Sounds Classical with Kristina and LaRobSeason 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

La Caccina

March 22, 2025, 7:00 pm

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.

Classical Sounds Electric

March 29, 2025, 7:00 pm

LaRob and Kristina continue their exploration of where we find new and innovative sounds in the classical sphere. This week they shine a light on music with some electrifying elements.

Sounds Classical Playlist Vol. 2

March 15, 2025

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 Monáe, Will Gregory, the Kruger Brothers, and more!

The all female brass quintet Seraph Brass recording a performance at WFMT's Levin Studio. The lights are mixed purple and blue. The hosts for Sounds Classical sit in two chairs to the left of the ensemble, observing them.

Seraph Brass & Kristina’s Brass Faves

March 8, 2025

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

Classical Music Movie Review

March 1, 2025

Hosts Kristina Lynn and LaRob K. Rafael welcome film critic Michael Phillips and music journalist Hannah Edgar to how classical music is portrayed (and received) in recent films like Maestro and Tár.

Classical Sounds Hip-Hop with Steve Wallace

February 22, 2025

LaRob and Kristina continue their “Classical Sounds” series. On this week’s program, explore how the worlds of hip-hop and classical music intersect with the help of singer, composer, and producer Steve Wallace.

D-Composed

February 15, 2025

Kristina and LaRob invite the all-Black music collective D-Composed into the studio for a live performance and a closer look at their mission: amplifying the music of Black composers and sharing that history with communities!

The Music of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

February 8, 2025

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

black and white portrait of Margaret Bonds wearing white hat

Sounds like the Harlem Renaissance

February 1, 2025

Join the hosts of Sounds Classical as they take a dive into the breadth of art-making during the Harlem Renaissance and its impact on the classical world. Discover how Margaret Bonds brought her connections to Langston Hughes with her to Chicago and much more!

Where is Today’s Mozart?

January 25, 2025

Conductor and educator Michael Lewanski returns to Sounds Classical for an intriguing conversation with LaRob and Kristina, as they explore the idea of “Where is Today’s Mozart?” Recognizing the changes in classical music and the advancement in technology, Michael and the hosts make some interesting discoveries.

A Catalyst for Change

January 18, 2025

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.

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

January 11, 2025

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.

Composer and cellist Andrea Casarrubios poses with her cello by her side. She is looking down on the instrument with a soft expression and wearing a pink dress.

Who Got Next? Vol. 4

January 4, 2025

Sounds Classical’s Who Got Next? series continues this week with a playlist of talented composers and performers of today: folks who are making waves in the classical music world.

Golden fireworks exploding in a dark sky.

Best of 2024

December 28, 2024

With another year come and gone, LaRob K. Rafael and Kristina Lynn share a playlist of their favorite recordings released in 2024.

A bright red male Northern Cardinal sits perched on a branch in the falling snow .

Holiday Music Around the World

December 21, 2024

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!

Classical Sounds Disney: Part 2

December 14, 2024

Kristina and LaRob are back with more sounds that served as the building blocks for their love of the classical genre: Disney music! There’s so much more to explore in playlists of familiar animated favorites, as well as some unexpected additions.

Sounds Classical Playlist Vol. 5

December 7, 2024

Join hosts LaRob and Kristina for the fifth installment of their “Sounds Classical Playlist” series! You know the drill: the program will feature a playlist full of music that bridges that gap between classical music and other musical genres.

Classical Sounds: Americana

November 30, 2024

Kristina and LaRob share a playlist of classical music infused with elements from Americana including traditional musical styles like blues, gospel, folk and country.

Who Got Next Vol. 5 (ft. Curtis Stewart)

November 23, 2024

Kristina and LaRob share a playlist of their favorite composers taking the classical field by storm. They also share from an interview with composer and violinist Curtis Stewart.

Sounds like the Harlem Renaissance

November 16, 2024

D-Composed

November 9, 2024

Classical Sounds: Disney

November 2, 2024

On this week’s episode, LaRob and Kristina explore the sounds of their childhood and the composers who made the magic happen.

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 Lori Julian for the Julian Family Foundation, Sylvia Furner, a lifelong WFMT listener, and by the generous support of WFMT members.

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