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KWUR Saturday opera broadcasts, May-July 2012

George Y. — Sat, 12 May 2012 19:53:40 +0000

KWUR has received a bunch of new historic Metropolitan Opera recordings as part of their next wave of CD issues of archived Met performances some months back. In keeping with the first experiment of summer opera broadcasts last summer, I'm going to try it again this summer, if all goes well. It'll be a mix of mostly the Met recordings with other issues. There's a heavy emphasis in the Met issues on Verdi, for some reason, since his bicentenary isn't until next year. That aside, here's the tentative schedule, starting Saturday mornings at 11 AM:

(1) Sat. May 26, double bill:

(a) Stephen Sondheim: Sweeney Todd, Act 2. Len Cariou (Sweeney Todd), Angela Lansbury (Mrs. Lovett), Victor Garber (Anthony Hope), Ken Jennings (Tobias Ragg), Merle Louise (Beggar Woman), Edmund Lyndeck (Judge Turpin), Sarah Rice (Johanna), Joaquin Romaguera (Pirelli), Jack Eric Williams (Beadle Bamford). Orchestra and Chorus; Paul Gemigiani, conductor (RCA CBL2-3379)

(b) Leoncavallo: Pagliacci. Anselmo Colzani (Tonio), Franco Corelli (Canio), Franco Ghitti (Beppe), Lucine Amara (Nedda), Calvin Marsh (Silvio). Metropolitan Opera Chorus and Orchestra; Nello Santi, conductor (Sony Classical 8691-90999-2)

(2) Sat. June 2: Verdi: Ernani. Carlo Bergonzi (Ernani), Leontyne Price (Elvira), Cornell MacNeil (Don Carlo), Carlotta Ordassy (Giovanna), Giorgio Tozzi (Don Ruy Gomez de Silva), Roald Reitan (Jago), Robert Nagy (Don Riccardo). Metropolitan Opera Chorus and Orchestra; Thomas Schippers, conductor (Sony Classical 8691-90996-2)

(3) Sat. June 9: Verdi: Luisa Miller. Sherill Milnes (Miller), Montserrat Caballe (Luisa), Nancy Williams (Laura), Richard Tucker (Rodolfo), Ezio Flagello (Wurm), Giorgio Tozzi (Count Walter), Louise Pearl (Federica), Lou Marcella (Peasant). Metropolitan Opera Chorus and Orchestra; Thomas Schippers, conductor (Sony Classical 8691-90994-2)

(4) Sat. June 16: Mascagni: Cavalleria Rusticana. Richard Tucker (Turiddu), Eileen Farrell (Santuzza), Lili Chookasian (Mamma Lucia), Cesare Bardelli (Alfio), Mildred Miller (Lola). Metropolitan Opera Chorus and Orchestra; Nello Santi, conductor (Sony Classical 8691-90999-2)

(5) Sat. June 23: Rossini: Il Signor Bruschino. Alessandro Codeluppi (Florville), Maurizio Leoni (Gaudenzio), Elena Rossi (Sofia), Dario Giorgele (Signor Bruschino), Antonio Marani (Filiberto), Clara Giangaspero (Marianna), Massimilano Barbolini (Bruschino Figlio), Vito Martino (Commissario). I Virtuosi Italiani; Claudio Desderi, conductor (Naxos 8.660128)

(6) Sat. June 30: Verdi: Un ballo in maschera. Giorgio Tozzi (Samuel), Norman Scott (Tom), Roberta Peters (Oscar), Jan Peerce (Riccardo), Robert Merrill (Renato), James McCracken (Judge), Marian Anderson (Ulrica), Zinka Milanov (Amelia), Calvin Marsh (Silvano), Charles Anthony (Servant). Metropolitan Opera Chorus and Orchestra; Dmitri Mitropoulos, conductor (Sony Classical 8697-91002-2)

(7) Sat. July 7: Verdi: Il trovatore. William WIlderman (Ferrando), Teresa Stratas (Ines), Leontyne Price (Leonora), Mario Sereni (Count di Luna), Franco Corelli (Manrico), Irene Dalis (Azucena), Carlo Tomanelli (Gypsy), Robert Nagy (Messenger), Charles Anthony (Ruiz). Metropolitan Opera Chorus and Orchestra; Fausto Cleva, conductor (Sony Classical 8697-91006-2)

(8) Sat. July 14: Donizetti: L'elisir d'amore. Carlo Bergonzi (Nemorino), Roberta Peters (Adina), Fernando Corena (Dulcamara), Frank Guerrera (Belcore), Loretta di Franco (Gianetta). Metropolitan Opera Chorus and Orchestra; Thomas Schippers, conductor (Sony Classical 8691-90991-2)

(9) Sat. July 21: Verdi: Don Carlo. Justino Diaz (A Friar), Franco Corelli (Don Carlo), Nicolae Herlea (Rodrigo), Marcia Baldwin (Tebaldo), Irene Dalis (Princess Eboli), Leonie Rysanek (Elisabeth of Valois), Giorgio Tozzi (Philip II), Robert Nagy (Herald), Junetta Jones (Celestial Voice), Gabor Carelli (Count of Lerma), Hermann Uhde (Grand Inquisitor). Metropolitan Opera Chorus and Orchestra; Kurt Adler, conductor (Sony Classical 8691-91004-2)

More may follow in August. Thanks for reading.

KWUR Week Rages On!

Robert Ling, III — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 19:21:56 +0000

KWUR Week is two shows deep now and shows no signs of stopping! If you missed out on Monday's show featuring D. Watusi opening for Mikal Cronin then ya blew it. Here's a blog post with some pictures that covers the Mikal Cronin show. If you were there and dug it, be sure to check out Eleven Magazine's Mikal Cronin cover piece, out and around St Louis now!

Don't miss out on the rest of the action! Details on the next two shows including Jazz and the Mountain Goats on our Facebook event here.

Spring is here and so is KWUR WEEK 2012!

Hatmaster — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 21:24:21 +0000

Get extremely excited.

More information under the KWUR WEEK tab on this very website or on Facebook.

Support KWUR in the SU Elections March 6th and 7th!

Robert Ling, III — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 20:15:51 +0000

To students of Washington University:

Hey! You like KWUR? Well it's time for you to prove it! KWUR is staring down the barrel of a gang of expensive projects, so we're appealing directly to the students we are and serve to support us. To support KWUR, please go to su.wustl.edu/vote Tuesday, March 6, 2012, 8:00.am – Wednesday, March.7, 4:00.p.m. and approve KWUR's Block Funding appeal for the 2012-2013 fiscal year.

Details on some of the challenges facing KWUR follow after the break.

A couple of the projects on our immediate horizon:

Transmitter Repair. WashU's Student Life ran a story Thursday March 1st about our current transmitter woes. You can read up on some of the details here. The short of the long is that we have several components in the attic of Olin Library that enable us to broadcast. Our antenna and fiber-optic systems are find, but the transmitter–which amplifies our signal up to broadcast-strength–is some three decades old and has deteriorated beyond repair. We need to replace the transmitter and hire a consultant to install it and investigate the rest of our stack up there to make sure nothing else is past its useful life.

Wattage Upgrade. Currently, KWUR is proudly licensed to broadcast at a mighty 10 Watts. For context, St Louis public radio (KWMU 90.7 FM) is licensed for some 100,000 Watts. KWUR has long aspired to upgrade our license and increase our range, but we've been stymied in the past by a "third-adjacency conflict". In short, KWMU specifically expressed concern that upgrading our power would interfere with their own signal. However, the Local Community Radio Act of 2010 expressly states "The Federal Communications Commission shall modify its rules to eliminate third-adjacent minimum distance separation requirements" between low-power FM stations (like KWUR) and full-service FM stations (like KWMU). We have already opened dialog with the Society of Broadcast Engineers to help guide us through the upgrade application process, and they sound confident that we'll be able to secure a Kilowatt license without much trouble. We just need the money to pay the lawyers and consultants, and the FCC itself.

Station Relocation. In the next few years, WashU Facilities is going to remodel the Ann W Olin Women's Building, where KWUR's studio is currently located. The remodel will effectively eliminate our space, so we're going to be moving house up into an unoccupied space in the Danforth University Center. The move presents a great opportunity for us to take care of several long-standing equipment and operations challenges we have been facing. For instance, we're long-overdue to upgrade our server hardware and software that provides our stream over the Internet. It's also long since KWUR got on board with the digital music revolution and ripped our CDs and vinyl albums onto hard disks acessible from the air studio, which will allow DJs easier access to the full selection of KWUR's extensive music collection.

KWUR Week Expansion. KWUR Week is KWUR's music festival, now in its 20th year. In the last several years, KWUR has appealed for and secured between twenty and twenty five thousand dollars to throw the event. This year's budget is some twenty two grand for the event that will take place from April 16th-21st (stay tuned here for details as the event draws closer!). In our Block Funding appeal, we're asking for about thirty five thousand dollars to bring in more and bigger acts than ever before.

These are just a few of the reasons we're appealing for Block Funding. If you'd like more detailed information, please contact our Treasurer, Robert Ling, III, at treasurer[at]kwur[dot]com.

So remember! Head over to su.wustl.edu/vote Tuesday, March 6, 2012, 8:00.am – Wednesday, March.7, 4:00.p.m. to support the distinct and special voice KWUR brings to the St. Louis airwaves.

To stay up-to-date on developments, follow us on Twitter @KWUR, on Facebook here. You can also read our official candidate statement and see our proposed budget at SU.

Thanks for your support and love.

Water Liars In-Studio: Stay Tuned!

laurelmo — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 18:12:48 +0000

Last week, Water Liars stopped by and recorded an AWESOME set in our station. Due to technical difficulties (what's new) the session couldn't be broadcast live, but look forward to the session being replayed on-air soon! In the meantime, check out some trax on their website, http://misrarecords.com/artists/water-liars/ and check back for updates on when you can hear the session!

LOCAL MUSIC SHOWCASE: This Saturday Feb. 18th @ the Gargoyle

laurelmo — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 06:01:38 +0000

KWUR is proud to be hosting The 2012 Local Music Showcase in the Gargoyle this Saturday at 8pm. Rum Drum Ramblers will be headlining, bringing their brand of old-time St. Louis washboard punk to the Wash U campus for the first time ever. We can also look forward to stunning sets by Bo and the Locomotive, Britches, and Until Extinction in a genre bending medley of homegrown St. Louis sounds. You’ll get in free if you’re a Wash U student, for $10 otherwise. Doors at 7:30, show at 8. Come on out!

CONCERT SEASON IS APPROACHING

laurelmo — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 20:20:33 +0000

Winter can be quite a dead season for concerts in St. Louis, but the Spring concert schedule is shaping up to be aaawesome! Check out these sweet shows in the coming months:

YACHT: March 1 @ Plush – Last time I saw these guys they had a dance party with the entire crowd on stage, faked a video-chat in the middle of the show, and had a question and answer segment. Expect quirky dance music with plenty of crowd participation.

Bass Drum of Death: March 2 @ The Old Rock House – Fun, loud garage rock. They played every song at double speed at their last show in St. Louis, making their set only 30 minutes long, but twice as exciting.

Howler: March 9 @ The Old Rock House – If you didn't shell out the cash to go see Radiohead in St. Louis this night, you can catch Howler put on a show of summery surf rock.

Distant Worlds with the St. Louis Symphony: March 23-24 @ Powell – St. Louis Symphony is playing the music from Final Fantasy. If you were a video game kid like me, this is exciting.

The Hive Dwellers: March 27 @ The Luminary – Calvin Johnson of Beat Happening's current band with the other members constantly changing.

Mission of Burma: April 4 @ the Firebird – IS THIS THE BEST THING EVER OR WHAT? Super rockin' post punk doods, check out "Vs." if you're unfamiliar.

Shabazz Palaces: April 24 @ The Luminary – Ex-Digable Planet's MC's latest project with futuristic electronic beats.

Melvins: May 3 @ The Firebird – These guys ruuuuule. Sludgy, grungy rock famous for being a favorite of Kurt Cobain and Boris (named after a Melvins song).

Hustle Week All Night Broadcast Tonight from 8pm to 8am

catlyne — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 00:58:25 +0000

If you haven't heard already, this week is KWUR's Hustle Week–and tonight from 8pm to 8am we're bringing you some very special programming for the Annual All Night Broadcast. Tune in to KWUR 90.3 and take part in a beloved KWUR tradition. Better yet, call in and share a favorite KWUR memory! Even better than that, call 314-935-5952 and make a donation to the station so we can keep freeform radio alive for Washington University and the surrounding community.

Programming highlights include:

8-9pm: Songs about radio and money.

9-10pm: Trainee Hour (Hear from our newest DJs.)

10-11pm: All-DJs Freeform Hour (Hear from DJs new and old.)

11pm-12am: Live in-studio featuring Britches

12-1am: KWUR House Band performs live on-air

1-4am: 36 Years of Debauchery (A rad jam from every year of KWUR's existence.)

4-5am: Best new music

5-6am: KWUR's Weirdest/Best (Including but not limited to: Shel Silverstein, Whale Sounds, that sweet Queen Latifah track.)

6-7am: Ambient poetry (Have you ever wished that English Literature Hour With Vincent Sherry had a little something extra? Now it does! Ambient music! For an hour!)

7-8am: Traffic, weather, mo(u)rning (Don't let this clever pun deceive you–we will be in high spirits indeed.)

Stream at kwur.com, on iTunes (under eclectic), or on our KWUR radio app for iPhone or Android. Or! Park in the lot behind the station and tune into the terrestrial radio waves.

Thank you for your support!

Ximena Sarinana comes to KWUR 11/18 at 1 pm

DJ Nova — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 22:53:07 +0000

In case you don’t know, Grammy winning Mexican vocalist Ximena Sariñana (hi-MEN-a sa-rin-YAH-na) is coming to the station tomorrow to talk about her self-titled English debut.

Her latest album “showcase[s] her deep, striking voice, smart, thoughtful lyrics and offbeat personality” with production expertise from Greg Kurstin (Lily Allen, Devo, The Bird and the Bee), Dave Sitek (TV on the Radio, Yeah Yeah Yeahs) and Natalia Lafourcade.

She has won the Best New Artist Award in the Premios MTV Latinoamerica 2008 (Latin MTV Awards) and received three Latin Grammy Nominations for Best New Artist, Best Alternative Song and Producer of the Year. Her debut album, “Mediocre,” also received a Grammy nomination for Best Latin Rock or Alternative Album. In Mexico, she is a household name. She has appeared in 11 films (among them box office hit Amar Te Duele and film festival winner Dos Abrazos) as well as three prime time telenovelas.

Come to the station or listen in at 1 PM. Ximena Sariñana is a fantastic artist and Deanna and I are quite excited to interview her!

KWUR Hustle Week!

catlyne — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 18:57:51 +0000

It's the most magical time of the year! That's right folks, it's KWUR HUSTLE WEEK! Hustle Week is a beautiful time where you, our favorite listeners, get to show your favorite radio station a little love and affection. Radio isn't cheap, and we need your support to keep bringing you the great alternative music you love. As one of the last completely free-form stations in the country, KWUR needs your help to keep rocking as W…ashington University's best radio station. Anything you give will be a huge help in our quest to keep radio in St. Louis free.

We're hosting some fun and unique events, so be sure to tune in, stop by, and show your support!

Monday, November 14th-Friday, November 18th
Mix CD Exchange and KWUR Apparel Tabling in the DUC
11:00 AM-2:00 PM
Want to discover some new tunes? That's our specialty. All week KWUR will be hosting a mix CD exchange where you can trade a mix CD that you create with a mix created by somebody else. We'll have blank discs too, so feel free to take one home and bring it back with some excellent music. Sharing is caring! And we'll be selling some brand-new, fresh KWUR gear to boot.

Sunday, November 13th-Saturday, November 19th
DJ Date Auction
Some of our DJ's will be auctioning off the opportunity to spend a little quality time with them. The highest bidder will not only win a great date, but will also graciously donate to KWUR! Score! Check out our event page to see the dates and make your bid: http://www.facebook.com/#!/event.php?eid=135398289896721

Thursday, November 17th
All-Night Broadcast!
Be sure to tune in to 90.3 FM or www.kwur.com to listen to one of the greatest KWUR traditions, the All-Night Broadcast. Your favorite DJ's will be spinning the best of KWUR and staying on the air all night for your entertainment! Call in to donate and receive some excellent gifts!

Don’t forget to check out the KWUR-themed meals, provided by Bon Appetit, which will be served in the DUC this week! Rock n’ roll ribs, Fleetwood Mac n’ Cheese… you can even show KWUR your love while you eat.

Want to donate? Here's how!

You can send a check to:

KWUR 90.3 FM
Campus Box 1205
One Brookings Dr.
St. Louis, MO 63130

Or call KWUR at 314-935-5952 or email underwriting@kwur.com with your name, contact information, and the amount you would like to donate. DJ's will be manning the phones and get you squared away. We have some great items we'll give you in thanks for your donation. Here are some gifts you can receive:
$10 = A free Stack Sessions Sampler, offering the best band performances from our in-studio sessions
$25 = An awesome KWUR t-shirt
$50 = A personalized KWUR t-shirt created by our DJ's
$75 = A personalized song written about you!
$100 = We'll name any part of the station after you for an entire year
$150 = We'll create a custom station ID with you that will live in the annals of KWUR history forever!

Thank you so much for your support, and please consider donating to KWUR so we can keep bringing you the best of free-form radio!