KWAX Classical Oregon begins its annual parade of holiday and Christmas music with four Chanukah specials Dec. 15-18, celebrating the first part of the eight-day holiday. Starting Dec. 10, the University of Oregon’s classical station will play seasonal selections throughout its live hosted daily programs. Tune in at 91.1 FM in the Eugene area or stream online at kwax.com/listen.
KWAX Chanukah specials, all broadcast at 4 p.m. Pacific Standard Time
Dec. 15: Itzhak Perlman’s Chanukah Radio Party
Violinist Itzhak Perlman tells the story of the Jewish festival of lights and shares his favorite recordings for the holiday — some serious, some silly. The virtuoso shares personal stories from his childhood and offers selections from his personal playlist from traditional, classical and folk genres.
Dec. 16: Candles Burning Brightly
Classical radio producer Mindy Ratner invites everyone into this delightful hour to celebrate the Jewish Festival of Lights. It features a range of classical, folk and choral music from around the world as well as a hilarious lesson on preparing latkes and a touching holiday story that brings light into every home.
Dec. 17: A Chanukah Celebration with Chicago a capella
This inspiring fun, and informative show features familiar tunes such as “I Have a Little Dreidel” — both in its original Yiddish form and in a neo-funk Hebrew/English setting — a swing version of “S'vivon” and a lively setting of the traditional melody for “Al-Hanissim” (“For the Miracles”). Jonathan Miller, artistic director of Chicago a cappella and a longtime champion of Jewish choral music, hosts and directs the music-packed hour.
Dec. 18: Chanukah Memories and Melodies
Six prominent artists share personal memories of Chanukah and the holiday’s music, from soothing to surprising, from reverent to rowdy. Guests include Broadway actress Tovah Feldshuh, social entrepreneur Aaron Dworkin, cellist Alisa Weilerstein, Sephardic music expert and flutist Daphna Mor, conductor Eric Jacobsen and his violinist brother Colin, and Yiddish music maven Henry Sapoznik.