Today in 1922, American operatic soprano Maude Fay got married. Prior to that point in time she had established an international reputation. What was the effect of her wedding on her performance career? And what is her legacy today? Find out on this brief episode of "A Classical Day in the Life."
Today in 1979 an event now known as "Disco Demolition Night" took place in Chicago, Illinois. This episode of "A Day in the Life" explores the deeper roots of this out-of-control event and how such violence continues to resonate today.
Today in 1922 The Hollywood Bowl opened for business. Who were the first performers to take the stage? And what landmark performances and "odd moments" have taken place there over the course of the last century? Find out on this brief episode of "A Day in the Life."
Today in 1946, Spanish composer Manuel De Falla wrote the last completed page of his opera Atlantis, a work that remained unfinished at the time of his death the following November. What inspired this epic of Spanish history and legend? And who later completed the work? Find out on this brief episode of "A Classical Day in the Life."
Today is the birthday of beloved children's entertainer Raffi Cavoukian. He became (and remains) the soundtrack to millions of young lives. His unlikely path to international stardom (and Simpsons parody) is the subject of this brief episode of "A Day in the Life."
Today in 1987 Eric B & Rakim released their game changing album Paid In Full--often thought of as a watershed moment in the history of rap. How were they influenced by the likes of John Coltrane and Miles Davis? Find out on this brief episode of "A Day in the Life."
Today in 1928 the first loaf of sliced bread was sold. This brief episode of "A Classical Day in the Life" explores the long history of music and bread, from Gregorian Chant to Stephen Sondheim. We hope you enjoy this musical feast.
On this day in 1944 one of the most fires in history struck the Ringling Brothers & Barnum and Bailey circus in Hartford, CT. Learn how the music of John Phillip Sousa helped reduce causalities.
Today in 1983 the English-post-punk-goth-rock band Bauhaus held its farewell concert. How is it connected to the influential art school of its name? And what were their biggest hits? Find out on this brief episode of "A Day in the Life."
Today in 1898 Clorindy, or The Origin of The Cake Walk had its premiere on Broadway--it was the first musical written and performed by African Americans. What were its important contributions to the history of music and theatre in the United States? Have a quick listen to this episode of "A Classical Day in the Life."
Today in 1997 NASA's Pathfinder landed on Mars. This segment of "A Classical Day in the Life" explores the otherworldly music and Mars as encountered in the movies and the concert hall.
Today in 1927 playwright Neil Simon was born in New York. Where do the words of this comedic mastermind intersect with music over the course of time? Listen to this brief segment of "A Day in the Life" to find out!
Today in 1762, the Bon Family arrived at the Esterházy court in Eisenstadt. Their musical presence would shape the output of a thirty-year-old Joseph Haydn. Find out how on this brief episode of "A Classical Day in the Life."
Today is Canada Day and we proudly celebrate the musical contributions of our neighbors to the north, including Arcade Fire, Rush, Neil Young, Celine Dion and Justin Bieber. Go leafs!