WDAV Launches Radio Chopin™
Today, the world marks the 200th anniversary of the birth of Fryderyk Chopin, often called the "poet of the piano." In a year-long celebration of the anniversary, WDAV announces the launch of Radio Chopin: 200 stories for the 200 years of Fryderyk Chopin. Each two-minute story recounts the people, places and particulars behind the composer and his timeless works.
The impetus for the series derives from the music itself. "Could you ask for a better entry point to classical music than Chopin's music?" asks Radio Chopin Producer & WDAV On-Air Host Jennifer Foster. "First of all, every one of his pieces is written for the piano - probably the least intimidating musical instrument we have. Even a first-time player can create something satisfying on the piano, and most piano students' early repertoires include Chopin études and nocturnes. As for professional musicians - and their grateful audiences - they can spend a lifetime exploring the emotional expressiveness and the subtle technical complexities of Chopin's compositions."
Radio Chopin listeners can hear performances and commentary by the world's great Chopin interpreters, including Warsaw Chopin Competition winner Garrick Ohlsson, Byron Janis, the late William Kapell, Artur Rubinstein and many more. Radio Chopin is heard on WDAV 89.9 Classical Public Radio Monday through Friday at 9:15 A.M., 3:30 P.M. and 8:15 P.M. and on Saturdays and Sundays at 1 P.M. Each of the stories, as well as the compositions that accompany them, can be accessed at any time at the new companion website, RadioChopin.org.
Public radio stations interested in carrying Radio Chopin are invited to download the free Radio Chopin series and Radio Chopin Music series at PRX.org. WDAV's Jennifer Foster is the producer of the Radio Chopin series, and Benjamin K. Roe is the Executive Producer. WDAV New Media Director Rachel Stewart oversees RadioChopin.org.
Radio Chopin is made possible through the generous support of The Wachovia Wells Fargo Foundation and the members of WDAV 89.9 Classical Public Radio.
About WDAV 89.9 Classical Public Radio
WDAV is one of America's leading producers of original classical-music programming. In addition to producing 140 hours per week for its own broadcast use on its HD-1, HD-2, and wdav.org channels, the station produces nationally-distributed programs, including A Carolina Christmas with Kathy Mattea, NPR World of Opera, Radio Chopin, and, in partnership with ETV Radio of South Carolina, Spoleto Chamber Music. WDAV is fast becoming a national showcase for music made in the Carolinas, thanks to its round-the-clock classical music programming, live broadcasts, commissioned concerts, videos, podcasts, and social media.
A service of Davidson College in Davidson, NC, WDAV's 89.9FM signal reaches a 22-county region centered in the Charlotte, NC metro area and ranging from Rock Hill, SC to Galax, VA. WDAV's broadcasts can be heard live online 24 hours a day at wdav.org and iTunes, as well as on any iPhone equipped with the Public Radio Player.