Join Raymond Jones Wednesday evening at 9:00 on WHRO-FM for ‘A Local Touch – Music With A Virginia Connection,’ and discover the composers, performers, and ensembles that have shaped Virginia's rich classical music tradition.
This week, we open the program by
honoring the late Dr. William Allen Shaffer. A professor at Norfolk State University for 27 years, and Director of Music and Organist at Christ and St. Luke’s Church during 3 decades, Shaffer was a pillar of Norfolk’s classical music community. We hear three works in tribute to his memory, beginning with the spiritual and deeply expressive “Sometimes I Feel Like a Moanin’ Dove,” performed by the Cantata Chorus of Norfolk, conducted by Shaffer, joined by soloist Lisa Relaford Coston. Remaining in Shaffer’s world, we then hear two selections performed by the Choir of Christ & St. Luke’s under his baton: Robert Roth’s poetic contrast “Summer in Winter” and Vaughan Williams' serene and luminous “The Blessed Son of God.”
From there, prepare to be swept away by the Virginia Symphony Orchestra playing the hopeful Symphony No. 2 in D by Jean Sibelius, conducted by Thomas Wilkins. Next comes our “Heifetz on the Air” segment entitled “Junior Jubilee,” a chance to be delighted by gifted students from around the world, in connection with Staunton's Heifetz International Music Institute. To conclude the program, we hear two modern pieces inspired by sacred themes and traditional musical forms. First, take a moment for spiritual reflection with the modern oratorio “The Tree of Life” by local composer Dr. Richard Moriarty. Finally, we celebrate the dawn of a new era, the 2000s, with Aldo Forte’s “Symphony for the Millennium.”
Join us for a musical journey from intimate, reflective choral music to great Romantic symphonies, ending with modern American compositions, all rooted in the musical life of our region. Tune in for “A Local Touch” on WHRO-FM at 9:00 p.m. You can also listen online through our Media Player or your preferred device.
