2022 Holiday Programming
Cincinnati Public Radio is proud to present the following selection of holiday programming on 91.7 WVXU & 90.9 WGUC this season:
December 19
Hanukkah Lights: The NPR favorite returns with all new Hanukkah stories. 8 p.m. - 9 p.m.
December 21
A Paul Winter Solstice: Celebrate the return of the sun with an encore performance recorded in the world’s largest Gothic cathedral. Musicians include Noel Paul Stookey, also known as Paul from the folk trio Peter, Paul and Mary. The Paul Winter Consort Winter Solstice Celebration (its official full title) also featured old friends like gospel singer Theresa Thomason and the Forces of Nature dance and drumming troupe from Harlem. WNYC's John Schaefer hosts. 10 p.m. - 11 p.m.
December 22
NPR Tinsel Tales 1: This program features stories from the NPR archives that touch on the meaning of Christmas. David Sedaris, Bailey White, John Henry Faulk -- these and other NPR voices, past and present, tell stories of the season. Hosted by Lynn Neary. 8 p.m. - 9 p.m.
December 25
NPR Tinsel Tales 2: NPR fills millions of homes each holiday with humor, warmth, and a host of festive voices. Continuing with the tradition of first Tinsel Tales program, this is another collection of the best and most requested holiday stories. Joy, hope, and childhood memories overflow as NPR voices, past and present, tell stories of the season. Hosted by Lynn Neary. 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Jonathan Winters’ A Christmas Carol: An updated version of a public radio tradition hosted by NPR's Susan Stamberg. Master comedian Jonathan Winters presents a distinctive reading of Dickens' holiday classic, with a special performing edition prepared by Dickens for his own presentations. Also featuring Mimi Kennedy. From NPR and KCRW. 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
NPR Festivo Alt. Latino with Cantigas: We invite you to enjoy this holiday concert from the Washington, D.C., choir Cantigas, which performs songs from across the Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking world. Whether you choose to sit still or twist and shout, the music's mix of reflection and celebration provides a perfect soundtrack for digesting and celebrating the arrival of the year to come. 12 p.m. - 1 p.m.
The One Recipe Holiday Special: Join host Jesse Sparks for a holiday edition of The Splendid Table’s newest “podbaby,” The One Recipe. Jesse talks to culinary superstars about their “One,” the recipe that signals the holiday has begun! They’ll get into traditions and food with influences from all over the world and leave you with recipes that could jumpstart your own festivities! It’s delicious eating all month long. 1 p.m. - 2 p.m.
Selected Shorts - Holidays with Mom: Guest host Meg Wolitzer presents a holiday show--two stories about being home for the holidays and how you can count on your Mom to be there for you—and possibly to complicate things. First, memoirist Augusten Burroughs recalls a disastrous—and hilarious—childhood cooking project. Reader Michael Cerveris relishes every bite. And in “Live Wires” by Thomas Beller, a young man invites his girlfriend to his mother’s annual Hanukkah party. The reader is Jane Curtin. 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Christmas with Morehouse & Spelman Glee Clubs: One of the great holiday traditions in America, the choirs of Morehouse and Spelman Colleges -- two of the most prestigious historically black institutions in the nation -- get together to present a spinetingling concert program. This year's program features the best works of the last several years. It's a joyous celebration of the school’s tradition of singing excellence, with their trademark mixture of spirituals and carols. Korva Coleman hosts. 3 p.m. - 4 p.m.
NPR Tinsel Tales 4: In keeping with a well-loved NPR holiday tradition, hear the fourth collection of extraordinary Christmas stories that will transport you to unexpected places. NPR's past and present tell stories of the season in this hour-long special. Some tales are funny; some are touching; some are insightful or irreverent or nostalgic or surprising. You might recognize them from our broadcast archives — or you might fall in love with them for the first time. Hosted by Lynn Neary. 4 p.m. - 5 p.m.
An Afro Blue Christmas: Join us for a very special holiday concert with Howard University's premiere vocal ensemble Afro Blue and special guest pianist Cyrus Chestnut. Hear the a-cappela group perform a variety of holiday songs including African-American spirituals, jazz and pop tunes, and classical repertoire. The joyous celebration includes one-of-a-kind arrangements on traditional holiday songs plus new compositions…music perfect for the holidays and the spirit of Christmas. Hosted by Michele Norris. 6 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Candles Burning Brightly: Hanukkah, the Jewish festival of lights, is observed in 2022 from December 18 to December 26th. MPR's Mindy Ratner has produced a holiday special about the music, history, foods and traditions of Hanukkah. It's called "Candles Burning Brightly." The celebration lasts for eight nights. Minnesota Public Radio host the musical holiday special. 7 p.m. - 8 p.m.
A World Café Holiday: Bringing their Christmas spirit and spreading musical cheer, some of our favorite musical performances have been recorded during the most wonderful time of the year. In this special edition of World Cafe, you'll hear performances all recorded in the World Cafe studios. 8 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Jazz Piano Christmas: Join us for a twist on the classics you love! This year, the holiday tradition spotlights three of today's most prolific jazz pianists: REDWOOD, Cory Henry, and NEA Jazz Master Kenny Barron. Felix Contreras hosts. 9 p.m. - 10 p.m.
A Choral Christmas With Stile Antico: Celebrate Christmas with the sound of soaring voices. Stile Antico, the award-winning choir from London, pays a visit to St. Paul’s church on Harvard Square for a concert of radiant sacred music for the Christmas season by the most acclaimed composers of the renaissance. Hear the group’s luminous blend of voices sing the intricately woven music of Thomas Tallis and William Byrd. Hosted by Cathy Fuller of WGBH. Presented by NPR Music. 10 p.m. - 11 p.m.
Joy To The World – A Holiday in Pink: The internationally acclaimed “little orchestra" Pink Martini bedecks the airwaves with festive holiday songs from across the globe. From timeless classics to rarely heard gems, hear a multidenominational, multi-cultural jubilee, overflowing with enough holiday spirit to warm your entire family. Hosted by All Things Considered’s Ari Shapiro. 11 p.m. - 12 a.m.
December 26
Tinsel Tales 3: In keeping with a well-loved NPR holiday tradition, hear the third collection of extraordinary Christmas stories that will transport you to unexpected places. Audie Cornish, Ken Harbaugh, Nina Totenberg and other voices from NPR's past and present tell stories of the season in this hour-long special. Some tales are funny; some are touching; some are insightful or irreverent or nostalgic or surprising. You might recognize them from our broadcast archives — or you might fall in love with them for the first time. Hosted by Lynn Neary. 8 p.m. - 9 p.m.
December 30
NPR Jazz Night in America: Through music, story and conversations, "Jazz Night in America" ushers listeners from the front row to the backstage for an insiders' look at jazz. 8 p.m. - 9 p.m.
December 31
Toast of the Nation: An NPR tradition every New Year's Eve since the 1970s, Toast of the Nation is the perfect audio complement for the occasion. It's festive jazz you can party to, all night long, even on lockdown. The line-up is almost confirmed and it’s sure to be a good time, even without the big audiences. 9 p.m. - 12 a.m.
December 10
Hallelujah Handel, Parts I & II: With Evans Mirageas, The Harry T. Wilks Artistic Director of Cincinnati Opera. 10 a.m. - 12 p.m
December 11
All is Bright: An hour of contemplative music related to the Christmas season and its symbolism. This program uses sacred choral music grouped in a way to tell the traditional Christmas story by way of songs about angels, the star, and the manger scene. Featured artists include Cambridge Singers, Cantus, and Chanticleer. 8 p.m. - 9 p.m.
December 17
Hallelujah Handel, Parts III & IV: With Evans Mirageas, The Harry T. Wilks Artistic Director of Cincinnati Opera. 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
VAE Candlelit Christmas: Featuring the dynamic choral works of Cincinnati's Vocal Arts Ensemble. 7 p.m. - 8 p.m.
December 18
Candles Burning Brightly: A celebration of Hanukah, the Jewish Festival of Lights. "Candles Burning Brightly" explores the meaning and traditions of Hanukah, including holiday foods and Sephardic and Ashkenazi music. 7 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Music of Hanukkah: Our annual celebration with stories and music, hosted by Naomi Lewin. 8 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Music of the Baroque Brass and Choral Holiday Concert: Music of the Baroque is comprised of a chorus and orchestra of approximately 60 professional musicians who individually perform around the nation and worldwide and come together in Chicago as a collective. Conductor William Jon Gray has assembled a program highlighting diverse holiday traditions around a single unifying principle: music gives voice to the spirit of the season. 8:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.
December 19
Welcome Christmas!: A perennial Christmas favorite from VocalEssence, one of the world’s premiere choral groups. John Birge hosts an hour of traditional carols and new discoveries, including the world premiere of two carols from the annual Christmas Carol Contest. For 2019, hear the world premiere of Nico Muhly's "The Faire Starre," a nativity cantata that draws on 17th century metaphysical poets and is set in the unique, eclectic style that has earned Nico Muhly raves from the Metropolitan Opera. 7 p.m. – 8 p.m.
December 20
All is Bright, Contemplative Music for Christmas: Lynne Warfel hosts an hour of gorgeous, contemplative choral music that tells the traditional Christmas story with songs about angels, the star and the manger scene. Featured artists include Cantus, Chanticleer, Cambridge Singers, Bryn Terfel, Emma Kirkby, Jessye Norman, and a variety of choirs. 6 p.m. – 7 p.m.
December 21
A Chanticleer Christmas: Celebrate the season with song! Brian Newhouse hosts this one-hour program of a cappella holiday favorites, new and old, presented live in concert by Chanticleer, the superb 12-man choral ensemble known as "an orchestra of voices." 7 p.m. – 8 p.m.
December 22
A Mexican Christmas with Newberry Consort & EnsAmble Ad-Hoc: A Mexican Christmas, an album of 17th century traditional music for worship and celebration. The collection features pieces commonly heard in both liturgical service and in the streets, and evoke the solemnity and fanfare heard in Mexico City’s convents and plazas, with jubilant vocals and lively strings, guitars, and percussion. Organ, harp, bassoon, and a variety of Mexican traditional instruments bring this exuberant and diverse music to life. Soprano Ellen Hargis, Director Emerita of The Newberry Consort, and soprano Francy Acosta, Director of EnsAmble Ad-Hoc, are your hosts. 7 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Christmas with Morehouse & Spelman Glee Clubs: One of the great holiday traditions in America, the choirs of Morehouse and Spelman Colleges – two of the most prestigious historically black institutions in the nation -- get together to present a spine tingling concert program. This year's program features the best works of the last several years. It's a joyous celebration of the school’s tradition of singing excellence, with their trademark mixture of spirituals and carols. Korva Coleman hosts. 8 p.m. – 9 p.m.
December 23
The Ballad of the Brown King and Other Music for Christmas by Black Composers: Dr. Louise Toppin, a noted performer and scholar who specializes in the concert repertoire of African American composers, presents the world premiere recording of Margaret Bonds’s The Ballad of the Brown King. With a libretto by Langston Hughes, this Christmas cantata which focuses on Balthazar, the dark-skinned king who journeyed to Bethlehem to witness the birth of Jesus Christ, is beautifully interpreted by New York City-based The Dessoff Choirs and Orchestra, soloists soprano Laquita Mitchell, mezzo-soprano Lucia Bradford and tenor Noah Stewart, led by Malcolm J. Merriweather. The special will also include music for the season selected by Dr. Toppin. 7 p.m. – 8 p.m.
December 24
A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols: An annual and beloved Christmas tradition, “A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols” is an extraordinary and memorable live service of word and music from the Chapel of King’s College, Cambridge, England. Audiences will share in a live, world-wide Christmas Eve broadcast of a service of Biblical readings, carols, and related seasonal music (anthems a cappella and with organ accompaniment, and congregational hymns), presented by one of the world’s foremost choirs of men and boys and performed in an acoustically and architecturally renowned venue. 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
The Film Score: Music for the Winter Holidays: Chicago Tribune film critic Michael Phillips is your host for The Film Score: Music for the Winter Holidays, an hour-long special devoted to holiday and wintertime movie music. In addition to beloved standards (“White Christmas” from “Holiday Inn” and “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” from “Meet Me in St. Louis”), Michael shares an eclectic mix of wintry film scores, ranging from “It Happened in Sun Valley” (from “Sun Valley Serenade”) to Alexandre Desplat’s folk-inspired score for “The Grand Budapest Hotel” to Bernard Herrmann’s bracing sleigh ride accompaniment composed for the Orson Welles drama “The Magnificent Ambersons.” Bundle up and enjoy The Film Score: Music for the Winter Holidays! 12 p.m. – 1 p.m.
St. Olaf Christmas Festival: This service in song and word has become one of the nation's most cherished holiday celebrations. The festival includes hymns, carols, choral works, as well as orchestral selections celebrating the Nativity and featuring more than 500 student musicians in five choirs, and the St. Olaf Orchestra. Valerie Kahler shares the sights and sounds of this choral favorite. 4 p.m. – 6 p.m.
A Choral Christmas With Stile Antico: Celebrate Christmas with the sound of soaring voices,. Stile Antico, the award-winning choir from London, pays a visit to St. Paul’s church on Harvard Square for a concert of radiant sacred music for the Christmas season by the most acclaimed composers of the renaissance. Hear the group’s luminous blend of voices sing the intricately woven music of Thomas Tallis and William Byrd. Hosted by Cathy Fuller of WGBH. Presented by NPR Music. 6 p.m. - 7 p.m.
December 25
A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols: Encore presentation. An annual and beloved Christmas tradition, “A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols” is an extraordinary and memorable live service of word and music from the Chapel of King’s College, Cambridge, England. Audiences will share in a live, world-wide Christmas Eve broadcast of a service of Biblical readings, carols, and related seasonal music (anthems a cappella and with organ accompaniment, and congregational hymns), presented by one of the world’s foremost choirs of men and boys and performed in an acoustically and architecturally renowned venue. 4 p.m. - 6 p.m.
A Hanukah Celebration with Chicago A Capella: Join Jonathan Miller, artistic director of Chicago A Cappella and a longtime champion of Jewish choral music, for an inspiring, informative and entertaining show featuring choral music set to Hanukah texts both familiar and original performed by virtuoso ensemble Chicago A Capella. 9 p.m. - 10 p.m.
December 26
The Sounds of Kwanzaa: During the aftermath of the Watts Uprisings in the 1960s, Dr. Maulana Karenga decided to create a special December holiday designed for Black people to celebrate themselves, their culture, and their future liberation. Today, Kwanzaa is still celebrated by not only Afro-Americans, but Black people around the globe! In this broadcast, Garrett McQueen offers a background on the history of Kwanzaa and its guiding principles, alongside musical selections that highlight the spirit of the celebration. The show features the compositions of Florence Price, Duke Ellington, Sean O’Loughlin, and special performances by Imani Winds. 9 a.m. - 10 a.m.
Music of Hanukkah: Our annual celebration with stories and music, hosted by Naomi Lewin. 6:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Itzhak Perlman’s Hanukkah Radio Party: Itzhak Perlman invites you to his Hanukkah Radio Party. Join the superstar violinist as he tells the story of the Jewish festival of lights and shares his favorite recordings for the holiday – some serious, some silly. This engaging one-hour special includes numbers from Itzhak Perlman’s radio-addicted childhood in Israel; evocative songs in Yiddish and Ladino; classical music that revolves around the Maccabee heroes of the story; and Hanukkah gems by American folk singers. The master storyteller also regales you with jokes and memories, plus tales of three classic Hanukkah symbols: the menorah, the latke, and, of course, the dreidel. A good time for the whole family, at Itzhak Perlman’s Hanukkah Radio Party! 7 p.m. - 8 p.m.
January 1
New Year's Day From Vienna 2023 LIVE: The ever popular annual New Year’s Day Concert will be performed by the Vienna Philharmonic under the baton of Franz Welser-Most. With this concert it is not only the desire of the Vienna Philharmonic to provide musically definitive interpretations of the masterworks of this genre, but also, as musical ambassadors of Austria, to send people all over the world a New Year's greeting in the spirit of hope, friendship and peace. Hosted by WBUR's Lisa Mullins. 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
January 2
New Year's Day From Vienna 2023 ENCORE: Rebroadcast of the ever popular annual New Year’s Day Concert. 7 p.m. - 9 p.m.