Tune in this Saturday at 8 p.m. on WHRO-FM 90.3 for a fresh selection of the latest classical music releases, curated by Raymond Jones. Each week, Raymond dives into the newest offerings from specialized classical labels and brings you the very best—from thrilling concertos to sweeping symphonies.
This week, Grace Park, the new Concertmaster of the Virginia Symphony Orchestra, returns to the spotlight with her vibrant interpretation of Antonín Dvořák’s Romance in F minor, Op. 11. This piece holds special meaning for Park, having accompanied her through many stages of her musical journey and representing an important part of her artistic identity. It’s featured on her debut solo album, recently released by Orchid Classics. We'll hear her performance alongside the Prague Philharmonia, conducted by Emmanuel Villaume.
For symphony enthusiasts, Raymond has selected Christian Sinding’s Symphony No. 4, the Norwegian composer’s most unconventional symphony. This richly colorful work is part of “The Symphonies” album recently released by the Capriccio label, featuring the Norrköping Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Karl-Heinz Steffens. Offering a distinctive sonic palette compared to Sinding’s earlier works, this symphony promises an intriguing and contrast-filled musical journey.
From Chandos Records, we’ll explore “Walton: Orchestral Works, Vol. 1: Violin Concerto,” part of an ongoing series dedicated to William Walton’s orchestral masterpieces. This week, we’ll listen to the Symphonic Suite from the opera “Troilus and Cressida,” drawn from Walton’s ambitious work. The Sinfonia of London, led by John Wilson, has earned high praise for its precision, vitality, and deep understanding of Walton’s idiomatic style.
From French label Palais des Dégustateurs, known for its focus on high-quality chamber music recordings, comes a standout performance of Benjamin Britten’s String Quartet No. 1 in D major, Op. 25 by the Quatuor Béla. Their interpretation is notable for its technical brilliance, sensitivity to Britten’s textures and colors, and expressive depth.
We’ll also hear Conrad Ansorge’s Concerto for Piano and Orchestra in F minor, performed by pianist Oliver Triendl with the Rundfunk-Sinfonieorchester Berlin, conducted by Roland Kluttig. The evening continues with guitarist David Starobin playing Fernando Sor’s “Seventh Fantasy and Brilliant Variations,” and closes with Rachel Barton Pine and Friends performing Corelli’s Sonata No. 12 from his Opus 5 collection.
Don’t miss this captivating evening of grand symphonies, thrilling concertos, and intimate chamber works. Tune in to “This Just In” this Saturday at 8 p.m. on WHRO FM 90.3—or listen online—and discover some of the finest new classical recordings!
