of-the-art recording studio to document the artists of our time and make the studio available to local performers and composers.
Bring All Classical to the heart of downtown Portland, where we’ll serve as a beacon for arts-based urban regeneration.
Move from being a great classical radio station, to a truly integrated arts and cultural network.
Align with our newly created brand identity, envisioned to depict the vibrancy of All Classical and strengthen our digital presence.
Our ambition is to share the dynamism, joy, and passion for classical music with all audiences — regionally, nationally, and internationally.
Create with Us!
All Classical for all people
These ambitious community and culturally empowering plans will be possible with your support.
All Classical must raise $10 million to help equip our new home and expand the services we offer.
Already over 250,000 people in the Pacific Northwest enjoy the services of All Classical every week, and millions stream across the United States and in over 100 countries.
Research underscores the social and economic benefits of our mission and service. Please help extend the love of classical music and its benefits across our region and beyond by making a powerful financial investment in All Classical.
“All Classical is the soundtrack of my life. It is a safe harbor when the storms of life have jangled my nerves and a source of inspiration when the emotional tank is drained.”
– Listener in Portland, OR
“All Classical has been my station in times of stress, work, and joy. You have been with me since inception, and you’ll be part of my life till the end. Thank you for your music, and kind and positive vibes. Now more than ever you’re a beacon of hope!”
– Listener in Portland, OR
“I value this station because in all ways possible it shows up, stands out, and adds value, to every moment of its existence, including mine, and all who listen.”
Sunday Brunch host Suzanne Nance loves to explore Oregon’s foodie culture, and what better way than to go straight to the chefs of some of our most beloved restaurants and vineyards. Just in time for Mother’s Day, we are delighted to share the recipe for Crispy Chicken & Waffles by Chef Norma Buchholz from Brooks Winery. It’s a delicious treat to make for mom or another special someone in your life on Mother’s Day – or any day. Bon appétit!
Download the full recipe here, and be sure to tune in to Sunday Brunch every Sunday from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM PT. There’s always room at the brunch table!
Crispy Chicken & Waffles by Chef Norma Buchholz
Waffles:
2 cups flour
1 ¾ cups milk
½ cup melted butter
2 tbsp sugar
2 tsp cinnamon
4 tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
2 tsp vanilla
2 eggs, separated (egg whites beaten until stiff peaks form)
Place the flour, sugar, salt, cinnamon, and baking powder in a large bowl, and mix well.
Add vanilla, butter, milk, and egg yolks. Mix well.
Using a spatula, gently fold in the egg whites until well incorporated.
Turn your waffle iron on to medium heat and place 1 cup of waffle batter in the iron, close and cook 1-2 minutes.
Gently remove and let cool before plating.
Chicken:
1 qt buttermilk
3 tbsp kosher salt
2 lbs chicken tenderloin
2 cups flour
1 tbsp paprika
1 tsp cayenne
1 tbsp freshly ground black pepper
3 large eggs
In a large bowl, mix together buttermilk and 2 tablespoons salt.
Add chicken and cover bowl with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours and up to overnight.
When ready to fry: Fill a Dutch oven fitted with a candy thermometer with vegetable oil 2″ to 3″ deep, then heat until oil reaches 300º.
Prepare one sheet pan lined with paper towels and a wire rack.
YIELDS: 4 Servings | PREP TIME: 30 mins | COOK TIME: 20 mins | TOTAL TIME: 50 mins Learn more at www.brookswine.com
In 2024, All Classical will be moving to a state-of-the-art facility at KOIN Tower! This new location in the heart of Portland, OR will allow All Classical to continue providing the beautiful music and high-quality programming you’ve come to rely on, while expanding opportunities for us to create new and engaging programming experiences, handcrafted just for you. Construction is underway, and the station anticipates its new headquarters will open in July 2024.
All Classical Radio is currently raising funds to build this one-of-a-kind arts and media center, which will include gathering spaces, production and recording studios, and an intimate performance space designed to accommodate rehearsals, spoken word, theater in the round, musical performances, and more.
If you would like to make a donation to support the relocation capital campaign, please click the button below, fill out this form, or contact Director of Development Allison Fuller at allison@allclassical.org or 503-802-9412.
Learn more in this special message from Suzanne Nance, President and CEO:
It is your incredible support that makes everything possible. Our commitment to our listeners and the arts community of the Pacific Northwest remains at the heart of what we do. For 40 years, All Classical Radio has provided barrier-free access to beautiful music and the arts. We are excited to welcome you into our new space very soon, and work together to renew downtown Portland through creativity, compassion, and community.
To learn more about this pivotal, strategic move, or to learn how you can contribute to our vital capital campaign, fill out this form, or contact Director of Development Allison Fuller at allison@allclassical.org or 503-802-9412.
All Classical On the Move Portland’s ambitious, forward-looking classical music radio station is expanding its scope, creating space for live performances, and relocating to downtown Portland. Brett Campbell, Oregon ArtsWatch – May 3, 2023
Portland Radio Institution Intends to Move to Dishier Downtown Digs We spoke with All Classical CEO Suzanne Nance about benefits of the move, like a new recording studio and additional space to foster classical-loving community. Robert Ham, Portland Mercury – May 4, 2023
All Classical Radio Relocation FAQs
Where is All Classical Radio moving? When is All Classical Radio moving?
We are very proud to announce that All Classical will be moving to KOIN Tower in Portland’s central entertainment and arts district. Our new space is currently under construction and we expect to move into the new station in mid-2024. These new, state-of-the-art studios promise to improve the quality of our beloved radio programs, increase access to music and art in our community, and uplift local musicians and artists in our new live performance space and recording studio.
Why is All Classical Radio moving?
All Classical Radio has grown in listenership, locally produced programming, staff, and technical needs since our first broadcast nearly 40 years ago. All Classical is a nationally recognized public radio station with a local reach of over 250,000 listeners each week, and an international stream accessed by more than a million people around the world. To support this exciting growth, and to realize our plans for a long and stable future for accessible classical music, we must relocate to a larger office space with updated production studios.
In addition, this move allows All Classical Radio to invest greater support in our local musicians and artists. With this move, we have a remarkable opportunity to build a much-needed performing arts theatre and recording studio in downtown Portland. This new space will reflect our ambition to share the dynamism, joy, and passion for classical music with all audiences — regionally, nationally, and internationally.
How will this move affect your radio broadcasts? Will you be off air?
Our new radio station is currently under construction and we expect to move in mid-2024. All Classical has a team of dedicated and knowledgeable radio engineers who are planning for uninterrupted, continuous service throughout this transition. Our new, state-of-the-art studios promise to improve the quality of our beloved radio programs, increase access to music and art in our community, and provide greater broadcasting capacity throughout our region and on our online stream.
How much will the relocation cost? How can I donate to the capital campaign?
All Classical is currently in a capital campaign to fundraise for this relocation and must raise $10 million to equip the new radio station for state-of-the-art audio production, live performances, recording, and radio broadcasting. We have several individual donors already signed on to support the new space, and are committed to raising the funds needed to make this vital move possible.
If you would like to discuss a gift to the capital campaign, please contact Suzanne Nance, President & CEO, or Allison Fuller, Director of Development & Marketing. Their contact information can be found below.
What is happening with the International Children’s Arts Network (ICAN)?
All Classical Radio and the International Children’s Arts Network (ICAN) are very proud to be moving to KOIN Tower in Portland’s central entertainment and arts district. Our new space is currently under construction and we expect to move into the new station in mid-2024.
ICAN will continue to be a dedicated safe space for children to celebrate the joy of being a child, explore other cultures, and enhance their learning inside and outside the classroom. In addition, this new space will grow ICAN’s capacity to create original programs, increase access to music and art in our community, and share content created by children and for children.
Can I visit the new/old space?
All Classical Radio is currently open for visitors on a case by case basis. Please call prior to your visit by calling 503-943-5828 or emailing support@allclassical.org, to ensure that someone is available to show you around our current station.
At this time, our new station in KOIN Tower is under construction and not ready to accept visitors. We expect to move into the new station in mid-2024, and will announce on our website when visitors are welcome to stop by and tour the new studios.
Will the new station be ADA accessible?
All Classical Radio’s new, state-of-the-art studios will be completely ADA compliant, including automatic door openers, wide pathways throughout the building, elevator access to our third floor offices, accessible restroom stalls, flexible seating in the performance theatre, and more. The space is currently under construction and we expect to move into the new station in mid-2024.
Will there be volunteer opportunities to help with the move?
We would love to have your help relocating to our new station! Our new space is currently under construction and we expect to move into the new station in mid-2024. To learn more about current volunteer opportunities or sign up to assist with future volunteer needs, please contact our Volunteer Coordinator, Dale Tolliver, at dale@allclassical.org.
What will happen to the Tili-Cam after the move?
We have exciting plans for the next iteration of the camera. Please stay tuned for more details as we get closer to our move in 2024! Rest assured, the Tili-Cam will continue to share gorgeous views of the Rose City.
Will there be a performance space in the new station?
Yes! The plans for the new station include a 100-person capacity performance venue (45% larger than our current performance studio) with a state-of-the-art recording studio. This space will enable us to document and amplify the creatives of our time; expand our second radio station – the International Children’s Arts Network – and host live performances such as concerts, poetry readings, theatre in the round, community arts discussions, composer symposiums, and more.
