In February, we look at some of the people and things we love about WXXI Classical through the years. It was February 1986 that WXXI launched the series, Eastman Brass produced by WXXI’s own Barbara Walters, our Special Projects Producer.
In February 2009 WXXI hosted the first Pipedreams Live! event with Michael Barone. We presented three concerts over four days in different churches, to standing room only crowds at each. Michael said he had never seen a community that was so committed to organ music, leading him to return to Rochester for more Pipedreams Live! concert events in 2016 and 2023.
February also saw the hiring of these friends: Steve Chwiecko (’75, now an Energy consultant); Mark Boardman (’87, now Editor of The Tombstone Epitaph, AZ); Steve Staruch (’88, now a host on Your Classical MPR); Chris Wienk (’88, now Radio VP at WMHT/WEXT)
Through the years you, our faithful listeners, have shared your “Love letters” with WXXI, saying things like, thank you for…
- curating great music every day
- being a great partner to Rochester’s arts community and local musicians
- providing the soundtrack that takes me to and from work every day
- bringing the RPO to listeners for all these years
- taking us to concerts all around the world over the air
- bringing context to the music you present…I learn something new every day
- providing companionship during COVID, and every day!
- being a trusted friend
- inspiring young musicians
- introducing us to music and musicians I wouldn’t know otherwise
- broadening my ears to hear, and learn to love, new sounds and new voices
- tickets you offer to local concerts – I have had so many wonderful experiences.
And WXXI Classical thanks YOU for continuing to listen, love and support Classical public radio!