This July marks the beginning of WHRO-FM’s countdown to the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, culminating on July 4, 2026. To launch this yearlong celebration, WHRO-FM has chosen “Classical Americana,” the innovative program hosted by Lara Downes that delves into the heart of American classical music.
Beginning Thursday, July 3 at 9 p.m. and continuing for nine weeks, the second season of this acclaimed series, created and hosted by renowned pianist and storyteller Lara Downes, offers a rich musical meditation on the values at the heart of the American identity: life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
The season unfolds in three parts, each centered on those American ideals. It begins with Life, offering a reflection on childhood and youth through works like Chick Corea’s “Children’s Songs” and evocative melodies by Samuel Barber and Leonard Bernstein. As the journey continues, the program delves into the experiences of growth, transition, and maturity.
In the section devoted to Liberty, music becomes a powerful testament to the fight for justice and self-determination, with stirring compositions by Margaret Bonds, Samuel Coleridge-Taylor, and William Dawson.
Finally, the series turns to The Pursuit of Happiness, concluding with episodes dedicated to joy, love, and hope, highlighting the transformative power of music to unite people in a shared spirit of optimism and renewal.
Tune in to Classical Americana every Thursday at 9 p.m. throughout July and August on WHRO-FM 90.3. Whether you're listening on your radio, through your smart device, or via our Media Player, join us for a summer of powerful stories and unforgettable music that reflect the American journey in all its complexity and beauty.
