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Small but Mighty

May 10, 2025, 7:00 pm

Sounds Classical hosts LaRob K. Rafael and Kristina Lynn (Photo: Mike Grittani for WFMT)

In the 21st century classical landscape, more and more composers are stepping away from large symphonic writing and diving into the ways one can make effective and meaningful sounds with smaller ensembles. Join the hosts for a playlist of great chamber works!

Playlist

Alex Shapiro: Perpetual Spark
Fifth House Ensemble
Cedille CDR-90000148

Judd Greenstein: City Boy
NOW Ensemble
New Amsterdam NWAM-064

Bryce Dessner: Murder Ballades – “Dark Holler”
eighth blackbird
Cedille CDR-90000157

Lauren McCall: A Spark and a Glimmer
Caitlin Edwards, v; Nancy Ives, vc; Monica Ohuchi, p
Navona NV-6456

Eric Ewazen: Colchester Fantasy
IV. Finale, “The Red Lion”
American Brass Quintet
Summit DCD-133

James Stephenson: Colors
III. “Green”
Alex Klein, ob; John Bruce Yeh, cl; Chicago Pro Musica
Cedille CDR-90000176

Jlin: Perspective
VI. “Duality”
Third Coast Percussion
Cedille CDR-90000210

Anna Meredith: Bubble Gun
Jess Gillam, sx; Jess Gillam Ensemble
Decca 4851062

Meet the Hosts

LaRob K. Rafael joined the WFMT announcing staff in 2020 as a fill-in host and became WFMT’s full-time weekend morning host and producer in Fall of 2021. A Bass-Baritone from the DMV area (Maryland), 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 Lyric Opera of Chicago, La Caccina (a professional women’s ensemble), Black Opera Alliance, Black Administrators of Opera, and Sphinx Organization to name a few. He is the Founder and Artistic Director of Hearing in Color and combines his experience and research to change the predominantly white, European, male classical canon.

Kristina Lynn is a producer and host at WFMT, presenting both Sounds Classical with LaRob K. Rafael, and Evening Music on Friday nights. She has hosted live performances and artist interviews with the Rush Hour Concerts and has done voiceover work for the WFMT Radio Network. With an easygoing approach, 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 has previously worked in radio production at both WFMT and at WQXR in New York.

Listening to Singers with Oliver Camacho

Listening to Singers with Oliver Camacho

Small but Mighty

Playlist