We invite you to listen all month for a wide range of holiday music specials, highlighting Christmas, Chanukah, classical, jazz, and traditional holiday favorites. You’re sure to find many things you enjoy. Thanks for celebrating the season with NSPR.
A Soulful Christmas
Mon., 12/12, 1-2 p.m. An uplifting Christmas special that features Black music and composers.
A Mexican Christmas
Tues., 12/13, 1-2 p.m. The Newberry Consort and EnsAmble Ad-Hoc present an album of 17th-century traditional music for worship and celebration.
The Ballad of the Brown King
Wed., 12/14, 1-2 p.m. This Christmas cantata focuses on Balthazar, the dark-skinned king who journeyed to Bethlehem to witness the birth of Jesus Christ.
All Is Bright
Thurs., 12/15, 1-2 p.m. An hour of gorgeous, contemplative music related to the Christmas season and its symbolism.
Candles Burning Brightly
Fri., 12/16, 1-2 p.m. Music from Jewish communities around the world, plus a hilarious lesson on how to prepare a classic Chanukah dish, and a timeless and touching holiday story that brings light into every home.
A Chanukah Celebration w/ Chicago A Capella
Mon., 12/19, 1-2 p.m. An inspiring and informative show featuring choral music set to Chanukah texts.
An NSPR Jazz Holiday
Mon., 12/19, 9-11 p.m. NSPR’s jazz host Greg Cootsona rings in the season with jazzy classics.
Itzhak Perlman’s Chanukah Radio Party
Tues., 12/20, 1-2 p.m. Violinist Itzhak Perlman tells the story of the Jewish festival of lights and shares his favorite recordings for the holiday – some serious, some silly.
Red, Green, and Sentimental w/ Avery Jeffry & Andrew Mills
Tues., 12/20, 9-10 p.m. A CapRadio jazz compilation of holiday favorites.
The American Carol Connection
Wed., 12/21, 1-2 p.m. The stories behind “We Three Kings,” “I Wonder as I Wander,” “Away in a Manger,” “Go Tell It on the Mountain,” and many more.
Holiday Jazz with Dee Alexander
Wed., 12/21, 9-10 p.m. Chicago vocalist Dee Alexander entertains and enchants with songs and reminiscences of holidays past.
A Chanticleer Christmas
Thur., 12/22, 1-2 p.m. Hear why this superb 12-man ensemble is known as "an orchestra of voices," as they perform holiday classics and new favorites.
NPR’s A Jazz Piano Christmas
Thur., 12/22, 9-10 p.m. Spotlighting Japanese musical phenom Hiromi, Mountain Stage’s Bob Thompson, and Bolivian prodigy José André Montaño.
Thistle and Shamrock: A Child’s Christmas in Wales
Fri., 12/23, 1-2 p.m. Cerys Matthews narrates excerpts from the Dylan Thomas holiday classic, set to music that she created and recorded.
Jazz Night in America: A Holiday Celebration
Fri., 12/23, 9-10 p.m. You'll hear the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis, plus special guest vocalists Catherine Russell and Kenny Washington. Christian McBride hosts.
Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols
Sat., 12/24, Noon-2 p.m. The 30-voice King's College Choir performs the legendary Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols service of Biblical readings and music.
St. Olaf Christmas Festival
Sat., 12/24, Noon-2 p.m. A service in song and word that has become one of the nation’s most cherished holiday celebrations.
Christmas Eve, 7 p.m. to Midnight
Festival on Nine Lessons and Carols, A Child’s Christmas in Wales, A Soulful Christmas, Jazz Piano Christmas.
A Sunday Baroque Christmas
Sun, 12/25, 6-7 a.m. Connections to long ago holiday cheer, including many beloved Christmas carols dating back to the Baroque era and earlier.
Welcome Christmas
Sun, 12/25, 10-11 a.m. The perennial Christmas favorite from VocalEssence, one of the world’s premiere choral groups. An hour of traditional carols and new discoveries.
🎄 Christmas Day, 11 a.m. to midnight 🎁
Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, A Mexican Christmas, The Ballad of the Brown King, St. Olaf Christmas Festival, A Chanticleer Christmas, All Is Bright, A Child’s Christmas in Wales, Holiday Jazz with Dee Alexander, A Jazz Piano Christmas, Jazz Night in America: A Holiday Celebration.
Toast of the Nation
Sat., 12/31, 7 p.m.-Midnight. Hear sets from Quinteto Astor Piazzolla, harpist Brandee Younger, organist Cory Henry, trumpeter Keyon Harrold and The Louis Cole Big Band.
New Year’s Day From Vienna
Sun., 1/1, 10 a.m. to noon. The Vienna Philharmonic and conductor Daniel Berenboim from the Golden Hall of the Musikverein in Vienna. You'll hear your favorite waltzes, polkas and more -- a festive way to start off the New Year.
Enjoy all the great music, and thanks for your support,