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

topiary animals, mother natures head and hand in a pool

A Playlist for the Planet

July 19, 2025, 7:00 pm

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.

Who Got Next Vol. I: Black Composers of the 21st Century

July 26, 2025, 7:00 pm

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

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

July 12, 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.

The World of Video Game Music

July 5, 2025

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.

Dvořák, Antonin in black and white photo

Classical Music Faves

June 28, 2025

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!

Man in colorful print suit coat and white shirt against a green verdant backgroudn

Sounds like LaRob’s Vocal Faves w/ Davóne Tines

June 21, 2025

Hosts LaRob and Kristina chat with Bass-Baritone Davóne Tines about his work as a new age bass-baritone and his new album ROBESON. LaRob also shares some of his favorite vocal moments in classical music.

Kristina and LaRob pose behind a brick wall and a sign that reads "WFMT & The Radio Network"

Have You Heard (Albums of Note)

June 14, 2025

Kristina and LaRob go through some of their favorite classical music albums, and discuss why they are a MUST listen.

Sounds Like Heavy Metal (with Rachel Barton Pine)

June 7, 2025

Renowned violinist Rachel Barton Pine joins LaRob and Kristina in the studio to talk about one of her very favorite genres of music… heavy metal! The group discusses the intersectionality of classical music and metal, and the influences of classical music in famous metal songs. Rachel even demonstrates how to play classic metal techniques on the violin!

black and white portrait of Margaret Bonds wearing white hat

New Sounds of the Past

May 31, 2025

This week, Kristina and LaRob share an intriguing playlist of recently discovered or rediscovered works in classical music.

Classical Music Faves

May 28, 2025

Portrait: John Jeter smiles wearing a suit

John Jeter – Fort Smith Symphony Music Director

May 24, 2025

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.

Music for Children

May 17, 2025

When you think of your childhood, what music comes to mind? This week, LaRob and Kristina invite listeners both young and young-at-heart to enjoy a playlist of classical music written especially for kids.

Sounds Classical hosts LaRob K. Rafael and Kristina Lynn

Small but Mighty

May 10, 2025

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!

beach with Chicago skyline in the background

Sounds Like Chicago

May 3, 2025

Sounds Classical’s Season 3 premiere features a playlist honoring our homebase: Chicago. Tune in for music inspired by the Windy City, including works by Shawn E. Okpebholo, Sofiane Pamart, Tomeka Reid, and more.

Sounds Classical Playlist Vol. 4

April 26, 2025

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!

EcoVoice and “Mass for the Endangered”

April 19, 2025

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.

Kishi Bashi

April 12, 2025

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!

Comedy & Classical Music with Robbie Ellis

April 5, 2025

On this week’s episode, Kristina and LaRob welcome fellow classical radio host Robbie Ellis to the show to discuss his work as a comedy songwriter and explore the intersections of comedy and classical music. Tune in for an entertaining playlist showing the silly side of classical music.

Classical Sounds Electric

March 29, 2025

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.

La Caccina

March 22, 2025

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 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

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.

Weekend Mornings

Weekend Mornings

Sounds Classical with Kristina and LaRobSeason 2 Begins April 6

Fresh perspectives on classical music sounds

A Playlist for the Planet

Who Got Next Vol. I: Black Composers of the 21st Century

Classical Sounds Jazz Playlist

The World of Video Game Music

Classical Music Faves

Sounds like LaRob’s Vocal Faves w/ Davóne Tines

Have You Heard (Albums of Note)

Sounds Like Heavy Metal (with Rachel Barton Pine)

New Sounds of the Past

Classical Music Faves

John Jeter – Fort Smith Symphony Music Director

Music for Children

Small but Mighty

Sounds Like Chicago

Sounds Classical Playlist Vol. 4

EcoVoice and “Mass for the Endangered”

Kishi Bashi

Comedy & Classical Music with Robbie Ellis

Classical Sounds Electric

La Caccina

Sounds Classical Playlist Vol. 2

Seraph Brass & Kristina’s Brass Faves

Meet the Hosts

Saturdays at 7:00 pm

recent podcasts