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Photo of Christopher Tin by Andy Wilkinson Composer Christopher Tin is our Classical Californian this week, with a playlist that shows his interest in the intersections of classical music with other genres and styles – whether it be some jazzy Bernstein, or world music-influenced Ennio Morricone. There’s also music by Aaron Copland, Joby Talbot, John Adams, and a familiar Puccini aria that’s been ‘on repeat’ lately.

Western classical instruments were first brought to Mexico by the Spanish conquistadors, who began teaching indigenous people. Mariachi first emerged in the late 1700s or early 1800s in west-central Mexico. Initially, mariachi was solely an instrumental genre with regional sones, but it soon incorporated vocal elements. By the mid-1800s, mariachi bands consisted of single violin, harp, and guitar, but gradually, other instruments were added as bands sought to have larger rhythm sections.

Whoop and holler! At the heart of gospel music lies the rhythmic joy of the tambourine. Just in time for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, we’ll dive into the timbre of the tambourine as it juggles genres jingling jubilee. Photo of Rosalie Washington, known as “Lady Tambourine” by Mark Gstohl, via Wikimedia Commons Tune in Saturday at 8:15 or 3:15 to hear the feature on the radio – and you can come back here to listen again! And you can listen to more CarTunes episodes here!

Photo by R. Vega Photography This week’s Classical Californian is conductor Sonia Marie De León de Vega, who founded the Santa Cecilia Orchestra more than 30 years ago in L.A. She named it in honor of her father, who was a guitarist and singer, and regularly prayed to the patron saint of music. In addition to their concerts, the orchestra is also committed to an educational outreach program meant to introduce young people to the world of classical music.

Win a 4-pack of tickets to all 3 shows of San Francisco Performances Ninth Annual PIVOT FESTIVAL! PIVOT Festival January 24 – 26, 2024 Herbst Theatre Gabriel Kahane, piano Attacca Quartet Roomful of Teeth San Francisco Performances’ PIVOT Festival is driven by a philosophy of innovation, creativity, and artistic excellence that pushes the boundaries of the traditional concert experience.

Drumroll please! It’s a new year, which is the perfect time to march to the beat of your own drum. It’s hard to beat, but don’t get too ensnared in this episode. Tune in Saturday at 8:15 or 3:15 to hear the feature on the radio – and you can come back here to listen again! And you can listen to more CarTunes episodes here! Solomon Reynolds A native of Houston, TX, Samoan American tenor Solomon Reynolds has equal passions for classical music and indie pop.

Drumroll please! It’s a new year, which is the perfect time to march to the beat of your own drum. It’s hard to beat, but don’t get too ensnared in this episode. Tune in Saturday at 8:15 or 3:15 to hear the feature on the radio – and you can come back here to listen again! And you can listen to more CarTunes episodes here! Solomon Reynolds A native of Houston, TX, Samoan American tenor Solomon Reynolds has equal passions for classical music and indie pop.

You could win a pair of premium tix to see the Peninsula Symphony… AT THE MOVIES! Friday, January 12th , 2024, 8pm at the San Mateo Center for the Performing Arts Peninsula Symphony welcomes you to an evening of silver screen magic. Join them for a program that includes iconic and beloved music from the Lion King, Star Wars, Toy Story, Lawrence of Arabia and the mesmerizing theme from Schindler’s List featuring concertmaster Debra Fong. Enter for YOUR CHANCE to Win Below – More information HERE

Photo of Varun Soni courtesy of the University of Southern California Our first Classical Californian of the new year is Varun Soni, who is the Dean of Religious and Spiritual Life at the University of Southern California. He’s assembled an “East Meets West” program that resonates with his life experiences as an Indian-American.

Ding dong! Don’t be an idiophone… unless you’re a bell. Just in time for Christmas, we’re gonna get jingly with it. Tune in Saturday at 8:15 or 3:15 to hear the feature on the radio – and you can come back here to listen again! And you can listen to more CarTunes episodes here! Solomon Reynolds A native of Houston, TX, Samoan American tenor Solomon Reynolds has equal passions for classical music and indie pop. He recently performed as Perchik in the First Nat’l Tour of Fiddler on the Roof.