Listen Stories

Each December, the Center for Faith and Life at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa, rings out with the sacred and the exuberant: the sounds of the Christmas season.

Leonard Bernstein composed ‘West Side Story’ more than 70 years ago — today, we examine that vibrant work through the lens of two jazz artists, drummer Bobby Sanabria and saxophonist Ted Nash.

In this week’s New Classical Tracks, conductor Eric Jacobsen and violinist Christina Courtin collaborate with their orchestra, the Knights, for the new album ‘Before Christmas.’

Sondheim, who died Nov. 26, was the lyricist and composer who gave us Sweeney Todd, Into the Woods and other shows. In 2010 he spoke about his writing process, from rhyming to finding the right note.

In this week’s New Classical Tracks, pianist Emanuel Ax teams up with longtime friend and collaborator Yo-Yo Ma to re-record Beethoven's cello sonatas for their new album, Hope Amid Tears.

Lynne Warfel, host of Saturday Cinema, takes you on a one-hour musical retrospective of some of Hollywood's most cherished Christmas themed movies. Including scores from "Scrooge, the Musical", "A Muppet Christmas Carol", "The Polar Express", "It's A Wonderful Life" and many more.

The sounds of the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square floated into many homes during the holidays in the '60s & '70s on Goodyear and Firestone albums, bringing lush renditions of favorite Christmas carols. Those warm memories and feelings come right back again in this holiday special.

Julie Amacher and Tesfa Wondemagegnehu host this uplifting Christmas special that features Black music and composers. A 'Soulful Christmas' celebrates classical music by Black artists, while exploring spirituals, gospel music, jazz and other Black musical traditions.

'Welcome Christmas' is a perennial Christmas favorite from VocalEssence, one of the world's premier choral ensembles, conducted by Philip Brunelle. Join host John Birge for an hour of traditional carols and new discoveries, including compositions and arrangements by John Rutter, Stephen Paulus, Alice Parker and more.

In 1970, Stephen Sondheim's comic musical “Company” broke most of the conventions of American musical theater. Now, a newly restored documentary goes inside the making of the original cast album.