Season 2 Begins April 6

Fresh perspectives on classical music sounds

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.

Upcoming Episodes
Latest Episodes

Seraph Brass & Kristina’s Brass Faves

May 4, 2024, 7:00 pm

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

The World of Video Game Music

May 11, 2024, 7:00 pm

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.

A Catalyst for Change

May 18, 2024, 7:00 pm

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.

Sounds Classical Playlist Vol. 4

April 27, 2024

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!

Have You Heard? (Album Spotlight: Louis Wayne Ballard)

April 20, 2024

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.

An abstract painting of a bald jazz singer singing, with piano keys, brass instruments, and bright splashes of paint in the background.

Classical Sounds Jazz Playlist

April 13, 2024

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, Antonin in black and white photo

Classical Music Faves and Why People Love Them

April 6, 2024

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!

Photo Source: https://catalystquartet.com/bio

Catalyst Quartet: Redefining Classical

March 30, 2024

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.

La Caccina

March 23, 2024

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.

Sounds Classical Volume II Playlist

March 16, 2024

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!

brightly lit movie theater marquee with car light streaks passing in front

At the Movies with Michael Phillips

March 9, 2024

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!

“The Church Says Amen: Music of the Black Church”

March 2, 2024

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.

Trumpet & Voice

February 23, 2024

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

“Sounds like Love”… on Sounds Classical

February 16, 2024

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.

“Who Got Next?”: Black Composers of the 21st Century

February 9, 2024

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

Portrait: John Jeter smiles wearing a suit

John Jeter – Fort Smith Symphony Music Director

February 2, 2024

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.

Sounds Classical hosts LaRob K. Rafael and Kristina Lynn

What Do You Think of When You Think of Classical Music?

January 26, 2024

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.

Who Got Next Vol. 3: Latin American/Hispanic Composers

January 19, 2024

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 ...

The Music of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

January 12, 2024

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

Nico Muhly in his composing studio, digital keyboard, sheet music, and large computer monitor on his desk, smiling, leaning on his right elbow; wearing black coat over grey-blue t-shirt.

21st Century Composers YOU Should Know About

January 5, 2024

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 ...

Best of 2023!

December 29, 2023

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!

holiday image: a bell with sheet music and pine needles

Holiday Music Around the World

December 22, 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!

Who Got Next? Vol. II: Asian Composers of the 21st Century

December 15, 2023

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!

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.

Saturdays at 7:00 pm

Sounds Classical is made possible, in part by, the Walder Foundation, by Lori Julian for the Julian Family Foundation, Sylvia Furner, and by the generous support of WFMT members.

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