SOUNDS CLASSICAL | A new weekly series on WFMT hosted by Kristina Lynn and LaRob K. Rafael offers fresh perspectives on classical music sounds | FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2022 – 8:00 PM

By WFMT |

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CHICAGO – November 14, 2022 – WFMT classical radio will premiere a new 60-minute weekly series, SOUNDS CLASSICAL, beginning Friday, December 9, 2022 at 8:00 pm on 98.7WFMT and streaming on wfmt.com and the WFMT app.

In this innovative and immersive radio program, Sounds Classical hosts Kristina Lynn and LaRob K. Rafael present a range of musical works inclusive of well-known composers and new discoveries alike. The program will feature surprising and personal takes, lean-in interviews and exciting new works composed and performed, in many cases, by local artists. Along the way, the hosts will share lively and insightful commentary, providing context for the listener that makes this beautiful and dynamic art form fresh and accessible.

“We are hoping to surface and share new ideas, and bring those memorable sounds we know and love into a 21st century conversation,” said LaRob K. Rafael. “This series is less about needing to define what classical sounds are, and more about listening for what sounds classical,” said Kristina Lynn.

“WFMT is excited to launch this new series that we hope will deepen our connection with our core audience and serve as a welcoming on-ramp for new listeners who are curious about classical music,” said WFMT General Manager George Preston.

In the December 9 premiere episode, the hosts explore the sounds of Ludwig van Beethoven, Max Richter, Carlo Gesualdo, and Michael Abels, among others, to discover how the ever-changing and ever-expanding world around us can influence modern-day experiences with classical music. Kristina and LaRob also chat with Sounds Classical theme-music composer Caitlin Edwards, a classically trained violinist, arranger, recording artist, and teacher based in Chicago.

Future episodes will include the hosts’ first experiences with classical music and the beauty and intricacies of their chosen instruments (trumpet and voice); a performance and conversation with trumpeter Mary Elizabeth Bowden; a conversation with Nigerian composer and classical guitarist Taiwo Adegoke; holiday music as experienced by WFMT hosts and producers; and a selection of the best musical moments from 2022.

About Kristina Lynn
Kristina is the Operations Coordinator at WFMT and joined the announcing staff in 2020. She has hosted live performances and artist interviews with the Rush Hour Concerts and has done voiceover work for the WFMT Radio Network. Kristina aims to welcome all types of listeners to classical music and explore the art form from a 21st-century perspective. She holds a Bachelor of Music degree specializing in Trumpet Performance from DePaul University. Before announcing at WFMT, she previously worked in radio production at WQXR in New York.

About LaRob K. Rafael
LaRob joined the WFMT announcing staff in 2020 and became WFMT’s full-time weekend morning host and producer in fall 2021. A bass-baritone, LaRob has been involved with music since childhood and is a graduate of DePaul University, where he studied vocal performance. He has since gone on to work with arts organizations including the Lyric Opera of Chicago, La Caccina, the Black Opera Alliance, the Black Administrators of Opera, and the Sphinx Organization. He is also the Founder and Artistic Director of Hearing in Color.

WFMT is one of the world’s most respected classical music radio stations, accessible via broadcast at 98.7FM, streaming live at wfmt.com, and on the WFMT app. Recognized for trusted hosted programming, immersive live performances and concerts, strong partnerships with community organizations and championing young, local musicians and access to the arts, WFMT spotlights inspiring music, musicians, and musical performances from Chicago and around the world including the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Chicago Sinfonietta, Lyric Opera of Chicago, the New York Philharmonic, and many more. Connect with WFMT on Facebook and Twitter.

SOUNDS CLASSICAL is made possible, in part, by Sylvia Furner and WFMT members. 

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