Sounds Classical with LaRob K. Rafael and Kristina Lynn

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

John Jeter – Fort Smith Symphony Music Director

June 9, 2023, 8:00 pm

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?

June 2, 2023

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.

Kishi Bashi

May 26, 2023

On this episode of Sounds Classical, Kristina and LaRob talk with singer, multi-instrumentalist, and songwriter Kaoru Ishibashi (Kishi Bashi) about his uniquely cinematic composition, classical influences, and the importance of storytelling in music!

Dr. Joseph Legaspi

May 19, 2023

On this episode of Sounds Classical, Kristina and LaRob hear from leading expert in Filipino Art Music, Dr. Joseph Legaspi as he delves into the rich history and catalog of Filipino music, stories and composers like Nicanor Abelardo, Ryan Cayabyab, and Constancio de Guzman.

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

May 12, 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!

EcoVoice and “Mass for the Endangered”

April 28, 2023

On this week’s episode, LaRob and Kristina welcome two special guests to explore the crossover between classical music and climate change activism. Singer and conductor Kirsten Hedegaard discusses her work in this sphere, including her EcoVoice Project, and composer Sarah Kirkland Snider shares the environmental impetus for creating her work Mass for the Endangered.

No Sounds Classical | WFMT Spring Membership Drive

April 21, 2023

Donate to Classical WFMT so we can keep bringing you Sounds Classical and other great programming! Call (773) 279-2100 or visit wfmt.com/donate.

WFMT Spring Membership Drive!

April 14, 2023

Join LaRob and Kristina for WFMT membership drive edition of Sounds Classical! They’ll chat about what it means to be part of the WFMT story, how Sounds Classical came to be, and what the future holds for classical music. Make your pledge of support and help this art form thrive for years to come. Call 773-279-2100 or make a gift online at wfmt.com.

topiary animals, mother natures head and hand in a pool

A Playlist for the Planet

April 7, 2023

Join Kristina and LaRob as they explore a playlist of music curated for the Earth. Pieces by Howard Shore, Frank Ticheli, and Joseph Curiale help further a discussion about the role and connection humans have to the planet on which we reside.

What Was Your First Experience with Classical Music?

March 31, 2023

Kristina and LaRob reflect on the lasting impact pieces of like Schubert's "Erlkönig" and Brahms's Symphony No. 3.

Sounds Classical Playlist: Volume I.

March 24, 2023

Join hosts LaRob and Kristina as they dive into their first Sounds Classical Playlist, with a myriad of tunes that sound classical to them!

Mary Elizabeth Bowden on what Sounds Classical

March 17, 2023

Renowned trumpeter Mary Elizabeth Bowden joins LaRob & Kristina for a live performance and conversation regarding her career and the future of classical music.

Album Spotlight: Anna Clyne’s Mythologies

March 10, 2023

Composer Anna Clyne joins Kristina and LaRob as they shine a spotlight on her 2020 album, Mythologies. The album is filled with intriguing and imaginative classical sounds: Anna articulates her inspirations, while the hosts share what drew them to the album.

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

February 24, 2023

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.

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

February 17, 2023

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

“Sounds like Love”… on Sounds Classical

February 10, 2023

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.

Sounds Classical: Taiwo Adegoke

February 3, 2023

When we think of classical repertoire, we often think of works that come from western countries like Germany, Italy and France. But what about Western Africa? LaRob K. Rafael and Kristina Lynn sat down with Nigerian composer, arranger and classical guitarist, Taiwo Adegoke to talk about his contributions to the canon… and how he’s ensuring his country and classical guitar ...

Versus: Mozart v Salieri

January 27, 2023

Join LaRob and Kristina on a lighthearted but cutthroat musical showdown between the two composers to determine who really reigns supreme and why.

The Music of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

January 13, 2023

In this episode of Sounds Classical, Kristina and LaRob honor Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by exploring some of incredible music he has inspired. Celebrate MLK day by engaging with his philosophy and message through music: including works by Duke Ellington, Stevie Wonder, and Adolphus Hailstork!

LaRob and Kristina Play Show and Tell

January 6, 2023

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

Classical Faves from 2022!

December 30, 2022

In honor of the end of the year, LaRob K. Rafael and Kristina Lynn share some of their favorite musical moments of 2022 including newly released recordings of music by Leonard Bernstein, Jessie Montgomery, and Joseph Bologne. Together they recount the range of musical highlights from the year 2022.

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 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. 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.

Fridays at 8:00 pm

Sounds Classical is made possible, in part by, Lori Julian for the Julian Family Foundation, by Sylvia Furner, and by the members of the WFMT Fine Arts Circle.

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