HOLIDAY SPECIALS ON WPSU-FM 2021
Friday, December 3:
Candles Burning Brightly: a Celebration of Chanukah
Friday, December 3rd 11:00 a.m.
Candles Burning Brightly is a one-hour celebration of Chanukah, the Jewish Festival of Lights with an exploration of Chanukah foods and traditional activities … and plenty of music.
Saturday, December 18:
The Local Groove
Saturday, December 18, 9:00 p.m.
It’s The Local Groove “Holiday Show” with a mix of some freshly minted holiday songs and interpretations of some great classics all done by artists from our WPSU listening area. Hosted by The Mighty “Santa” Wiggus.
Thursday, December 23:
Handel’s Messiah with the Pittsburgh Symphony
Thursday, December 23, 8:00 p.m.
Music Director Manfred Honeck leads the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, Mendelssohn Choir of Pittsburgh and soloists in Handel’s oratorio, “Messiah.”
Winter Holidays around the World with Bill McGlaughlin
Thursday, December 23, 9:00 p.m.
This spirited selection starts in the 12th century with medieval Italian Christmas music from Saint Francis of Assisi’s staging of the nativity; jazz pianist Dave Brubeck’s classical composition, “La Fiesta de la Posada,” evoking a Mexican Christmas celebration; and Vaughan Williams' Fantasia on Christmas Carols. We will enjoy this time of year in Paris with music from Debussy, and then travel to Polynesia for a traditional hymn, “Anau Oia Ea.” We’ll end with an excerpt from Gian Carlo Menotti’s “Amahl and the Night Visitors” from the original television production.
Welcome Christmas
Thursday, December 23, 10:00 p.m. (repeats Saturday, December 25, 6:00 a.m.)
Join us for an hour of joyful, classic holiday music from VocalEssence, one of the world’s premiere choral groups, singing traditional carols and new discoveries.
Friday, December 24:
Holiday Music from WPSU
Friday, December 24, 9:00 a.m.
WPSU’s Kristine Allen hosts an hour of eclectic holiday sounds drawn from classical, jazz, folk, pop, rock and world music.
A Festival of Nine Lessons & Carols
Friday, December 24, 10:00 a.m.
Join us for the annual live, world-wide Christmas Eve broadcast of a service of Biblical readings, carols, and related seasonal classical music. This special will be presented by one of the world’s foremost choirs of men and boys, The Choir of King’s College, performed in an acoustically and architecturally renowned venue, the 500-year-old Chapel of King’s College, Cambridge, England.
Selected Shorts: Holiday Hurdles with David Sedaris
Friday, December 24, 12:00 p.m.
Humorist David Sedaris invites you to reimagine holiday rituals. Selected Shorts’ late host and founder Isaiah Sheffer is featured as the reader of Tobias Wolff’s “Powder,” in which a pre-Christmas snowstorm provides an adventure for a father and son.
In Allegra Goodman’s gentle borrowing from an O’Henry classic, a long-established couple discover they can surprise one another; Dana Ivey and Michael Cerveris read her “Gifts of the Jewish Magi.”
And David Sedaris says English writer Jeanette Winterson captures the city to a “T” in “Christmas in New York,” a modern fairy tale with just a hint of magic, performed by Richard Masur.
Jonathan Winters’ A Christmas Carol
Friday, December 24, 6:00 p.m.
An updated version of a public radio tradition hosted by NPR's Susan Stamberg. Master comedian Jonathan Winters presents a distinctive reading of Dickens' holiday classic, with a special performing edition prepared by Dickens for his own presentations. Also featuring Mimi Kennedy. From NPR and KCRW.
A World Café Holiday
Friday, December 24, 7:00 p.m. (repeats Saturday, December 25 at 10:00am)
World Cafe is celebrating 30 years by revisiting special holiday performances from Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings, Los Lobos, Andrew Bird, The Bird and The Bee, Pink Martini, Preservation Hall Jazz Band and more. Hosted by Raina Douris, this musical gift will provide a full hour of hip holiday cheer.
The Big Tiny Desk Holiday Special
Friday, December 24, 8:00 p.m.
Celebrate the season with amazing holiday performances from The Tiny Desk Concert series including Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings, Steve Martin, Hanson, The Polyphonic Spree and more! Hosted by NPR Music frenemies Bob Boilen and Stephen Thompson.
Joy to the World - A Holiday in Pink
Friday, December 24, 9:00 p.m.
The internationally acclaimed “little orchestra" Pink Martini bedecks the airwaves with festive holiday songs from across the globe. From timeless classics to rarely heard gems, hear a multi-denominational, multi-cultural jubilee, overflowing with enough holiday spirit to warm your entire family. Hosted by All Things Considered’s Ari Shapiro.
Jazz Night in America: A Holiday Celebration
Friday, December 24, 10:00 p.m.
Jazz Night in America will present popular jazz artists sharing their seasonal music from forthcoming holiday albums. Enjoy first-person stories and memories from the musicians and hear festive originals and new takes on classics in this special episode. More details to come soon. Christian McBride hosts.
Jazz Piano Christmas 2021
Friday, December 24, 11:00 p.m.
Join the Kennedy Center and NPR Music for this annual holiday tradition highlighting jazz pianists and their favorite seasonal music, captured live in concert with a small audience. The all- star line up includes Patrice Rushen, Gerald Clayton and Eric Reed. Felix Contreras hosts.
Saturday, December 25:
Welcome Christmas
Saturday, December 25, 6:00 a.m.
Welcome Christmas is a perennial Christmas favorite from VocalEssence, one of the world’s premiere choral groups, conducted by Philip Brunelle. This program presents an hour of traditional carols and new discoveries, including the world premiere of two carols from the annual Christmas Carol Contest.
Holiday Music from WPSU
Saturday, December 25, 7:00 a.m.
WPSU’s Kristine Allen hosts an hour of eclectic holiday sounds drawn from classical, jazz, folk, pop, rock and world music.
A World Café Holiday
Saturday, December 25, 10:00 a.m.
World Cafe is celebrating 30 years by revisiting special holiday performances from Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings, Los Lobos, Andrew Bird, The Bird and The Bee, Pink Martini, Preservation Hall Jazz Band and more. Hosted by Raina Douris, this musical gift will provide a full hour of hip holiday cheer.
Holiday Music from WPSU
Saturday, December 25, 11:00 a.m.
WPSU’s Kristine Allen hosts an hour of eclectic holiday sounds drawn from classical, jazz, folk, pop, rock and world music.
Christmas with the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square
Saturday, December 25, 12:00 p.m.
The sounds of the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square floated into many homes during the holidays in the '60s & '70s on Goodyear and Firestone albums, bringing lush renditions of favorite Christmas carols. Those warm memories and feelings come right back again in this holiday special. The choir continues its tradition of great artistry with touching arrangements of familiar carols, and surprises with lesser-known melodies that are fast becoming the new classics.
A Mountain Stage Holiday
Saturday, December 25, 6:00 p.m.
Join Mountain Stage host Larry Groce for an hour filled with beautiful music to mark the season. The show features special guests Holly Cole, Joan Baez, Bruce Cockburn, Loudon Wainwright III, The Roches, Kathy Mattea and more. All performances were recorded live on the Mountain Stage.
Holiday Music from WPSU
Saturday, December 25, 11:00 a.m.
WPSU’s Kristine Allen hosts an hour of eclectic holiday sounds drawn from classical, jazz, folk, pop, rock and world music.
St. Olaf Christmas Festival
Saturday, December 25, 8:00 p.m.
Join us for one of the nation’s most treasured holiday celebrations. Programming includes sacred choral and instrumental music from many traditions: beloved hymns, classical masterworks, folk songs from around the world, and African-American spirituals.
A Chanticleer Christmas
Saturday, December 25, 10:00 p.m.
Holiday favorites new and oldwill be presented live in concert by Chanticleer, the superb 12-man ensemble known as "an orchestra of voices." Chanticleer is one of the premiere vocal ensembles in the nation. The ensemble has won two Grammys and is a member of the American Classical Music Hall of Fame.
A Choral Christmas with Stile Antico
Saturday, December 25, 11:00 p.m.
Celebrate Christmas with the sound of soaring voices. Stile Antico, the award winning choir from London, pays a visit to St. Paul’s church on Harvard Square for a concert of radiant sacred music for the Christmas season by the most acclaimed composers of the renaissance. Hear the group’s luminous blend of voices sing the intricately woven music of Thomas Tallis and William Byrd.
Sunday, December 26:
All Is Bright
Sunday, December 26, 12:00 a.m.
Lynne Warfel brings us an hour of gorgeous, contemplative music related to the Christmas season and its symbolism. This program uses sacred choral music grouped in a way to tell the traditional Christmas story by way of songs about angels, the star, and the manger scene. Featured artists include Cambridge Singers, Cantus, and Chanticleer.
Friday, December 31:
2021 Remembered from The Current
Friday, December 31, 7:00 p.m.
Join “The Current” from Minnesota Public Radio in honoring the life, music, and legacy of artists we lost this year. This hour-long musical tribute is a celebration of all sounds - from indie to influential - and the perfect way for music lovers to unite in paying homage to the artists who have shaped music history. From musicians and producers to industry icons, the playlist will feature legends like Charlie Watts, Don Everly, Nanci Griffith, Bunny Wailer, Biz Markie, and many more.
Toast of the Nation
Friday, December 31, 8:00 p.m.
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. The line-up is almost confirmed and it’s sure to be a good time.