In times of duress, history shows that humanity turns to music for serenity and an escape from the challenges of life. Moreover, music has been used as a medium for expressing discontent and inspiring unity. Hosts LaRob K. Rafael and Kristina Lynn share a playlist of music written as a catalyst for societal change.

Kristina Lynn and LaRob K. Rafael explore the emotional depth and innovation found in wide world of video game music, including iconic scores and sounds from games likes Super Mario Bros. and Tetris, as well as more modern games likes Ghost Giant and Godfall.

Hosts LaRob K. Rafael and Kristina Lynn welcome the all-women brass ensemble, Seraph Brass, to the studio for live performances and conversation about the group’s mission. In addition, Kristina shares some of her favorite brass moments in classical music

In this episode, Kristina and LaRob give you another playlist of handpicked compositions that showcase the diverse nature of classical influences woven into modern music! Tune in for music from Mason Bates, Jennifer Thomas, and Xavier Foley!

Kristina and LaRob sit down with two influential voices in classical music. Composer Jerod Impichcha̱achaaha’ Tate and Conductor John Jeter talk with our hosts about the importance of native contributions to classical music. We’ll hear from an album of works by Louis W. Ballard, the first Native symphonic composer.

LaRob and Kristina share a playlist that embarks on a musical exploration of the intricate interplay between jazz and classical music, sharing examples of where these two seemingly disparate worlds weave into a harmonious tapestry.

Dvořák and Mozart have some pretty popular music. What makes these classical hits so impactful? Join Kristina and LaRob in a fun look and listen at some of the world’s most famous classical pieces as they highlight moments that stand out to them!

Hosts Kristina Lynn and LaRob K. Rafael are joined by members of the Catalyst Quartet, Karla Donehew Perez and Paul Laraia, to discuss their initiative to redefine and reimagine classical music in the 21st century through their programming.

On this episode of Sounds Classical, our hosts are joined by Chicago-based, treble vocal ensemble La Caccina to discuss their thoughts about the importance of treble music and their mission to diversify choral repertoire to be more inclusive of stories of women! They perform several works from recently released album – BECOMING.

Join Hosts LaRob K. Rafael and Kristina Lynn as they share the second volume of their “Sounds Classical” Playlist. They explore music where R&B, Jazz, Culture, and Classical collide with selections from Janelle Monae, Will Gregory, the Kruger Brothers, and more!

On this week’s episode of Sounds Classical, Kristina and LaRob are joined by Chicago Tribune film critic Michael Phillips for a trip to the movies! They discuss what makes a great film score, some of the most iconic and important film score composers! Grab your popcorn and enjoy this movie music montage episode!

On this episode of Sounds Classical, Kristina and LaRob peer inside of the Black Church to explore the history, spirit, and importance of the sounds within. LaRob shares a bit of its history and music transformation, while exploring the power of this music in the 21st century.

Our hosts share, with each other and the audience, their favorite aspects and recordings of their respective instruments: trumpet and voice.

What do you hear when you think of love? The sound of birds chirping? Sweeping melodies? Or maybe Dean Martin singing “That’s Amore?” On this episode of Sounds Classical, Kristina and LaRob explore music that makes them swoon, and share romantic themes in classical repertoire that give us all butterflies.

LaRob and Kristina showcase the Daniel Kidane, Xavier Foley, Jasmine Barnes, Gretchen Yanover, and other composers “who got next!”

LaRob K. Rafael and Kristina Lynn talk with conductor John Jeter, music director of Arkansas’s Fort Smith Symphony, about his work to affect change in expanding classical music programming.

We revisit the premiere episode of Sounds Classical, when LaRob and Kristina set off on an exploration of the ever-changing and ever-expanding world of classical music.

This week’s episode is the third volume in Sounds Classical’s “Who Got Next?” series! Kristina and LaRob get together to see if there are Latin American composers writing engaging music in the 21st century and the answer is, of course there are! Join the two hosts as they sample music from composers like Felipe Pérez Santiago, Keyla Orozco, Iván Enrique …

Celebrate MLK Day by engaging with his philosophy and message through music: including works by Duke Ellington, Stevie Wonder, and Adolphus Hailstork!

Sound Classical is often built around music that blends and merges styles. But who are these brilliant musicians and composers creating this music? Hosts Kristina Lynn and LaRob K. Rafael are always on the hunt for new music and composers to share, and on this week’s episode, they want to ask listeners: have you heard of composers like Alexis Ffrench …

Kristina and LaRob look back on their first year of “Sounds Classical”,  including their favorite interview moments, and favorite music that was released in 2023!

Kristina and LaRob explore how the holidays sound all over the world. Enjoy Christmas (and other holiday) Music from Africa, Spain, and even the Philippines!

In this episode of Sounds Classical, LaRob and Kristina showcase the composers “who got next!” Showcasing a playlist of their favorite composers who have been active in the last 20 years, evolving the genre as we know it, including Reena Esmail, Chen Yi, Vijay Iyer, and Viet Cuong!

Join Kristina Lynn and LaRob K. Rafael as they celebrate Sounds Classical’s first birthday by looking back at interviews, playlists, and other favorite moments from the show.

Kristina and LaRob sit down for an informal listening party with composer, violinist, and CSO Mead Composer in Residence, Jessie Montgomery. She shares her musical inspirations, music she wishes she composed herself, and gives some insight into the life of a composer in the 21st century!