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2014 Holiday Schedule

SELECTED SHORTS: HOLIDAY GIFT SET

Sundays Nov. 30 – Dec. 28

Dec. 7: “Take a Seat”: On this program, guest host Robert Sean Leonard presents four stories about sitting down to a meal, or a drink, with surprising results. First, the novelist Henry Miller tells us about the dinner party from Hell in “Soiree in Hollywood.” If there were a how-to book for murder, it would certainly include the technique suggested in our second story, Roald Dahl’s celebrated “Lamb to the Slaughter.” It’s a comic thriller that takes the concept of “hide in plain sight” to new heights.

Israeli writer Etgar Keret constructs stories that are often just one stop beyond normal. So in “Halibut,” the third story on this program, two regular guys sit down to have lunch—and one of them orders a talking fish. “How I Met Your Mother” star Josh Radnor reads.

Our final story is Robert Coover’s “Going for a Beer.” It took up only one page in The New Yorker, where it was originally published in 2011, but spans the whole life of the confused narrator, who thought he was just going out for a drink and winds up seduced, married, and rejected multiple times.

Dec. 14:  “We’re So Excited”: Hope Davis is guest host for this episode. Oh, the self-indulgent ‘80s, the era of conspicuous consumption, the era that brought us Madonna, and Rubik’s cube, and made the word “like” into verbal punctuation. But it was also the decade in which some of our best contemporary writers came into their own. Writers like Ann Beattie and Donald Barthelme—each a winner of the Rea Award for the Short Story—and Raymond Carver, and chroniclers of the ‘80s scene, like Tama Janowitz.

Works by all these writers were featured during a special “80s” evening at Symphony Space, and we feature them on this program. They include Donald Barthelme’s “Chablis,” a gentle tale of a bemused Dad coming to terms with his own maturity, and Tama Janowitz’s iconic story “The Slaves in New York,” which was first published in The New Yorker, and seemed to sum up the era’s Zeitgeist. The ‘80s were all about big money, big spending, big art. But what if you were one of the “have nots”?

Our third story is by Raymond Carver, who redefined the American short story. In his “After the Denim” the weekly ritual of a long-married couple is threatened by interlopers. Our final story is “Snow,” by Ann Beattie, another writer, like Raymond Carver, who extracts intense meaning from ordinary lives and ordinary acts. In “Snow”, a long-ago love affair is distilled into the memory of a single season.

Dec. 21: “Compulsions”: Guest host John Lithgow introduces two stories about compulsion. W.W. Jacobs “The Monkey’s Paw” has been keeping readers up at night since it was first published in 1902. The tale of a sinister relic brought from the mysterious East to a cozy suburban bungalow, may have some period touches, but is every bit as gripping as it was for its original audience. Our next story is Isabel Allende’s lyrical “Two Words.” In it, a resourceful young woman born into a family too poor to name their children reinvents herself as a broker of words. As her fame spreads, she attracts the attention of a guerilla leader who wants to reinvent himself.

Dec. 28: “Eccentrics”: Two great stories about eccentrics taking a stand are presented by guest host Stephen Colbert. It takes a brilliant eccentric like film director John Sayles to come up with an oxymoron like an “anarchists’ convention.” In his “At the Anarchists’ Convention,” fierce old lefties fight everything from the fruit cup to the manager at their annual banquet.

In our second story, “The Falls,” by George Saunders, two inadequate men are faced with the same crisis. We know them only by their self-absorbed interior monologues, until the moment when each faces a situation that can’t be ignored or fantasized about. Reader Rene Auberjonois hand-picked this one, which first appeared in The New Yorker.

THE CHRISTMAS CHRONICLES

Weeknights Dec. 12-23: 8:30-9 p.m.

The Christmas Chronicles is a series of eight half-hour programs, which UPR will present over eight weekday evenings. The Christmas Chronicles is a story for radio that captures the magic and mystery of everyone’s favorite Yuletide character—Santa Claus. The series was commissioned by KBYU. The Christmas Chronicles originated in accounts of the astonishing life and activities of Santa, recalled and told by the author, Tim Slover, to his children over the years. It all started with a strictly scientific answer to a child’s classic question: “How does Santa deliver all those toys all over the world in just one night?” That’s the query that unlocked the grand adventure to keep the magic in and the cynicism of the world at bay. The Christmas Chronicles finally reveals “a true and complete history of Santa.”

Episode 1: Pine Boughs: A search for Christmas pine boughs leads to a stuck car, an encounter with evil, and the discovery of a book containing the true and complete history of Klaus, now known as Santa Claus. Tim Slover narrates.

Episode 2: Klaus the Carpenter: Plague comes and Klaus uses his remarkable woodworking gifts to restore his village to life, and bring joy back to its children. However, a rival carpenter named Rolf Eckhof thwarts his every move. Richard Johnstone narrates.

Episode 3: Anna the Racer: Anna and her reindeer, Dasher, are the fastest sleigh racers around—a perfect match for Klaus as he struggles to deliver Christmas presents to distant villages. Rolf Eckhof still lurks. Richard Johnstone narrates.

Episode 4: The Magic Reindeer: Years fly by and Klaus feels his life fading one Christmas Eve, until he knowingly unleashes the magic that unlocks a great secret. Meanwhile, tragedy strikes at home. Richard Johnstone narrates.

Episode 5: The Green Council Convenes: St. Nicholas and the council lead Klaus to the True North and his new home at Castle Noel, where he and Anna will live without age or illness. A surprise waits for them at the gate. Richard Johnstone narrates.

Episode 6: Of Space and Time: Klaus finally solves the problems of Christmas deliveries through the physics of the True North. Marvels meet him when he first circumnavigates the globe, the greatest of which awaits him at Castle Noel. Richard Johnstone narrates.

Episode 7: Be of Good Cheer: The demon that was Rolf Eckhof strikes the True North hard, and now nothing will be the same again. However, from loss a new hero emerges. Can this little reindeer really save Christmas? Richard Johnstone narrates.

Episode 8: The Word: A victory in the epic battle of the demon versus the reindeer, means Klaus can keep the spirit of Christmas alive. Richard Johnstone narrates.

LIGHT AND GOLD: THE MUSIC OF ERIC WHITACRE

Monday, Dec. 15: 2-3 p.m. and 9-10 p.m.

Eric Whitacre is America's most popular composer today, and his choral works are beloved by choirs throughout the world. In three, one-hour programs, he introduces his music with co-host Brian Newhouse and describes the often-colorful backstory of how each piece came to be.

Also plays Dec. 29 and Jan 1

CANDLES BURNING BRIGHTLY

Wednesday, Dec. 17: 2-3 p.m. and 9-10 p.m.

Join hosts Mindy Ratner and Bill Morelock for a celebration of Chanukah, the Jewish Festival of Lights. There's plenty of music from Jewish communities around the world, plus an exploration of holiday traditions, and a special story reading by the incomparable Theodore Bikel. 

Program:

  • Dov Frimer, arr H Netsky/J Jacobson - Al Hanissim (Hebrew) - Zamir Chorale of Boston and instrumentalists/Joshua Jacobson (Afka 901)
  • Traditional, arr J Miller - Shehecheyanu (Hebrew) - Chicago a cappella/Jonathan Miller (Chicago a cappella 2005)
  • Chaim Parchi, arr J Jacobson - Aleh Neiri (Hebrew) - Chaim Parchi, soloist; Zamir Chorale of Boston/Joshua Jacobson (Afka 901)
  • Flory Jagoda, arr H Netsky - Ocho Candelikas (Ladino) - Soloists and New England Conservatory Jewish Music Ensemble/Hankus Netsky (Rounder 3165)
  • Leo Low, arr L Moore - Likhtelekh (Yiddish) - Coro Hebraeico/Neil Levin (Naxos 8.559410)
  • Traditional/Oujda, Morocco - Hanerot Hallalu ("These Light We Kindle") (Hebrew) - Voice of the Turtle (Titanic 159)
  • Traditional, arr A. Binder - Maoz Tsur "Rock of Ages" (Hebrew)
  • Italian chant - Maoz Tsur
  • Italian chant, arr Benedetto Marcello - Maoz Tsur
  • Italian chant, arr Hugo Chaim Adler - Maoz Tsur
  • Zamir Chorale of Boston/Joshua Jacobson (Afka 901)
  • David Weintraub - Eight Bright Candles - Eaken Piano Trio (Naxos 8.554714)
  • Break bed: Samuel Adler - To Celebrate a Miracle (excerpt) - University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music Wind Symphony/Rodney Winther (Naxos 8.559410)
  • Theodore Bikel reads "The Lost Menorah" by Howard Schwartz from Adam's Soul: The Collected Tales of Howard Schwartz (published by Jason Aronson in 1992; now out of print); used with the kind permission of the author
  • Scott Robinson - Great is the Miracle, mvt II - Eaken Piano Trio (Naxos 8.554714)
  • Shelley Olson - Blessing fr A Chanukah Cantata - Rosemary Quinn-Milch, cello (Maju Music 00-1.1)
  • Traditional Sephardic/Adrianopoli, Greece - Quital'tas (Ladino) - Piffaro, with Julianne Baird (rec live in concert, Dec 3, 2011)
  • Yiddish Folk Song - Bulbes "Potatoes" - Emil Decameron and His Orchestra, rec Vienna 1959 (Vanguard Classics OVC 6005)
  • Mikhl Gelbart, arr Mark Zuckerman - Ikh bin a kleyner dreydl (Yiddish) - Chicago a cappella/Jonathan Miller (Chicago a cappella 2005)
  • Traditional, arr J Jacobson - Drey, Dreydelekh (Yiddish) - Zamir Chorale of Boston and instrumentalists/Joshua Jacobson (Afka 901)
  • Flory Jagoda - Hanuka (Ladino) - Voice of the Turtle (Titanic 159)
  • Traditional Klezmer - Keshenev Bulgar - New England Conservatory Jewish Music Ensemble/Hankus Netsky (Rounder 3165)

ACCESS UTAH HOLIDAY SPECIAL

Thursday, Dec. 18: 9-10 a.m.

Join host Tom Williams for Access Utah’s annual tradition of music and conversation for the holidays. It’s the Access Utah Holiday Special.

JONATHAN WINTERS' A CHRISTMAS CAROL

Thursday, Dec. 18, 10:00 a.m.

Wednesday, Dec. 24, 7:00 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.

WINTERSONGS 2014

Thursday, Dec.18, 2-3 p.m. and 9-10 a.m.

The Utah State University Chamber Singers and Chorale in the Caine College of the Arts present “Wintersongs,” a Cache Valley holiday tradition, featuring old and new choral setting of holiday carols sung by two of USU’s top choral ensembles. Dr. Cory Evans, Director of Choral Activities and USU Associate Professor of Choral Music, conducts the concert at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in Hyde Park, Utah. 

CLIMATE ONE: GENERATING INNOVATION

Friday, Dec. 19, 9-10 a.m.

Climate One Radio's National Magazine, presented in association with KQED-FM, is a thriving leadership dialogue on energy, the environment and the economy. Episodes are comprised of three segments centering on a single theme. In each segment Greg Dalton hosts a conversation with leaders from business, government, academia and advocacy groups to advance the discussion about a clean energy future. This episode of Climate One looks at innovative policies and products that could power a new era of clean and affordable energy. Is it possible to capture the CO2 pouring out of coal smokestacks? Can we make plastic bottles that break down in the ocean and become fish food? What if drivers paid the true cost of burning fossil fuels?

A CHRISTMAS CELTIC SOJOURN

Saturday, Dec. 20, 8-10 p.m.

Direct from the Cutler Majestic Theatre in Boston, a Celtic celebration of the season, with top-flight traditional singers and instrumentalists, and a story or two from host Brian O’Donovan. Every year, Celtic Sojourn host Brian O'Donovan assembles some of the best musicians, singers, and dancers imaginable from around the Celtic world, and beyond! With music director Seamus Egan returning, his ground-breaking group Solas will be back on stage as well. The virtuosity of Winifred Horan on fiddle, Mick McAuley from Kilkenny on accordion and guitar, and Eamon McElholm, from Co. Tyrone will be supplemented by a new percussionist, Steve Holloway, and the returning stalwart, Chico Huff on Bass. Steve Hickman, who wowed the audience with his use of body percussion (hambone!), and fiddling in 2007 will return. And Maeve Gilchrist will bring her harp wizardry from her native Scotland as well as the new influences of her years at the Berklee College of music. This year, some of the distinctive music of Norway will also be incorporated as Mariel Vandersteel joins the cast with her 8-string Hardanger fiddle, named after a musically vibrant and distinct part of the country. Joining Mick McAuley, Brian, and his wife, Lindsay O’Donovan on vocals will be the lead singer of the acclaimed group Voco, Moira Smiley. Moria will be joined by Scottish singer and star of the PBS special, Highland Heartbeat, Maureen McMullan, as well as Maeve Gilchrist, another accomplished singer. And then of course, there are the surprises! There are always surprises at Christmas!

ST. OLAF CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL

Sunday, Dec. 21, 8-10 p.m.                             

A service in song and word that has become one of the nation’s most cherished holiday celebrations. Tickets to the event, which takes place at St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN, are always gone months in advance. The festival includes hymns, carols, choral works, and orchestral selections celebrating the Nativity and featuring more than 500 student musicians who are members of five choirs and the St. Olaf Orchestra.

HANUKKAH LIGHTS 2014

Monday, Dec. 22, 9-10 a.m.

A perennial NPR favorite with brand new Hanukkah stories written by acclaimed authors Debra Ginsberg, Anne Burt, Lesley Hyatt, Andrew Borowitz, and Theodore Bikel. Hear a wide variety of stories perfect for the holiday --- one story is funny and crisp, another historical, and there's one with a multicultural theme. Also included is a story about the supernatural and one that ends with the best last line for any Hanukkah show, "Love is the only miracle." Hosted by Susan Stamberg Murray Horwitz.

CHANUKAH IN STORY AND SONG

Monday, Dec. 22, 2:-3 p.m. and 9-10 p.m.

Narrated by Leonard Nimoy and sung by the acclaimed vocal sextet The Western Wind Vocal Ensemble, "Chanukah in Story and Song" is a unique holiday program created especially for public radio listeners. This delightfully engaging program presents 25 eclectic selections, from the Ladino songs of the Spanish Jews and Yiddish melodies of Eastern Europe to modern Israeli tunes and the ensemble's original version of "I Have a Little Dreydle." The ensemble performs a cappella as well as with instrumental accompaniment. The narration, written by Rabbi Gerald Skolnik, sheds new light on the holiday's customs and rituals.

TINSEL TALES: NPR CHRISTMAS FAVORITES

Thursday, Dec. 25, 9-10 a.m. and 6-7 p.m.

This program features stories from the NPR archives that touch on the meaning of Christmas. David Sedaris, Bailey White, John Henry Faulk -- these and other NPR voices, past and present, tell stories of the season. Hosted by Lynn Neary.

Featured Stories:

  • Dad 'n' Sam (Jay Allison)
  • Homeless Christmas (Lee Stringer)
  • Christmas Morning, 1949 (Sylvia Seymour/Paul Auster)
  • Low-Glamour Christmas Party (Bailey White)
  • Doing it in the Closet (John McIlwraith)
  • Christopher (Jay O'Callahan)
  • Ode to Christmas (Chuck Kramer)
  • Santaland Diaries (David Sedaris)
  • Modern Day Joseph and Mary (Scott Simon)
  • John Henry Faulk's Christmas Story (John Henry Faulk)

TINSEL TALES 2

Thursday, Dec. 25, 10-11 a.m. and 7-8 p.m.

Continuing with the tradition of the first Tinsel Tales program, this is another collection of the best and most requested holiday stories. Joy, hope, and childhood memories overflow as NPR voices, past and present, tell stories of the season. Hosted by Lynn Neary.

Featured Stories:

  • Santa Claus, Private Eye (Duck's Breath Mystery Theatre of San Francisco)
  • Pass The Fois Gras: Christmas Menu Hard To Digest (Firoozeh Dumas)
  • A 'Silent Night' That Brought Healing (Steve Banko)
  • The Christmas Club (Bill Harley)
  • All I Wanted For Christmas (NPR staffers)
  • Christmas Gift Records (The Ban-Smo Label)
  • The Night Before Christmas, Latin Style (Read by NPR's Claudio Sanchez)
  • The Designated Celebrator (Melinda Shoaf)
  • Christmas Truce (Historian Douglas Brinkley)
  • Wolf Christmas (Daniel Pinkwater)

TINSEL TALES 3

Tuesday, Dec. 23, 9-10 a.m.

Thursday, Dec. 25, 8-9 p.m.

Listeners tune to NPR for holiday stories of all kinds; funny, touching, insightful, and surprising. Hear the latest version of evergreen delights while driving to the mall, entertaining friends, or relaxing in front of a crackling fire. Hosted by Lynn Neary.

A CHANTICLEER CHRISTMAS

Tuesday, Dec. 23, 2-3 p.m. and 9-10 p.m.

Nothing signals the beginning of the holiday season like 12 men singing in beautifully blended harmony. A Chanticleer Christmas is American Public Media's one-hour celebration of the season as told through the glorious voices of Chanticleer, the San Francisco-based men's choir. The program spans the globe and the centuries - from England in the 1300s to new arrangements of classic and contemporary carols to Chanticleer's popular Gospel medley of Christmas tunes.

A FESTIVAL OF NINE LESSONS AND CAROLS

Wednesday, Dec. 24, 8-10 a.m.                                 

Hosted by Michael Barone, this is a live music and spoken-word broadcast from the chapel of King's College in Cambridge, England. The 30-voice King's College Choir performs the legendary Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols service of Biblical readings and music.

HANDEL'S MESSIAH FROM UPR

Wednesday, Dec.24, 8-11 p.m.

Craig Jessop, Dean of the USU Caine College of the Arts and former conductor of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir provides commentary.  The recording features The English Concert Choir and The English Concert conducted by Trevor Pinnock.  Soloists include Arleen Auger, Anne Sofie von Otter, Michael Chance, Howard Crook and John Tomlinson. UPR’s Tom Williams hosts.

JAZZ PIANO CHRISTMAS XXX

Wednesday, Dec. 24, 2-3 p.m.

Thursday, Dec. 25, 9-10 p.m.

NPR Music brings you another great concert from the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Pianists Cyrus Chestnut, Kris Davis, Lynne Arriale and The "Master" Harold Maybern take the stage to perform their favorite holiday songs. Hosted by Felix Contreras.

HANDEL’S MESSIAH FROM THE WASHINGTON NATIONAL CATHEDRAL

Thursday, Dec. 25, 2-3 p.m.

Handel’s Messiah, never more popular across America, and performed every year since its first performance in Dublin in 1742, has become a highlight of the musical life of the nation’s capital. Each year the Washington National Cathedral’s annual Messiah performances during the first weekend of December attract an audience of some 6000 from the greater Washington area which comes to hear a team of the finest international soloists, coming from the US and abroad. This program features Part One (the Christmas portion) plus the Hallelujah chorus from Handel’s great oratorio.

INNOVATION HUB HOLIDAY SPECIAL

Friday, Dec. 26, 9-10 a.m.

Forget apps to help you with last-minute shopping. This season, we look at how innovations are reshaping our holidays — altering approaches to travel, family gatherings, food, and more.

INNOVATION HUB – NEW YEAR'S SPECIAL

Friday, Jan. 2, 9-10 a.m.

Our resolution: give you a glimpse of what you'll need to know for 2015. At the start of the New Year, Innovation Hub looks at the research, industries, gadgets and more that will change your world.

A SEASON’S GRIOT 2014

Saturday, Dec. 27, 8-9 p.m.

A Season's Griot is public radio's only nationally-syndicated Kwanzaa program. Hosted for nearly 20 years by acclaimed storyteller Madafo Lloyd Wilson, this annual one-hour special captures the tales and traditions of African American and African peoples. This year's program will celebrate Peace with special guests Pamela Reid, Joyce Grear and the show's poet laureate, Beverly Burnette. We'll also feature music from The Healing Force and Marvin Gaye. Familiar and favorite elements of Griot will also be in place with plenty of music and stories in this, the 2014 edition of A Season's Griot.

AND GLORY SHONE AROUND:

AN EARLY-AMERICAN CHRISTMAS WITH THE ROSE ENSEMBLE

Sunday, Dec. 28, 8-9 p.m.

The Rose Ensemble, renowned for its expansive repertoire of “music from around the world and across the centuries” presents a unique Christmas special to add warmth and distinction to your holiday. And Glory Shone Around: An Early-American Christmas draws from 19th-century songbooks, featuring carols of the New England colonies, Appalachian folk tunes, Southern shape-note singing, Shaker spiritual songs and the close harmonies that gave birth to bluegrass.

Members of The Rose Ensemble include sopranos Kathy Lee and Kim Sueoca; altos Lisa Drew, Linda Kachelmeier and Kris Kautzman (early flute); tenors Nicholas Chalmers, Andrew Kane and Jordan Sramek; bass Mark Dietrich (Native American flute); guitarist/banjoist David Burk; harpist/fiddler Ginna Watson; and bassist Greg Hippen. The Rose Ensemble is noted for its versatility in using its musicians not only as an ensemble but also as soloists in various configurations, adding variety to the listening experience.

The program features selections such as the Shaker song Harps of Welcome, William Walker’s The Babe of Bethlehem, the Kentucky fiddle tune Old Christmas Morning, and John Jacob Niles’ beloved I Wonder As I Wander. And award-winning Minnesota broadcast journalist Tom Crann serves as the host of And Glory Shone Around: An Early-American Christmas. His experience includes two decades as host and producer of classical music and cultural programs in the United States and Ireland. He has also hosted the international cultural broadcasts Sounds Irish and The Last Night of the Proms, a co-production with the BBC.

A BAROQUE CHRISTMAS IN THE NEW WORLD

Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2-3 p.m.

Manuel de Sumaya (1678-1755) is probably the best known composer from colonial Mexico and a shining star of the baroque era. In celebration of the holiday season, A Baroque Christmas in the New World brings you music from 17th- and 18th-century Mexico, Peru and Bolivia, including a cantata and three free-standing works by Sumaya, most of which comes from the only surviving manuscript in full-score in Sumaya's own hand! Listen as the musicians of the Historical Performance Institute at the Jacobs School of Music of Indiana University under the direction of Dana Marsh bring these sparkling works to life once again. Hosted by Angela Mariani from WFIU Public Radio's program of early music, Harmonia.

MUSIC OF THE BAROQUE: BRASS AND CHORAL HOLIDAY SPECIAL

Tuesday, Dec. 30, 9-11 p.m.

Music of the Baroque wishes you and yours a joyous holiday season as they offer their annual presentation of the Brass and Choral Holiday Concert for your listening pleasure. Hosted by celebrated WFMT host Candice Agree, the program features great works of composers like Giovanni Gabrieli, Johann Sebastian Bach, Francis Poulenc, Samuel Scheidt, and John Tavener among others.

Christmas has many meanings and holds a lot of sentiment, individual to each listener. Conductor Paul Agnew tried to cut through all of that by making this program something everyone can relate to: a mother, and the birth of her new child. Through the pieces he has chosen, the audience will be given the opportunity to appreciate the relationship between the two in music. The Annunciation is also explored during this segment, as this was a particularly important theme in the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. Through a booming brass ensemble and a magnificent chorus, these brilliant composers share their reactions and praise for Mary.

In the second half of the program, Child, we are reminded of how much responsibility Christ was given, even as a newborn. A “government rested upon his shoulders,” we are prompted in the beginning of the segment. But this young life still brings great joy, shown especially in Francis Poulenc’s works, Quem vidistis and Hodie Christus natus est. The program concludes with Gabrieli’s glorious piece, Angelus ad pastores ait, filling the audience with a fantastical feeling on what is truly a modest country scene.

Music of the Baroque is comprised of a chorus and orchestra of approximately 60 professional musicians who individually perform around the nation and worldwide and come together in Chicago as a collective.

TOAST OF THE NATION

Wednesday, Dec. 31, 9 p.m. -- Thursday, January 1, 3 a.m.

An NPR tradition every New Year's Eve since the 1970s, Toast of the Nation is perfect for the occasion. It's jazz that you can party to, all night from coast to coast, with countdowns to midnight in all four continental time zones. Spirited, improvised, grooving and swinging, each segment is a stop in a sequence of celebrations and contributing something new to the musical feast.

BACKSTORY

Thursday, Jan. 1, 10:00 a.m.

BackStory is a weekly hour-long show in which renowned U.S. historians Ed Ayers, Peter Onuf, and Brian Balogh tear a topic from the headlines and plumb its historical depths. Over the course of each episode, the historian-hosts are joined by people in the news, callers, and fellow scholars interested in exploring the roots of contemporary America. Together, they reveal the connections -- and disconnections -- between past and present. With its passionate, intelligent, and irreverent approach, BackStory is essential listening for a broad range of audiences.
 

Previous Programs:

CHRISTMAS WITH MOREHOUSE AND SPELMAN GLEE CLUBS

Monday, Dec. 8: 2-3 p.m. and 9-10 p.m.

One of the great holiday traditions in America, the choirs of Morehouse and Spelman Colleges -- two of the most prestigious historically black institutions in the nation -- get together to present a spine-tingling concert program. This encore presentation features the best works of the last several years. It's a joyous celebration of the schools' tradition of singing excellence, with their trademark mixture of spirituals and carols. Korva Coleman hosts.

LEROY ANDERSON CHRISTMAS

Tuesday, Dec. 9: 2-3 p.m. and 9-10 p.m.

This one-hour program of classic Christmas arrangements and original music by Leroy Anderson, is hosted by conductor Leonard Slatkin and the composer's son Kurt Anderson.

It features recorded performances of Leroy Anderson's Christmas music with Slatkin conducting the BBC Concert Orchestra, and Leroy Anderson conducting his Pops Concert Orchestra. Listeners will also hear Leroy Anderson talking about how he wrote some of his famous Christmas music and what Christmas means to him.

FESTIVO ALT.LATINO WITH CHORAL CANTIGAS

Wednesday, Dec. 10: 2-3 p.m. and 9-10 p.m.

NPR Music's Alt.Latino presents the 3rd edition of Festivo Alt.Latino -- a special holiday concert featuring the 20 piece choral ensemble Choral Cantigas. This musical performance also includes stories about holiday traditions and cultures. Hear a traditional Peruvian Christmas carol, folk music from Brazil, Spain, and Mexico plus Parrandas from Venezuela and Puerto Rico. The many rich styles of Latino choral music unite listeners through the joyful and transformative power of music. Hosted by Felix Contreras.

THE ZESTY GARDEN HOLIDAY SPECIAL

Thursday, Dec. 11: 10 a.m.

The Zesty Garden crew, including Helen Cannon, joins Bryan Earl in reading classic stories for the season. (Encore presentation from 2013.)

AN AFRO BLUE CHRISTMAS

Thursday, Dec. 11: 2-3 p.m. and 9-10 p.m.

Join us for a very special holiday concert with Howard University's premiere vocal ensemble Afro Blue, and special guest pianist Cyrus Chestnut. The a cappella group performs a variety of holiday songs including African-American spirituals, jazz and pop tunes, and classical repertoire. The joyous celebration includes one of a kind arrangements on traditional holiday songs plus new compositions... music perfect for the holidays and the spirit of Christmas. Hosted by Michele Norris.

A PAUL WINTER SOLSTICE CONCERT

Friday, Dec. 12: 9-11 p.m.

Celebrate the return of the sun and the warming of the heart with Paul Winter's All New 34th Winter Solstice Celebration. On the darkest night of the year, we head back to New York's Cathedral of St. John the Divine to hear The Paul Winter Consort and the glorious Cathedral Pipe Organ. The performance brings traditional holiday favorites and new sounds from around the world with special guests Ivan Lins and Renato Braz. Hosted by John Schaefer.

FRESH FOLK HOLIDAY SPECIAL

Saturday, Dec. 13, 8 p.m.

Encore presentation of the Fresh Folk Holiday Special from 2013 with long-time program host Blair Larsen.

WELCOME CHRISTMAS!

Tuesday, Dec. 16: 2-3 p.m. and 9-10 p.m.

The best way to welcome Christmas is Welcome Christmas!, the VocalEssence holiday concert. It's an hour of joyful holiday music featuring one of the world's premiere choral groups, led by Philip Brunelle and hosted for the sixteenth year by APM's John Birge. This year, a tribute to the late Dave Brubeck with his classical Christmas cantata "La Fiesta de la Posada". Plus, this year's winners of the annual carol contest with the American Composers Forum.  Gramophone magazine called VocalEssence "excellent and vibrant." NEA Chairman Dana Gioia named them "one of the irreplaceable music ensembles of our time." Join us for holiday classics new and old, when Philip Brunelle and VocalEssence Welcome Christmas!