ACR Happenings – All Classical Radio

John Pitman Reviews: ‘Terra Infirma’

John Pitman — Tue, 21 Apr 2026 14:00:00 +0000

John Pitman’s latest conversation is with two artists who knew each other’s work, but who had not worked together, before this project. In this bold new work, with a title taken from a poem by Robert Walters, the harp symbolizes the protagonist Earth, both fragile and powerful.

Terra Infirma was directly inspired by the experiences of its creative team. Composer Reena Esmail, who resides in the Los Angeles neighborhood of Altadena, was forced to evacuate her home during the catastrophic fires of January 2025. Harpist Yolanda Kondonassis, a committed advocate for the environment, is founder and director of the non-profit organization Earth at Heart.

The towering instrument is moved choreographically by Kondonassis across the stage as she journeys through various arrays of suspended percussion. In the composer’s words, the work is “part virtuoso concerto, part performance art, and part theater.”

Hear John Pitman’s interview with Kondonassis and Esmail about their new joint project, Terra Infirma below:

Terra Infirma by harpist Yolanda Kondonassis and composer Reena Esmail is available now on Azica Records.

YAIR UPDATE: Elaina Stuppler

All Classical Radio — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 14:00:00 +0000

Elaina Stuppler is a talented young composer, trombonist, and vocalist who served as All Classical and ICAN Radio’s 2024-2025 Young Artist in Residence (YAIR).

She can be heard on All Classical each Saturday at 5:00 PM PT, as a Youth Reporter sharing pieces of music that inspire her.

Elaina was recently accepted into Yale University, where she will continue her music studies and performances. In celebration of all of her achievements, All Classical Radio caught up with the rising star to learn what she has been up to since her time as YAIR.

All Classical: How has your time as All Classical Radio’s YAIR influenced your career and musical adventures since?

Elaina: The mentorship and generosity of the station’s Young Artist Residency program cemented my love of composing music. Being surrounded by a team of creative professionals at All Classical Radio was an extraordinary gift, and learning first-hand about the research and dedication that goes into creating radio programs taught me the importance of time management.

All Classical Radio is so thoughtful and inclusive of the community, especially children. The station is such a generous organization that champions music education with its unique programming. The staff showed me the tremendous impact of how each person can make a collective difference.

All Classical: Is there anything you learned in your time as YAIR that has helped your creativity?

Elaina: Being All Classical’s Young Artist in Residence was a one-of-a-kind, inspiring experience. Having access to state-of-the-art studios and broadcasting my music live was priceless as a young composer!

(Revisit more videos from Elaina’s appearance on Thursdays @ Three in January 2025.)

The kindness, guidance, and financial support of All Classical Radio encouraged me as a musician. I also appreciate how the station always highlights underrepresented composers, and I am constantly hearing new works.

All Classical: What have you been up to since your year as YAIR?

Elaina: I am so grateful to continue serving as a Youth Reporter on All Classical Radio (Saturdays at 5:00 PM PT) and continue receiving mentoring from long-time hosts John Pitman and Brandi Parisi. They have helped me expand my musical knowledge and patiently given me a broadcast education.

The first half of this year was spent submitting college applications, and I recently committed to Yale, where I will continue my musical studies! Between school and orchestra commitments, I have been composing new songs for my musical about Maria Anna Mozart. I also perform musical storytimes at libraries with my Popera PDX program, introducing very young children to music and instruments.

All Classical: Do you have anything exciting coming up, or that you have been working on?

Elaina: Yes! I have 4 upcoming shows with my original orchestral compositions:

This spring, my orchestral composition will be performed at Hunter College in NYC by the Little Orchestra Society and dancers from the New York Theatre Ballet for their “Leonard Bernstein’s America!” concert with Grammy Award-winning conductor David Alan Miller

I will also be performing with Fear No Music’s Young Composers Project on April 19, 2026, at Reed College in a program titled “Hearing the Future: Young Composers Final Concert.”

Then, on May 9, 2026, at the Newmark Theatre, I’ll perform with Portland Youth Philharmonic‘s Youth String Ensemble and Wind Ensemble.

And June 14, 2026, at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, Fear No Music’s Young Composers Project presents “Joy Manifest: Beethoven’s Ninth,” including a world premiere as part of The Authentic Voice Commissioning Series.

All Classical Radio’s Artists in Residence program provides young and professional musicians with opportunities for career advancement, creative development, and audience exposure. The program is a part of the station’s initiatives dedicated to equity and inclusivity in the arts.

All Classical Radio is committed to supporting our Artists in Residence by providing them with new resources and opportunities to connect with audiences, expand their musical portfolio, and reach new creative heights as our partners, including:

Access to All Classical Radio’s recording facilities
Access to the station’s digital music archives for research and development
Encouragement and support for professional development as artists
A financial award to assist with projects and performances

We believe All Classical Radio’s Artists in Residence program is a truly unique and all-encompassing opportunity for musicians to learn and grow. Learn more at allclassical.org/artists-in-residence.

Lisa Lipton Spotlights WindSync + BodyVox + Chamber Music Northwest

Lisa Lipton — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 16:00:00 +0000

All Classical Radio host Lisa Lipton caught up with choreographer Jamey Hampton and bassoonist Kara LaMoure to talk about a collaboration between WindSync, BodyVox, and Chamber Music Northwest, that’s as bold as it is unusual. Musicians and dancers are building a brand-new work together—without ever having met in person.

Through Zoom calls, phone conversations, recordings of musical works, and a lot of creative trust, they’ve been shaping a piece that blends music and movement in real time. Kara shares what it’s been like to work with Jamey, co-founder and co-artistic director of BodyVox, in a process where so much is still unknown.

The wildest part? They won’t actually put it all together until a
single, intensive week just before opening.

It’s high-risk, deeply collaborative, and exactly the kind of artistic leap that keeps live performance thrilling. This interview captures that in-between moment—where ideas are still in motion, and anything feels possible.

Catch this WindSync + BodyVox + Chamber Music Northwest April 24-26, 2026! Learn more at bodyvox.org and cmnw.org.

Celebrating 20 Years of The Score

All Classical Radio — Wed, 01 Apr 2026 14:00:00 +0000

Congratulations to The Score‘s Edmund Stone on a monumental 20 years on the air, sharing movie music with listeners from coast to coast! 👏

First launched in April 2006, The Score with Edmund Stone is a weekly celebration of symphonic music in film and other media. For generations, the music featured in major motion pictures, on television, and in video games, has been a common musical experience for countless listeners and a meaningful introduction to classical music. Each week on The Score, Edmund shares a fascinating cultural adventure through one of America’s most-loved art forms. With insightful thematic episodes and exclusive interviews with composers and filmmakers, Edmund takes us to the movies like only he can.

Produced in the studios of All Classical Radio in Portland, Oregon, The Score has been received with admiration and increasing success for two decades. Host Edmund Stone is a classically-trained English actor, whose background includes a variety of stage and screen roles. Edmund is the ideal host — warm, knowledgeable, and passionate.

Listen to The Score every Saturday and Sunday at 2:00 PM PT on All Classical Radio. Tune in at 89.9 FM in Portland, Oregon, or from anywhere on All Classical’s website or free mobile app.

Stream episodes on demand for two weeks after broadcast and read exclusive film reviews by Edmund Stone at thescore.org.

SHARE THE SCORE WITH YOUR LISTENERS

The Score with Edmund Stone is available for syndication for public radio stations. NPR news compatible, the program works equally well for music and mixed format stations – with a new show each week and/or holiday and special occasion features.

Visit allclassical.org/contact-management to learn more about sharing The Score with your audiences.

Get to Know Sunday Brunch Host, Kate Remington

All Classical Radio — Fri, 06 Feb 2026 17:00:00 +0000

Kate Remington by Daniel Stark

All Classical Radio is delighted to welcome Kate Remington to the On Air team, as the host of Sunday Brunch.

Tune in Sundays from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM PT to enjoy delicious music with Kate from all around the world, or listen On Demand for a Sunday Brunch experience, any time of the week.

We asked Kate to tell us a bit more about herself, her musical experiences, and her inspirations as an on air host and music enthusiast.

Read on to get to know Kate Remington, and tune in Sundays at 10:00 AM for her weekly program Sunday Brunch.

Tell us about your first or most memorable concert.

Kate: I’m a huge Alfred Brendel fan and was lucky enough to attend many of his concerts, including one in Vienna with conductor Simon Rattle and the Vienna Philharmonic when they recorded Beethoven’s Piano Concertos 1 and 4. The collaboration between all of them was beyond incredible.

What is your go-to dish for a great breakfast/brunch with friends?

Kate: Not healthy in any way, but I’m a big fan of biscuits and gravy. They’re not a thing in New England, or Wisconsin where I grew up, so I’m making up for lost time now that I’m in Oregon.

How would you describe All Classical Radio’s Sunday Brunch?

Kate: The thing I love most is how Sunday Brunch can take you all over the world, and back and forth through time. Every week is an adventure!

Do you play an instrument?

Kate: Yes, I began studying piano when I was eight, and was a piano major in college. I was planning to be a conductor, but radio was much more fun.

You are a fan of video game music, what is it about this subgenre that speaks to you? Do you have a favorite video game/soundtrack?

Kate: Game music is very powerful. It can give you some extra confidence to do battle with a fierce enemy, or provide a meaningful context while you’re exploring an environment. One of the soundtracks I have on regular rotation is Jessica Curry’s So Let Us Melt. Its joyful choruses lift my spirits every time I listen to it.

If you were stranded on a desert island and could only bring the library of one composer, who’s catalogue would you bring with you?

Kate: It would have to be Beethoven. His music is so personal, and covers the whole range of human experience

Any advice for someone who is interested in listening to more classical music, but is not sure where to “start?”

Kate: It’s a deep ocean, to be sure! Honestly, I’d suggest listening to All Classical Radio because we present such a diverse range of music that spans centuries, and if one composer’s music isn’t doing it for you, there’ll be something else coming along that you’ll probably love. And you can find out all the details of performers and titles on the playlists on our website, and find more music by the composers you’re interested in.

Welcome Kate!

She’ll save you a seat at the Sunday Brunch table, every Sunday from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM PT on All Classical Radio.

Or stream past episodes On Demand for two weeks following each broadcast.

All Classical Radio names Fred Child as New President & CEO

All Classical Radio — Sun, 21 Dec 2025 01:24:43 +0000

All Classical Radio is thrilled to announce Fred Child as our next President and CEO, beginning January 2, 2026.

An award-winning broadcaster and arts advocate, Fred is relocating to Oregon from New York City to join the All Classical Radio team. Among his many accomplishments, he is particularly admired for his 25-year run as host of the nationally syndicated classical music radio program, Performance Today, heard on hundreds of radio stations nationwide.

“Fred has been a leader in connecting music-makers with music-lovers, and advancing access to the arts with a passion and approach that is absolutely infectious. He brings an ambitious strategic vision for our arts network, guided by a deep understanding of and appreciation for public media. We are so proud to welcome him to All Classical Radio,” says All Classical Radio Board Chair Elaine Durst.

“It is a joy to return to my hometown of Portland and an honor to join this beloved institution,” says Fred. “All Classical Radio delivers essential culture as a free global resource, and does so with a team of uniquely talented personalities. Their creativity inspires me to envision what we can do together through our shared experience of great music, outstanding performances, and engaging storytelling.”

Read more in the official press release, and stay tuned to learn more about All Classical Radio’s next chapter in the months ahead.

All Classical Radio partnered with URL Media to conduct this search.

IN THE NEWS

Thank you to KGW host Lacey Evans and the entire team for having Fred Child, All Classical Radio’s new President & CEO, on Hello, Rose City.

See all recent press coverage about this exciting announcement.

A Farewell Message from Sunday Brunch host Suzanne Nance

All Classical Radio — Thu, 18 Dec 2025 20:15:00 +0000

“Dear Friends,

As we gather for Sunday Brunch, I want to share a decision with you that comes from my heart. For the past ten years, it has been one of the great joys and honors of my life to lead All Classical Radio and to share time with you on the radio.

When I announced my departure as President & CEO earlier this year, the station invited me to continue hosting Sunday Brunch from my new home in Ireland. Since then, and as this year draws to a close, I’ve come to understand that All Classical Radio is beginning a beautiful new chapter under its next leader, and out of respect for the new CEO and the spirit of a new year and all the possibilities it brings, it feels right for me to pass the microphone.

So today, with deep gratitude and a full heart, I shared my final Sunday Brunch as your host. Listen again on demand until January 11, 2026.

It has been an honor to spend these Sunday mornings with you, to bring music into your homes and into your lives, and to be part of your routines… your breakfasts, your quiet moments, your challenges and celebrations.

To the donors and sponsors of this show, and to YOU and your fellow listeners and brunchers, I thank you for everything.”

-Suzanne Nance

Stay tuned for updates on what’s coming next for Sunday Brunch. We have a seat saved for YOU to explore more delicious music at the Sunday Brunch table in 2026!

Celebrating Two Years of Artist Anthology

Rebecca Richardson — Sat, 22 Nov 2025 15:00:00 +0000

Two years ago in October 2023, All Classical Radio launched the NEA-funded Artist Anthology, celebrating contemporary creatives of the Pacific Northwest. With the goal of capturing the lives and work of the region’s culture bearers, we’ve unveiled 42 lovingly curated artist profiles, first available online at anthology.allclassical.org and then in a limited-edition book.

Each artist profile was crafted by a team of prominent local writers and photographers who transformed their research and interactions with the artists into gorgeous storytelling and portraits. Two years into this project, we continue to witness the impact that these groundbreaking artists have on our regional communities and beyond.

Keep reading to learn more about the project’s impact, as well as read exciting updates shared directly by some of the Anthology’s featured artists.

Project Stats

42 artist profiles published online and in the limited-edition book
34 local contributors who crafted each artist profile: 21 writers; 13 photographers
Over 425 miles of the Pacific Northwest region represented
50,266 words written; 1,176 photos submitted
Over 26,000 visits to anthology.allclassical.org as of October 10, 2025
460 pages comprising the extraordinary limited-edition book

Book Release

In May 2025, All Classical released its debut published book: the stunning, limited-edition Artist Anthology. With expanded biographical features, plus additional exclusive content available only in the book, you won’t want to miss out on this collectible snapshot of regional contemporary art. There’s nothing else like it in the world.

Order your copy of the All Classical Radio Artist Anthology at shop.allclassical.org.

Artist Updates

Since their profiles were first published online between 2023-2024, we’ve heard from several of the Anthology’s featured artists on recent updates and exciting milestones around their work.

Joe Cantrell

Joe Cantrell continues to be a pillar of the community, not only by sharing his time and wisdom with local arts organizations, but also through his astounding images.

In honor of the Artist Anthology’s second anniversary, Joe writes, “I felt the need to work up a commemorative image of my own as Bolero plays on the air. I AM TEAM BOLERO if they’ll have me, and this 225,000,000-year-old Ammonite child’s name is ‘Bolero’ too.”

Photo by Jim Lommasson

Darrell Grant

Darrell Grant will be making his symphony soloist debut at the end of October, performing the world premiere of David Schiff’s Uptown/Downtown: Concerto for Piano & Orchestra with the Oregon Symphony.

Please enjoy this exclusive sneak peek at Darrell’s upcoming performance of Uptown/Downtown:

Photo by So-Min Kang

Hunter Noack

Hunter Noack’s IN A LANDSCAPE celebrated its tenth anniversary season with 49 concerts across Oregon, Washington, California, Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming.

The New York Times traveled to Oregon’s Alvord Desert and Ketchum, Idaho to highlight IN A LANDSCAPE in a feature published online and in both national and international printed papers. Other recent press includes a segment aired on PBS’ Backroads of Montana, and stories in Fox Weather, Flaunt, Success, Airmail, and C Magazine.

Forbes Magazine highlighted this season’s work with farmers, ranchers, and two culinary collaborators: An IN A LANDSCAPE ice cream flavor created in partnership with Salt & Straw’s Tyler Malek to be eaten with Scriabin’s Nocturne No. 9, available only at the Rose Garden Amphitheater concert; and picnic baskets curated by the James Beard Award–winning restaurant Kann for all Portland concerts.

In June, Hunter released his second album, IN A LANDSCAPE: LIVE, featuring eleven live recordings from the past decade of IN A LANDSCAPE concerts. Special guest artists include James Edmund Greeley and May Arden.

Photo by Arthur Hitchcock

Corinna Luyken

Corinna Luyken’s latest picture book, The Arguers, is a delightfully preposterous fairy tale about a community that forgets how to get along. Called “A charming illustrated parable about the absurdity of self-righteousness” by Maria Popova of The Marginalian, “Thoroughly enchanting, without argument” by Kirkus, and “Stangely beautiful [with] art that can be pored over time and time again” by Booklist, it was published this past summer by Rocky Pond Books of Penguin Random House.

Get a special preview of the book in the animated trailer for The Arguers on Corinna’s Instagram!

Photo by Laura Dart

Myriam Marcela

“Two years ago, I was in a very different place. I had come through a season of loss and depression, and I remember wanting to share that truth openly—because even as artists, surrounded by beauty and creativity, we can still face moments of deep struggle. I wanted others to know they weren’t alone, and that healing is possible, even when it feels far away.

“Today, I’m creating again from a place of joy and purpose. I’ve moved into a larger studio where I continue to create one-of-a-kind couture pieces. Each garment feels like a collaboration, a shared story told through fabric and form.

“I’ve also begun offering private fashion design and couture lessons, sharing the craft and techniques that have shaped my career. It’s been rewarding to connect with students who are eager to learn the art of creating with intention and excellence.

“My hope is that my story reminds others that even after the hardest seasons, beauty and purpose can return in richer, more unexpected ways. Much like the vintage pieces I take apart and bring back to life, I’ve done the same with myself—transforming what once felt broken into something entirely new and beautiful.”

Photo by Katy Weaver

Sankar Raman

Photo by Daniel Stark

Recording session at All Classical Radio; photo courtesy of Sankar Raman

“Two years ago, I wasn’t expecting much when I saw an email from All Classical Radio — Portland’s KQAC — in my inbox. I remember opening it, not realizing that it would lead to being included in their ‘Artist Anthology’ — a project celebrating groundbreaking voices from across the Pacific Northwest. What began as a simple invitation soon unfolded into a collaboration that built bridges between communities and amplified voices not often heard in classical music spaces.

“All Classical Radio launched the ‘Artist Anthology’ to highlight 40 remarkable creatives whose work shapes the cultural landscape of the Pacific Northwest. It wasn’t until the profiles began rolling out that I realized the magnitude of the company I was keeping — artists, writers, and visionaries whose contributions define the region’s creative spirit.

“There I was, featured as No. 25, humbled and a little astonished to find myself among them, wondering if I truly belonged.

“Yet being included in this collection felt like both an affirmation and an invitation — a reminder that the creative community here is broader, braver, and more inclusive than even I ever imagined. As with all of All Classical Radio’s endeavors, the project was carried out with deep intentionality, transforming recognition into an act of artistry in itself.

“On October 14 and 15, 2025, we were invited back into All Classical Radio’s brand-new, world-class studio in Portland’s iconic KOIN Tower as part of their Access Recording Project 2025. It was an incredible honor, and we were absolutely thrilled to record at All Classical’s Irving Levin Performance Hall and the James DePreist Recording Studio.

“Over the course of two full days — 10 hours in total — we enjoyed professional recording time complete with every resource a musician could dream of — all at no cost to us. The experience was made even more special by working with Portland legend Justin Phelps of The Hallowed Halls recording studio, who served as our recording engineer.

“Many of you may not know that The Immigrant Story has been collaborating for years with local artists, musicians, and composers to create some of the most heartfelt and innovative world music fusion projects. This new work is no exception, and we can’t wait for you to hear it!

“Having spent time in the James DePreist Recording Studio, I can honestly say it’s one of Portland’s finest: spacious, state-of-the-art, and staffed by some of the most talented, welcoming, and knowledgeable engineers around.

“Our upcoming album will be released soon under the recording label ‘I Am An American Live.’ Stay tuned to hear world-class music produced right here in Portland!”

Gabriel Rucker

The wonderful team at Chef Gabriel Rucker’s restaurant, Le Pigeon, will be opening a new outpost of Canard in Beaverton, Oregon in mid-October. The new location have all the Canard staples—oysters, oeufs, steam burgers, and the duck stack—alongside playful new, west side specific creations like a smoked s’more icebox cake. Dustin Cavin will be the chef de cuisine.

Learn more at canardrestaurant.com.

Photo by Christine Dong

Kim Stafford

Kim Stafford co-edited a book that contains fifty translations of his poem, “A Proclamation for Peace,” into Yoruba, Tagalog, Zapotec, Tamil, Nepali, Roma, and other languages. The book contains QR codes that empower readers to hear translations read aloud.

Photo by Daniel Stark

Takeshi Yonezawa

Takeshi Yonezawa is currently working on pieces for his first solo exhibition, which will be held in 2028 at a museum in Wyoming and will run for several months. He has been creating a new war bonnet, as well as new bonsai and skateboard pieces, and each day feels full of challenges and discoveries for the artist.

Photo by Katy Weaver

Revisit all of the profiles at anthology.allclassical.org and order the stunning book for your shelf at shop.allclassical.org.

2025 Young Artist & Composer Residencies

Kristina Becker — Wed, 24 Sep 2025 14:00:00 +0000

Dana Sparling, All Classical Radio’s 2025-2026 Young Artist in Residence. Photo by Frankie Tresser.

All Classical Radio is thrilled to announce flutist Dana Sparling as the station’s 2025-2026 Young Artist in Residence. A junior at Camas High School in Washington, Dana has played flute and clarinet since middle school. She now plays flute and piccolo with Metropolitan Youth Symphony’s Symphony Orchestra, and alto saxophone with MYS’s Symphonic Wind Ensemble.

“Through this residency, I hope to uplift other young musicians in my community by sharing young artist-focused projects on All Classical’s airwaves and online platforms,” says Dana. “I hope to build more connections within the Pacific Northwest’s classical community and gain meaningful performance experience.”

Dana will help create content for the station’s blog and digital channels, as well as perform on a future episode of Thursdays @ Three.

2025 YOUNG ARTIST AMBASSADORS

All Classical Radio’s 2025-2026 Young Artist Ambassadors. Photo by Frankie Tresser.

Dana will be joined by All Classical Radio’s new cohort of Young Artist Ambassadors for 2025-2026:

16-year-old cellist Kristen Kim from Portland, OR

16-year-old clarinetist Kaden Prichard from Oak Grove, OR

Meet our 2025-2026 Young Artist in Residence and Ambassadors.

First launched in 2019, All Classical Radio’s Young Artist in Residence program has continued to grow and flourish since its inception. In 2022, the station expanded its youth residency program with the first-of-its-kind Young Artist Ambassadors, building upon its commitment to serving youth regionally and across the country.

2025 COMPOSER IN RESIDENCE

Kirsten Volness, All Classical Radio’s 2025-2026 Composer in Residence. Photo by Rachel Hadiashar.

All Classical has also named Kirsten Volness as the station’s 2025-2026 Composer in Residence. She is known for her emotive soundscapes which integrate electronics and modern composition techniques with jazz and pop influences.

Kirsten takes inspiration from nature, myths, spirituality, and environmental and sociopolitical issues. She will help the station helm the Recording Inclusivity Initiative’s third album. Her original work, little tiny stone, full of blue fire, will be included on All Classical Radio’s third RII album in 2026.

Learn more about All Classical Radio’s award-winning Recording Inclusivity Initiative at recordinginclusivity.allclassical.org.

ABOUT

The Artists in Residence program provides young and professional musicians with opportunities for career advancement, creative development, and audience exposure. The program is a part of All Classical Radio’s initiatives dedicated to equity and inclusivity in the arts.

Access to All Classical Radio’s recording facilities
Access to the station’s digital music archives for research and development
Encouragement and support for professional development as artists
A financial award to assist with projects and performances

PAST ARTISTS IN RESIDENCE

Previous Young Artists in Residence include composer, trombonist, and vocalist Elaina Stuppler (2024); pianist and violinist Amir Avsker (2023); double bass player Maggie Carter (2022); pianist Natalie Tan (2020); and cellist Taylor Yoon (2019). The station named its first-ever Young Artist Ambassadors in 2022.

All Classical Radio’s current Artists in Residence are violinist Emily Cole and clarinetist James Shields. Previous professional Artists in Residence include pianist María García (2022-2023); flutist Adam Eccleston (2020-2021); and concert pianist Hunter Noack (2019).

Meet all of All Classical Radio’s Artists in Residence.

Access Recording Project 2025 Participants

All Classical Radio — Tue, 19 Aug 2025 14:00:00 +0000

We are thrilled to announce the inaugural participants of All Classical Radio’s Access Recording Project. The first-of-its-kind initiative will invite Pacific Northwest artists to make use of the station’s Irving Levin Performance Hall and James DePreist Recording Studio to develop creative projects and advance their careers, at no cost.

“Through the Access Recording Project, All Classical Radio is removing barriers for local creatives, artists, and organizations,” says President and CEO Suzanne Nance. “This program opens the doors to world-class opportunities — performing, recording, and documenting their work as artists, storytellers, and musicians. Our goal is to share resources that spark lasting, positive change for regional artists and our community.”

Selected from 40+ applicants by a panel of community leaders, the three awardees represent varied backgrounds, ambitions, and activities. All projects in the Access Recording Project’s pilot year will be completed in 2025.

Read on to meet the visionary participating creatives and learn about their projects, in their own words. Find out more about the Access Recording Project in the official press release.

All Classical Radio’s Access Recording Project is made possible by a generous grant from the Oregon Cultural Trust.

The Immigrant Story

Known for documenting and sharing stories about immigrants living in the Pacific Northwest to promote empathy and advance inclusivity in our communities, the Immigrant Story will use the station’s studios to produce a high-quality recording of an inspiring commission. Fusing traditional sounds of South West Asia with Western Classical music, their still unnamed groundbreaking 45-minute work is a powerful cross-cultural expression of community and creativity.

“At The Immigrant Story, we ask: what becomes of the traditions immigrants carry with them? Do they remain unchanged, quietly preserved? Do they fade away? Or do they evolve—fusing with new influences, passed to the next generation, and reimagined into something profoundly original? In this work, we witness that transformation: where Indian classical and Western classical traditions meet, not to replace one another, but to create something entirely new—something born of many cultures, yet rooted here. It is a shared creation, uniquely ours, and deeply worth cherishing,” says Sankar Raman, Founder and Board President of the Immigrant Story.

Nikita Istratov

18-year-old award-winning instrumentalist Nikita Istratov has been playing the piano since the age of 6. Now in his first year of college, he will perform and record a recital in All Classical’s Irving Levin Performance Hall, showcasing the music of Sofia Gubaidulina. He aims to draw greater attention to the achievements of women composers in classical music. The program will explore Gubaidulina’s innovative harmonic language and traditional musical forms, and how 19th-century romantic Slavic cultural elements influenced her music. Nikita’s recital will showcase Gubaidulina’s Chaconne (1962), her most significant work for solo piano and her first commissioned work.

Nikita shares: “As a young musician, collaborating with a major arts organization like All Classical Radio is an exciting opportunity to amplify my artistic voice. This project allows me to bring greater attention to an intriguing composer I’ve recently discovered, and to generally advocate for broader recognition of female classical composers. I’m grateful to All Classical Radio for helping me to realize my vision. The Access Recording Project supports my mission of connecting with larger audiences and sharing, through musical performance, perspectives that I believe deserve to be heard.”

nonesuch.reedquintet

Based in Eugene, OR, the nonesuch.reedquintet is a professional chamber ensemble dedicated to inspiring the next generation of music students. Studio time will be used to record music for a new children’s book designed to stimulate curiosity and participation in their music and arts education efforts. Jimbo’s Dreamland includes narration set to music by beloved composers including George Gershwin and Claude Debussy, performed by the quintet. The book will feature words and artwork by a commissioned children’s book author and illustrator based in the Pacific Northwest.

“The resources provided by All Classical Radio’s Access Recording Project offer us a valuable opportunity to realize a core component of our project, Jimbo’s Dreamland,” says David Kwek, founding member and Board Secretary of nonesuch.reedquintet.

“Our mission to provide accessible music education is strengthened by the work we’ve done—and will continue to do—in schools across the Pacific Northwest and beyond. The publication of Jimbo’s Dreamland will enable nonesuch.reedquintet to expand our reach to classrooms around the world.”

Stay tuned for more updates on these projects and behind-the-scenes looks as these talented creatives bring their ideas to life using All Classical Radio’s Hall and studios.

Learn more about the Access Recording Project at allclassical.org/access-recording-project.