Holiday

Holidays of Classical Music Legend

By Mary Lathem

We’ve enjoyed their festive masterpieces all season long – but what were history’s most famous classical artists really up to around this time of year? These stories from classical music lore are the perfect complement to your holiday listening. 



Leonard Bernstein Celebrates Hanukkah at the White House
Leonard Bernstein By Jack Mitchell, CC BY-SA 4.0.

When Leonard Bernstein received the Kennedy Center Honors award in 1980, he and his family were invited to the White House as guests of the Carters (on what also happened to be the first day of Hanukkah).

The family was invited to rest in the Lincoln Bedroom, where they set up a small menorah that had been packed especially for the trip.


After lighting the first candle, singing the Hebrew blessing, and stowing the burning candles in a bathroom sink, Bernstein and his guests headed to the Kennedy Center for the ceremony. Because the event was being taped for national TV, President Carter needed to be the last person to enter – but Bernstein’s group arrived late, requiring Carter to make a second presidential entrance! 

Source: Working with Bernstein: A Memoir, Jack Gottlieb
Photo by Jack Mitchell, CC BY-SA 4.0





Fanny Mendelssohn’s Roman Holiday
Fanny Mendelssohn

Visiting Italy may have been Fanny Mendelssohn’s lifelong dream, but based on a series of letters to brother Felix (dated New Year’s Day, 1840), the music she encountered there during a year-long visit with her husband and son left much to be desired:


“I haven’t experienced anything edifying since I’ve been in Italy… I heard the Papal singers three times – once in the Sistine Chapel on the first Sunday in Advent, once in the same place on Christmas Eve, and once in St. Peter’s basilica on Christmas Day – and I have to report that I was astounded that the performances were far from perfect. Right now they seem to lack good voices and sing completely out of tune.” 

In a later letter, Felix encouraged Fanny to “pay attention to the horrendous fifths the Papal singers make when all four voices are ornamented with coloratura at the same time” – to which she responded, “I already received a clear impression of Papal fifths at Christmas.” Luckily, Fanny’s Italian vacation would tremendously improve in the coming weeks.

At a Sunday evening dinner party, Fanny crossed paths with a young Charles Gounod, who had recently won the Prix de Rome. Gounod became a beloved companion to Fanny during her time in Rome (and garnered some of his earliest musical influences through the Mendelssohn siblings). 

Source: The Letters of Fanny Hensel to Felix Mendelssohn





Margaret Bonds and Langston Hughes’ Christmas Collaboration

Margaret Bonds fell in love with the poetry of Langston Hughes in 1929 while studying at Northwestern University, but it would be several years before the pair’s close friendship (and strong collaborative relationship) began.

After meeting at a mutual friend’s house, Hughes was invited to a Sunday afternoon musicale at Bonds’ family home. Bonds remembered this as the day the pair became “like brother and sister, like blood relatives.”

Both prominent figures in the Harlem Renaissance and outspoken advocates for Black artists, Bonds and Hughes constantly took inspiration from one another. Bonds went on to become a prolific composer, setting a massive amount of Hughes’ poetry to music. The most successful of their collaborations, the Christmas cantata The Ballad of the Brown King (1954), focuses on the story of the African king Balthazar – traditionally considered to be one of the Magi from the story of the Nativity

Originally conceived as a work for voice and piano, the premiere of a longer, orchestrated version was televised as part of the 1960 CBS Christmas special “Christmas U.S.A.” Hughes wasn’t able to make it to the initial rehearsals for the performance, but he expressed his excitement in a letter to Bonds: “Dear Margaret, George tells me our Ballad of the Brown King is be-au-ti-FUL!… I’ll be back in time for the performance of the Ballad, which I hear tell the CBS lady liked very much.” 



Video: The Dessoff Choirs: The Ballad Of The Brown King: IV. Mary Had A Little Baby (Bonds-Hughes)


Source: Margaret Bonds and Langston Hughes: A Musical Friendship, Georgetown University Library





Mozart’s Christmas Eve Duel with Muzio Clementi

At 25, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was confident that he was “the greatest pianist and composer in the world,” and he wouldn’t shy away from a chance to prove it. When Italian pianist Muzio Clementi happened to be in Vienna around Christmastime in 1781, Emperor Joseph II invited Mozart and Clementi to duke it out as part of the court’s Christmas Eve entertainment.


Clementi made the first move by playing his Sonata in B-flat Major, which Mozart followed with improvised variations on a march from André Grétry’s opera The Samnite Marriage (a theme provided to him on the spot). After an evening of stiff competition, no winner was declared, and both participants received an equal cash prize (though the Emperor later collected on a private wager in favor of Mozart with the Grand Duchess Maria Luisa).

After the duel, Clementi marveled over Mozart’s ability, later writing that he had “never heard anyone play with so much spirit and grace.” Mozart’s assessment of Clementi wasn’t quite so nice: “Clementi doesn’t have a Kreutzer’s worth of taste or feeling.” Ah, well. You can’t win them all.

Source: Music History Monday: The Mozart/Clementi Duel, Robert Greenberg

Sing We Joyous, All Together: Warm Holiday Concert Memories from the WDAV Staff

Though the holidays have slowed down significantly in 2020, we can’t help but smile when we think of the concerts that usually fill our calendars to the brim this time of year. Members of our staff share memories of holiday concerts past to warm our hearts until we can safely gather together again. 



 

Kendra Intihar

Kendra Intihar
Assistant General Manager & Director of Community Outreach

“I’ve seen some gorgeous holiday concerts, many of which were sponsored or hosted by WDAV, but my very favorite holiday concert was the 2019 Davidson College Holiday Gala because it was the first year my daughter was invited to dance to the orchestra and choir’s incredible performance of the Twelve Days of Christmas.

The Davidson College Holiday Gala is always a spectacular and moving production, and for many of us, it has become a tradition that makes the season really feel like Christmas.

I love Christmas music, I love ballet, and of course my daughter is the apple of my eye – to see those three loves mesh at the Gala last year is a memory that still brings me to joyful tears.

The arts make life so beautiful. I’m eagerly waiting for the 2021 Davidson College Holiday Gala when the world will hopefully be mended a little and we can enjoy performances like this one again!”





 

Mary Lathem

Mary Lathem
Marketing & Digital Communications Specialist

“One of the most familiar sounds of my childhood is the hum of my Dad’s favorite record, the 1959 Philadelphia Orchestra and Mormon Tabernacle Choir recording of Handel’s Messiah, wafting downstairs from his office (usually around Christmastime, but sometimes just because).

Needless to say, finding a live performance of the Messiah to attend has always been on the top of his to-do list around the holidays.

When he found out my community choir in Indiana was putting on a singalong version of the Messiah two years ago, he flew in from Georgia just to participate and spend the weekend with me, bringing along a copy of the score I had given him for Christmas the year before.

I couldn’t stop watching his face while he sang ‘Ev’ry Valley’ with the tenor section – pure joy! That day will always be one of my favorite Christmas memories, and one of my best memories in general.”





 

Frank Dominguez

Frank Dominguez
General Manager,
Host and Producer of Night Music and Concíerto

“My favorite holiday concert memory is of an event I helped WDAV produce back in 2009. A Carolina Christmas from Biltmore Estate with Kathy Mattea featured the Grammy-winning country singer for crossover appeal, but was also our first collaboration with David Tang and his chorus VOX, an association that continues to this day.

What made it most memorable for me, apart from the festive blend of musical styles, was that I got to work with my eldest child, Torie. She wrangled the more than fifty performers involved with the recording, which was made in the Banquet Hall before a live audience – all of it on a fairly warm, early September evening so that we would have plenty of time to mix and edit the audio for broadcast in December!”







 

Myelita Melton

Myelita Melton
Associate Producer of Concierto & Afternoon Host, Symphony at 6

“Several years ago I attended a New Year’s Eve concert with the Winston-Salem Symphony featuring Rhiannon Giddens. Watching her and Maestro Robert Moody improv while she sang and danced barefoot made for a magnificent holiday show.

When the balloons dropped at the stroke of midnight, the audience was all singing Auld Lang Syne, laughing, and hugging uncontrollably. Unforgettable!”







 

Jay Ahuja

Jay Ahuja
Corporate Sponsorship Representative

“In July of 2007, I was at a Public Radio conference in Reno, Nevada. I met two women who ran a business that arranged VIP concerts for radio station executives and contest winners. They mentioned that their next one was in November with Led Zeppelin in London. I jokingly said, ‘If you get a cancelation, let me know.’

Well, guitarist Jimmy Page broke his hand, so the concert was postponed to December and they had two seats come available. They gave me 24 hours to respond before they would move on to another prospect. I arranged to stay with friends in London, called a buddy who was single and had his own business, so he was able to quickly say yes, and found a reasonable, albeit cramped flight to London. Christmas in London: Harrod’s, Borough Market, the West End, the landmarks, pubs and museums – all are incredible.

Tickets came with transportation, a nice sit down dinner with an open bar in a VIP room at O2 Arena, and an after party with the opening bands, including Bill Wyman, Alan White, Keith Emerson, Chris Squire and Paolo Nutini. When the show started, Lenny Kravitz, Marilyn Manson and other musicians were seated a few rows behind us. Not only was it my favorite holiday concert, it remains my favorite concert of all time.”



The Holidays at Home: Your 2020 guide to local, streamable, festive fun

Though we’re all missing the warmth of in-person festive events this year, there’s no shortage of holiday magic here in the Carolinas! The local organizations and ensembles you love have worked tirelessly to bring you streamable options for a holiday season like no other, including newly imagined annual traditions, concerts and events for all tastes, and laid-back activities for the whole family. Use this listing as your day-by-day guide to spirited holiday offerings from the community to your living room (pajamas and hot cocoa not included). 

Visit our Events Calendar for even more exciting options. Are you hosting a local, streamable, holiday-themed event? Email us to inquire about adding your event to this listing! 



Ongoing Events

12 Days of Christmas in Davidson
(now through December 12)
“Support local businesses and enjoy a socially distanced, hometown holiday!” 12 days of streamable and socially distanced events. Visit the Christmas in Davidson website for more information. 

Winston Salem Symphony’s A Carolina Christmas: UNWRAPPED! 
“Join us as we unwrap Christmas one carol at a time! Celebrate the holidays with your cherished Symphony family and with a jazz band fronted by star vocalist Martha Bassett of The Martha Bassett Show!” This concert is available on demand through December 28.
This is a ticketed event. Find tickets here



Thursday, December 10

Western Piedmont Symphony Watch Party: Home for the Holidays
FREE | 7:30 PM
“Maestro Matthew Troy dives into the history of some of your favorite holiday tunes! Get cozy with a cup of hot chocolate and enjoy some seasonal favorites.” Register here

Blumenthal Performing Arts: Home for the Holidays
FREE | 6:00 PM
“Join us via live stream for an engaging discussion featuring four artists who pursued their Broadway and professional theater dreams! Learn about their unique paths in the industry, what it typically feels like to work in professional theatre during the holidays, and what each is doing while theatres are dark.”



Friday, December 11

Temple Solel presents The Hanukkah Experience with The Ruach
FREE | 7:00 PM
“Well, no matter how you spell it, you won’t want to miss this modern celebration of the Festival of Lights. We are very excited to be hosting an online musical Chanukah service with the fantastic band, The Ruach.” Watch on YouTube

The Choir School at St. Peter’s: Sing We Christmas
7:30 PM
“A beloved Charlotte holiday tradition comes directly to your living room this December. Streaming on-demand starting December 11, Sing We Christmas features familiar Christmas favorites and new repertoire from The Choir School that are sure to put you in the holiday spirit.”
This is an on-demand ticketed event. Pre-order here



Saturday, December 12

Mint Museum: A Family Christmas with Criss Cross Mangosauce
FREE | 11:00 AM
“Criss Cross Mangosauce uses a combination of Spanish and English to teach young children the joys of reading and making music.This December, celebrate Christmas and Día de las Velitas (Day of the Little Candles), a Colombian celebration that marks the beginning of the Christmas season! This event will premiere live on our Facebook page and Youtube channel.”

Carolina Voices: The Singing Christmas Tree
FREE | 7:00 PM
“Not even a pandemic can put a damper on Charlotte’s hometown favorite holiday tradition as the 66th Annual Singing Christmas Tree goes virtual for 2020! There’s nothing ho hum about this hour-long spectacular as we put the HO HO HO in HOME for the HOLIDAYS!” Learn how to stream this event here

Charlotte Symphony: At Home for the Holidays
7:30 PM
“Deck the halls and trim the tree – your CSO is coming home for Christmas! This lively program is chock full of holiday cheer, streamed right to your living room.” This is a ticketed event. Find tickets here.

UNCSA: “The Nutcracker” Opening Night Scholarship Benefit
7:30 PM
“The timeless tale of ‘The Nutcracker’ steps into the present in the world premiere of the popular annual holiday tradition, newly created for film by the schools of Dance, Design & Production, Filmmaking and Music.” Learn more about the Opening Night Benefit and purchase an all access pass here. The event will be available to stream free of charge starting December 17. 



Sunday, December 13

Hickory Choral Society Virtual Christmas Concert
FREE | 3:00 PM
Enjoy beautiful Christmas music in the comfort and safety of your home! This free virtual choir concert will be available to stream on the Hickory Choral Society’s YouTube page

Reynolda House Virtual Event: Memories of A Christmas Memory
3:00 PM
“If not for COVID-19, 2020 would’ve been Robin Voiers’ 34th consecutive year of performing Christmas Memory at Reynolda. While we can’t join one another in the auditorium for a traditional one-woman performance, you can join Robin remotely to learn about her journey as an artist and educator. Phil Archer, deputy director, will share archival recording clips and moderate a discussion with Voiers as she shares her memories of Christmas Memory.” This is a ticketed event. Find tickets here

Catawba College Lessons & Carols Christmas Concert
FREE | 7:00 PM
“You are invited to begin your Christmas season by viewing Catawba College’s 33rd annual Service of Lessons and Carols in the beautifully decorated Omwake-Dearborn Chapel from the comfort of your home. The service will be livestreamed on Sunday, December 13 at 7pm, and the recording of the service will remain accessible at Catawba’s YouTube channel, website, and other social media platforms.”



Monday, December 14

CSO Healing Hands: Sounds of the Season
FREE | 11:00 AM
“Join the Healing Hands Laurel Trio for a selection of your Holiday favorites… a one-hour, interactive virtual performance that includes conversation from the musicians and the opportunity to ask questions.”
Registration is required. Register here



Wednesday, December 16

WDAV and Pamela Howland present Christmas with Beethoven
FREE | 7:00 PM
Pianist Pamela Howland joins WDAV for a special virtual concert celebrating both the 250th anniversary of Beethoven’s birth and the beginning of the holiday season! Pamela will showcase selections from her new album “Christmas with Beethoven,” featuring her arrangements of classic Christmas carols – reimagined to represent how Beethoven might have played them. This concert will stream live on WDAV’s Facebook page.

Theatre Charlotte: A Christmas Carol
Times and dates vary (streaming available through 1/1/21, outdoor performances through 12/20/20)
“Theatre Charlotte’s holiday tradition for 14 years! Return to the streets of London this holiday season in the classic tale of hard-hearted Ebenezer Scrooge, visited by four ghosts: Jacob Marley and the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future. The spirits gradually warm old Scrooge’s heart, as well as ours.” This is a ticketed event. Find tickets here



Thursday, December 17

Charlotte Mecklenburg Library’s Family Storytime: Kwanzaa with Mother Minter
FREE | 11:00 AM
“Join us for Family Storytime on Thursday, December 17 at 11:00am. Today we will be learning about and celebrating Kwanzaa with special presenter, Mother Minter. Make & Takes will be provided at Hickory Grove Library for children to participate in the activities from home.” Registration is required by 10 AM on December 16. Register here

Davidson Village Network: December Stay at Home Live Holiday Zoom Concert 
FREE | 3:00 PM
“Gather around Zoom (or your phone) for Davidson Village Network’s December Stay at Home Live Holiday Zoom Concert featuring Bill Ward!” This concert features selections for Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa.”  Join via Zoom or by phone (limited): (781) 448-4805, PIN: 73153



Saturday, December 19

Carolina Pro Musica Christmas
FREE | 7:00 PM
“Our annual Holiday concert featuring 18th-century music with period instruments and voices, carol for all, and readings of the season featuring Bob Sweeten. Join us on YouTube for our holiday special.”

North Carolina Symphony: Holiday Pops with Jingles the Elf
7:00 PM
“Back by popular demand, the hilarious Jingles the Elf joins the Symphony for a family Christmas concert bringing joy, fun, and holiday spirit to everyone!” This is a ticketed event. Find tickets here

Charlotte Symphony: The Story of the Nutcracker
7:30 PM
“Gather the whole family as Tchaikovsky’s classic comes to life this holiday season! Join Resident Conductor Christopher James Lees and your CSO for the story of The Nutcracker paired with the beautiful music we all know and love. This one-hour program is perfect for families with young children!” This is a ticketed event. Find tickets here.





Sunday, December 20

Centenary United Methodist Church: Festival of Nine Lessons & Carols
FREE | 5:00 PM
“Centenary United Methodist Church in Winston-Salem invites you to their virtual ‘Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols.’ Music will be offered by the Centenary Chamber Singers, The Winston-Salem Girls Chorus, The Carillonnuers, The West End Ringers and chamber orchestra.” Stream here



Monday, December 21

Charlotte Children’s Choir at Arts+ Virtual Concert
7:00 PM
More information will be available soon at this link



Tuesday, December 29

Reynolda House Virtual Event: Toast to 2021
7:00 PM
“Clink — the holiday season isn’t over until you’ve enjoyed a special beverage to ring in the New Year. Join Reynolda and The Katharine Brasserie as we re-imagine champagne cocktails from Mary Reynolds Babcock’s own recipe book, A Lady of Good Taste. Log in from the comfort of your home, we’ll send the ingredient list in advance so you can play mixologist along with us.” This is a ticketed event. Find tickets here. 



Friday, January 1, 2021

Charlotte Symphony’s A Baroque Celebration: Old World / New Year
7:30 PM
“Join your CSO for a celebration of Baroque music, fit for the New Year! This program includes wonders from Vivaldi and Telemann, and features concertmaster Calin Lupanu performing Piazzolla’s Verano from The Four Seasons of Buenos Aires.” This is a ticketed event. Find tickets here.



Friday, January 8, 2021

Virtual Jazz at the Bechtler: Post-Holiday Blues
7:00 PM
“The best cure for the post-holiday blues is always the Ziad Jazz Quartet and Jazz at the Bechtler! All the merriment of the season is over and it’s back to the new normal. It’s hard not to get the blues, so why fight it? The Ziad Jazz Quartet will perform their annual post-holiday blues concert which will consist of songs that reflect the ‘many shades of blues’ in jazz.” More information to come here.

Photo by Kool Shooters from Pexels



Thanksgiving Recipes from the WDAV Family to Yours: Part 2

November 26 isn’t just Thanksgiving this year: it’s also National Cake Day! One of our staff members shares her family’s favorite cake recipe, a perfect fit for your fall festivities. 

The Best Ever Carrot Cake

Mary Lathem

Marketing & Digital Communications Coordinator

“I know it’s not for everyone, but carrot cake is a big favorite in my family. My parents even had carrot cake at their wedding.

Unfortunately, my mom, grandmother, and I all have different levels of gluten intolerance, so cake of any kind used to be a no-go for us at holiday celebrations.

A few years ago, I got tired of avoiding the dessert table at parties and family gatherings and decided to take matters into my own hands: I would fine tune the perfect gluten free carrot cake recipe. After plenty of trial and error, I think I’m pretty close.

I won’t lie to you, this recipe takes a lot of time and makes a big mess, but it’s the ultimate labor of love – if I make this cake for you, it’s a good indicator that you’re special to me. The best thing about it is that it doesn’t taste gluten free. If you’ve ever tried gluten free bread from the grocery store, you’ll know that’s a miracle.” 



Recipe makes one large 3-layer cake. 

Ingredients:

Wet step:

½ cup vegetable oil
½ cup plain greek yogurt
¼ cup unsweetened apple sauce
¼ cup crushed pineapple, plus a tablespoon of reserved pineapple juice (optional) 
4 eggs
1 cup white sugar
¾ cup packed light brown sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Dry step:

2 cups gluten free oat flour
(like Bob’s Red Mill, available at most grocery stores)
2 teaspoons baking soda
2 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt 
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground ginger (optional)
¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
3 cups grated carrots
1 cup chopped pecans (optional)



Cream cheese icing:

12 oz. cream cheese (1 ½ packs)
(NOT WHIPPED, the real stuff)
¾ cup salted butter
(in sticks, do not substitute margarine or shortening of any kind)
6 cups powdered sugar
1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract

Optional pecan topping:

¼ cup salted butter, melted
4 cups chopped pecans

Instructions: 

If you want to top your cake with roasted pecans (optional), do this first:

  1. Preheat your oven to 325 degrees F. Mix melted butter and chopped pecans on a sheet pan, then spread out into a single layer.

  2. Roast in the middle of the oven for 10-15 minutes or until they develop a nice toasty smell, stirring halfway through to keep them from burning.
     
  3. Let them cool completely before adding to the cake.


To make the cake:

  1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F. Grease and flour 3 9-inch round cake pans. If you only have one cake pan, no sweat – it will just take a bit longer to get all of the layers baked.

  2. Wet step: Beat together all of the ingredients from the wet step until fully combined. 

  3. Dry step: In a separate bowl, thoroughly mix the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and spices. Add the dry mixture to the wet mixture and mix until combined. Add carrots (and nuts, if desired) and stir until evenly distributed.
     
  4. Pour the batter evenly into the 3 cake pans and bake for 25-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of each layer comes out clean. (Baking time depends on the thickness of each layer – it’s normal if they don’t end up perfectly even! I’m not a pastry chef and you probably aren’t either. I recommend checking them at 20 minutes and adjusting the time from there.)
     
  5. When the layers are done, allow them to cool completely before frosting. 


To make the icing: 

Cream together the cream cheese, butter, and vanilla until there are no lumps. Beat in 4 cups of powdered sugar, then taste with a clean spoon. I like to do this because some people like cream cheese frosting to have a little more bite, and some people like it to be sweet with just a hint of cream cheese. If it’s not sweet enough for you, add more powdered sugar bit by bit, tasting with a clean spoon between each mix-in. 



To assemble the cake: 

  1. Smooth a spoonful of frosting in the very middle of a plate or platter big enough to hold your cake. Center the first (COMPLETELY COOL!) cake layer over the icing.
     
  2. Space out large globs of frosting over the cake layer, then spread evenly with a knife or rubber spatula to cover the layer. If you find that crumbs are sticking to the icing and it won’t spread easily, you can dip the knife or spatula into a little bit of water, then shake off the excess (you don’t want a wet cake, but the water creates a barrier between the spreader and the icing).
     
  3. Repeat until all of the layers are in place, then cover the cake with the remaining icing. Garnish with roasted pecans (if desired).
     
  4. Serve immediately or store in the refrigerator until ready to serve. ENJOY!

Thanksgiving Recipes from the WDAV Family to Yours: Part 1

The turkey may be the star of the show, but Thanksgiving wouldn’t be the same without traditional casseroles, something to tide your family over until dinner, and other special extras. This Thanksgiving, WDAV staff members share the recipes their loved ones look forward to most. 

Cheesy Breakfast Strata

Tamberly Ferguson
Director of Digital Media and Strategy 

“There is nothing like starting Thanksgiving morning with a good hearty breakfast, especially when you are cooking the main meal. I prep this dish the night before and put it in the oven when starting the day. It will give you enough energy to cook the Thanksgiving feast and keep your relatives at bay until it is time to eat the main meal.”

Ingredients:

4 cups of bread, cubed
1 pound pork sausage
1 medium green or red pepper, chopped
1 medium onion, chopped
1 stick of butter, cubed
1 cup shredded Cabot Seriously Sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded gruyere cheese (optional)
6 large eggs
2 cups milk
Salt
Black pepper

Directions:

Oil a 9″ x 13″ baking dish with cooking spray. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add sausage and cook, breaking up large pieces with a spoon, about 7 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool. In the same greased pan, add pepper and onion over medium-high heat, season with salt and pepper, cook about 5 minutes, remove from heat and let cool. Combine bread, sausage, pepper, onion, and butter in baking dish.

In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, salt, pepper and milk; pour egg over top of bread mixture. Sprinkle with cheese. Refrigerate, covered, overnight.
Preheat oven to 350°. Remove strata from refrigerator while oven heats.
Bake, uncovered, until a knife inserted in center comes out clean, 35-45 minutes. Let stand 5 minutes before cutting.

JB’s World Famous Stuffing

Jon Barcelo
Corporate Sponsorship Representative

“Since I’ve been deep frying my turkey for several years, and since everybody loves stuffing, I’ve been making this recipe as a side dish on Thanksgiving. I don’t follow a recipe per se, so the following is how it goes for me.  Measurements are all estimates. I encourage creative liberties to satisfy individual tastes.

This will feed 8-10,  but make extra (double) as it goes great on those Friday, Saturday, and Sunday turkey sandwiches too!”

Ingredients:

1 bag of pepperidge farms dry breadcrumb stuffing mix
Butter or olive oil (for frying pan)
1 package of ground sausage and hamburger, about a half pound each (or one or the other)
1 or two onions diced
1 celery stalk diced
Several garlic gloves, chopped
1 hot pepper (optional, depending how you like the heat), diced
Italian seasonings, to taste (I also use garlic powder and crushed red pepper)
½ cup dry white wine and 1 cup chicken broth
Salt and pepper to taste
½ cup grated parmesan cheese
¼ cup fresh basil, chopped

Directions:

In a large frying pan over medium heat, sauté the meats and vegetables until tender with a tab of butter or tablespoon of olive oil. Add the stuffing mix and seasonings. Mix well.

Add the white wine and chicken broth until moist but not soggy. Additional wine or warm water can be added to make it moist and sticky.  Mix well.

Place in a greased baking dish, top with grated cheese and basil. Bake at 350 degrees, about 30-45 minutes until golden brown.

Thanksgiving Day Rotel Dip

Will Keible
Director of Marketing & Corporate Support

“This recipe for Rotel dip is a hit at any gathering and travels well. Best of all, it’s easy to make. I think the recipe’s origin may be the label of a can of Rotel, but it was taught to me by my Dad so, technically speaking, it does qualify as a family recipe.”   

Ingredients:

1 package of Neese’s Country Sausage (16 oz.)

1 can of Rotel Original Organic Diced Tomatoes and Green Chilies (10 oz.)

1 bar of cream cheese (8 oz.)

1 bag of Fritos Scoops

Instructions:

  1. Ground and brown sausage in saucepan on medium heat.
  2. Cube cream cheese and mix into ground sausage until melted.
  3. Reduce heat to medium-low.
  4. Mix in Rotel.
  5. Turn off heat and transfer to a heated dish or crock pot. Keep heat on low.
  6. Serve with Fritos Scoops.

5 Perfect Holiday Gifts for the Classical Music Lover

By Mary Lathem

You’ve found the perfect gift for your mother-in-law, teenage cousin, and even that niece who’s going crazy for dinosaurs these days – but one name stands between you and the end of your holiday shopping list. You think to yourself, “What can I buy for my classical music-loving friend when listening to WDAV is free? What more could they possibly want?” The familiar panic sets in, and suddenly your midwinter looks pretty bleak. 

Luckily for you, we’ve scoured the internet this year for the best gifts to satisfy every classical music lover in your life. With options for the seasoned classical music fan and budding musicians alike, this list will make sure your holiday shopping yoke is easy (and your wallet’s burden is light). 

1. Music Fraction Bars

Music Fraction Bars
Credit: Courtesy of Mirus Toys, Etsy

Ideal for clever music teachers and curious students, this unique puzzle encourages mastery of musical notation through fractions and vice versa. It’s fun and functional, but this toy’s streamlined beauty is a bonus that will steal the heart of any recipient – you’ll never find this gift tucked away in a closet! 

Credit: Courtesy of Mirus Toys, Etsy

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2. Yousician

Yousician logo

Billed as “the largest music educator in the world,” Yousician is an interactive music app that teaches users to play an instrument of their choice, including options for guitar, bass, piano, ukulele, and voice. As subscribers are guided through tailored music lessons using their phone or tablet, the app offers feedback in real time and assigns exercises based on the user’s needs.

While technology can’t replace private music lessons, a Yousician subscription is a fantastic gift option for complete beginners, experienced musicians in need of a refresher, and aspiring performers on the go. 

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3. Mozartkugeln

Mozartkugeln

Filled with pistachio marzipan and nougat and covered in dark chocolate, these scrumptious Austrian confections come in an endless variety of decorative packaging celebrating the legendary composer. Sweet, sweet music. 

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4. Beethoven’s 5th Symphony Cookie Cutter

Beethoven's 5th Symphony Cookie Cutter

Has your loved one ever: 

  • Looked at a cookie and thought “it needs more suspense”?
  • Wished sheet music was edible? 
  • Expressed a desire to be more like Rachel Stewart? 

If you answered “yes” to any of the above, your search for the perfect gift ends here. They’ll serve up this iconic moment in classical music history in no time (and they’ll have no excuse but to throw a party for Beethoven’s 250th birthday in 2020).

 Credit: Courtesy of Bakerlogy, Etsy

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5. WDAV’s Buy-A-Brick Program

WDAV's Buy A Brick Program

Make a statement that will stand the test of time! WDAV is offering a unique opportunity for listeners to demonstrate their commitment to great music through the purchase of a personalized brick to be placed in the station’s front walkway.

Surprise your loved one with a brick in their honor this holiday, and they’ll be thrilled to see their mark on the Davidson College campus when the next bricks are installed in early spring.

Want to wait to purchase a brick for an anniversary or a birthday? Don’t worry – you can participate in the Buy-A-Brick program anytime, not just the holiday season.

Proceeds from this project will provide long-term support of WDAV’s classical music mission, the gift that keeps on giving!

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Raven Barkley & Maurice Mouzon on Charlotte Ballet’s The Nutcracker

The Nutcracker often conjures visions of sugar plum fairies, toy soldiers or a memorable family experience during the holiday season.

Raven Barkley and Maurice Mouzon are among the cast of Charlotte Ballet dancers bringing joy and delight to families attending performances of the Nutcracker this season.

The two dancers were featured on an episode of The Creatives podcast where they talk about this holiday classic. Hear the two describe their first memories of discovering the Nutcracker; how they approach preparing for performances; and their favorite Nutcracker characters.

Don’t miss Maurice and Raven perform at Nutcracker, learn more here.

Holiday Treats from WDAV

The holidays are truly a wonderful opportunity to spend time with loved ones and make memories that last a lifetime! In preparing this year’s Christmas Eve edition of Biscuits & Bach: A Baroque Christmas, we asked WDAV staff to share some stories of their favorite holiday treats! Here’s a taste:

 

Ted Weiner,
Music Director & Early Shift Host

Ted Weiner

Ted Weiner

When I was a kid my maternal grandmother, LaVerne, would spend the weekends with my single mother and us five kids. LaVerne was a terrific cook making all sorts of great dishes. But, once a year she forced us kids to eat calve’s liver…she said the vitamin B12 in the liver would give us strength!

As good a cook as LaVerne was, her liver always turned out like rubber. You’d need SUPER strength to chew through it. One year, she chose as Liver Night — Christmas Eve. Of all nights… Christmas Eve!

I remember this so well because LaVerne had prepared her annual Christmas Eve dessert, Boston Cream Pie, which was my absolute favorite. And LaVerne said only those that finish their liver may have pie. Needless to say, I left my four siblings in the dust eating that slab of liver because that night’s Boston Cream Pie turned out to be THE most memorable holiday treat of my childhood. It even made me forget the horror of LaVerne’s Rubbery Liver!

 

Amanda Preston,
Marketing Manager

Amanda Preston

Amanda Preston

Probably one of my favorite “treats” (which wasn’t actually edible) is that my grandmother used to make my sister and me Christmas ornaments for the tree each year out of an egg shell. It’d have a photo of us from that year, as well as a little item or two that symbolized what we were up to that year. So when I started playing viola, mine had a tiny instrument and music note in it. When my sister turned 16 and got her learner’s permit to drive, hers featured a small little convertible. I have no idea how Grams did such delicate work each and every year, but it’s such a fun process now to decorate the tree together and see our childhoods unfold as we hang up our collection of eggs.

 

Myelita Melton,
Afternoon Host

Myelita Melton

Myelita Melton

Fudge has always been a Christmas tradition in the Melton household.  I started helping my aunt and my grandmother make it when I was about six years old—barely tall enough to stand on a chair to take a peek into the boiling pot of chocolate, butter, sugar and marshmallow cream. Every Christmas Eve my sister, my parents, and I enjoyed that sweet chocolate fudge with my mom’s southern sausage balls. They were legendary!

 

Rodger Clark,
Director of Philanthropy and Special Projects

Rodger Clark

Rodger Clark

One of my best holiday memories is my mother busily baking cookies for the various family gatherings. My absolute favorite was her “Bird’s Nest” cookies. These were wonderful confections that featured a crushed up Life cereal coating and a dab of strawberry preserves in the middle – purposively indented to look like a nest. She only made these during the Christmas holidays. Thankfully, she passed on the recipe to my wife and now we have to have at least one batch every Christmas!

 

Be sure to tune in to Biscuits & Bach: A Baroque Christmas on Sunday, December 24 at 7 a.m. to hear each of these stories, as well as a few more from others on our great staff. To delve into some extra tasty tidbits and hear more from our friends and special guests, subscribe to our “Biscuit Chats” podcast available here.