www.northcountrypublicradio.org/news/story/48969/20231215/ncpr-special-holiday-programming-starts-saturday-12-16North Country Public Radio - Several Stations - Canton, NY
NCPR special holiday programming starts Saturday, 12/16
Saturday 12/16
6 am: Travel with Rick Steves
Rick and guests discuss holiday traditions and Christmas Travels.
1pm - 3pm: The Met Opera Presents The Magic Flute (Holiday Matinee)
The Met’s family-friendly production of Mozart’s dazzling fairy tale returns, sung in English and running under two hours. It’s a fantastical opera full of sorcerers, heroes, magical instruments, wild animals, and special effects. Patrick Furrer conducts, with Piotr Buszewski (Tamino), Janai Brugger (Pamina), Rolando Villazón (Papageno), Brindley Sherratt (Sarastro), Kathryn Lewek (Queen of the Night), Brenton Ryan (Monostatos), Patrick Carfizzi (Speaker).
8pm: Jazz Night in America: A Holiday Celebration
Pianist Christian Sands shares music and memories from his new holiday record Christmas Stories. Hear tales of his childhood in snowy New England, the ultimate Christmas party music, and a Jazz Night exclusive track. Christian McBride hosts.
Sunday 12/17
2 pm: The Splendid Table
Hear from some of the people behind some favorite cookbooks from recent years, just in time for holiday gift-giving. Guests include Cynthia Shanmugalingam, author of Rambutan, Recipes from Sri Lanka; Pascal Baudar, author of Wildcrafted Vinegars; Ben Mervis, author of The British Cookbook; and Chris Scott, author of Homage: Recipes + Stories from an Amish Soul Food Kitchen.
4 pm : The Moth Radio Hour
This week, a special holiday episode from The Moth. Unlikely Christmas wishes, letters from The Grinch, and a husband by Chanukah.
9 pm: Thistle & Shamrock: “Wintersong”
Monochrome landscapes and long dark nights are perfect for inspiring the music of winter, featuring Maddy Prior, Maggie Sansone, John Renbourn, Yo-Yo Ma, and Jean Redpath. Hosted by Fiona Richie.
10 pm: Hearts of Space
Ambient choral and instrumental music for the season, as Hearts of Space presents “Winter Songs 3.”
Monday 12/18
3 - 5pm: The Dean’s List Holiday Special
Looking Back at 2023. Host Doyle Dean counts down the best indie rock and alternative pop of 2023.
Tuesday 12/19
3 - 5pm: Trail Mix Holiday Special
Join Sarah Scafidi-McGuire for a relaxed and upbeat mix of music, perfect for the holidays.
9pm: All Songs Considered: The Best Songs of 2023
NPR Music's Hazel Cills and Sheldon Pearce join Alt.Latino's Anamaria Sayre and host Robin Hilton to spin and discuss the best songs of the year, from Olivia Rodrigo, 100 gecs, Noname, J Noa and more.
Wednesday 12/20
3 - 5pm: Radio Bob’s So-Called Holiday Special
Tune in for Radio Bob’s Special Pre-Christmas Show, featuring about half Christmas music, half R&B, soul, and rock favorites...all 100% Radio Bob approved.
8pm: Global Village
A special world music holiday show with host Chris Heim.
9 - 10pm: Sound Opinions
Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot give a nod to December in this holiday episode of Sound Opinions.
Thursday 12/21
3 - 5pm: String Fever Holiday Special
An annual tradition at NCPR. Feel the warmth of the season with host Barb Heller and two hours of acoustic holiday music.
8pm: Global Village
Host Chris Heim shares music for the first day of winter.
9 - 10pm: Crane Candlelight Concert 2023
A selection of holiday music from the annual Crane School of Music concert at SUNY Potsdam. This year with a world premiere of a piece written by a 2019 SUNY Potsdam graduate.
Friday 12/22
3 - 5pm: The Beat Authority
David Sommerstein offers up an extra-generous helping of funky beats from around the world, and some Christmas tunes - Beat Authority style - to help you slide into the long holiday weekend.
7pm: It’s Jazz, Charlie Brown: The Vince Guaraldi Story
An hourlong program from WFIU, featuring the music and life of Peanuts composer and jazz pianist Vince Guaraldi.
8pm: Global Village -
More world music for the holiday with host Chris Heim.
9pm: A Swinging Holiday Jazz Party with Wynton Marsalis
It’s a party vibe for sure, as Wynton Marsalis hosts an hour of holiday jazz favorites by Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong, Cécile McLorin Salvant, Gregory Porter, René Marie, and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra.
10pm: Putumayo World Music - A Family Christmas
Celebrate Christmas with holiday songs from various artists around the world, courtesy of New Orleans-based Putumayo World Music.
11pm: Jazz with David Basse
The depth and breadth of Jazz, with holiday selections added in.
Friday 12/22
3 - 5pm: The Beat Authority
David Sommerstein offers up an extra-generous helping of funky beats from around the world, and some Christmas tunes - Beat Authority style - to help you slide into the long holiday weekend.
7pm: It’s Jazz, Charlie Brown: The Vince Guaraldi Story
An hourlong program from WFIU, featuring the music and life of Peanuts composer and jazz pianist Vince Guaraldi.
8pm: Global Village -
More world music for the holiday with host Chris Heim.
9pm: A Swinging Holiday Jazz Party with Wynton Marsalis
It’s a party vibe for sure, as Wynton Marsalis hosts an hour of holiday jazz favorites by Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong, Cécile McLorin Salvant, Gregory Porter, René Marie, and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra.
10pm: Putumayo World Music - A Family Christmas
Celebrate Christmas with holiday songs from various artists around the world, courtesy of New Orleans-based Putumayo World Music.
11pm: Jazz with David Basse
The depth and breadth of Jazz, with holiday selections added in.
Saturday 12/23
6am: Travel with Rick Steves
On this special holiday edition of Travel with Rick Steves, learn about Old World holiday traditions from Europe, and get a taste of a tropical Christmas in Costa Rica. Brighten your holidays with an international Christmas, from the next Travel with Rick Steves.
11am - Noon: Tinsel Tales from NPR
A radio tradition continues! David Sedaris, Bailey White, John Henry Faulk and other NPR voices tell stories of the season. Stories from the NPR archives that touch on the meaning of Christmas.
1 - 5:30pm: The Metropolitan Opera presents TANNHÄUSER
Maestro Donald Runnicles takes the podium for Otto Schenk’s classic production of TANNHÄUSER, Wagner’s ravishing opera of love, lust, and redemption. Cast includes: Andreas Schager (Tannhäuser), Elza van den Heever (Elisabeth), Ekaterina Gubanova (Venus), Christian Gerhaher (Wolfram), Georg Zeppenfeld (Landgraf Hermann).
6 - 8pm: World Café Holiday Show
It’s a holiday on and off the field... The Philadelphia Eagles have released their second holiday album, called A Philly Special Christmas Special. Produced by Charlie Hall of The War on Drugs, the record features Eagles offensive linemen Jason Kelce, Lane Johnson, and Jordan Mailata plus a slew of very special guests. Tune in to hear Charlie Hall and Jordan Mailata talk about Christmas spirit, how playing football compares to recording in the studio, and which guest singer gave Jordan stage fright.
9pm: The Thread Holiday Special with Taylor Haskins
Host Taylor Haskins shares a special playlist to celebrate the season.
10pm: Jazz Piano Christmas 39
Check out your favorite holiday classics as you’ve never heard them! This year, the spotlight shines on ferociously talented Japanese musical phenom Hiromi, Mountain Stage’s Bob Thompson, and Bolivian prodigy José André Montaño, chosen as one of the Kennedy Center’s “Next 50” leaders.
11pm - Midnight: Joy to the World with Bob Thompson 2023
Pianist Bob Thompson and his band perform a mixture of instrumental selections and vocal pieces with special guest Zara Bode (of Brattleboro, VT) and trumpeter James Moore. From West Virginia Public Broadcasting.
Sunday, 12/24
10 am - 12 pm: A Festival of Nine Lessons & Carols, live from Cambridge, England
Host Michael Barone presents this live service of spoken-word and music (choral and organ) broadcast from the chapel of King's College in Cambridge, England. The 30-voice King's College Choir performs the legendary Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols service of Biblical readings and music.
12 Noon: Carols as Home with the Imani Winds
Carols as Home features a modern take on classic Christmas carols, hosted by Imani Winds founding oboist, Toyin Spellman-Diaz. Toyin coaxes intimate stories of Christmas memories from the members of the ensemble, and why these classic carols are still essential today.
1 pm: Selected Shorts
“Holiday Hurdles” is the theme, with guest host David Sedaris. Stories include: “Powder,” by Tobias Wolff, performed by Isaiah Sheffer; “Gifts of the Jewish Magi,” by Allegra Goodman, performed by Michael Cerveris and Dana Ivey; and “Christmas in New York,” by Jeanette Winterson, performed by Richard Masur.
2 pm: The One Recipe Holiday Special (from APM)
Join host Jesse Sparks for a holiday edition of The Splendid Table’s sister podcast The One Recipe. In this hour-long episode, Jesse talks to culinary superstars about their family traditions and their “One,” the recipe that signals the holidays have officially begun! Guests include Britain's queen of Indian home cooking Chetna Makan, Texan chef Tiffany Derry, and influencer and author Matt Adlard.
3 pm: An Afro Blue Christmas
Enjoy a music concert without having to travel. This holiday concert features Howard University's premiere (a-cappella) vocal ensemble Afro Blue, and special guest pianist Cyrus Chestnut. Music perfect for the holidays and the spirit of Christmas. Hosted by Michele Norris.
4 pm: The Moth Radio Hour
“One in a Million” - In this hour, stories of people who made an impact—through a single phone call, a helping hand, or human touch.
5 pm: All Things Considered from NPR
6 pm: Christmas with the Annie Moses Band
Holiday classics and original tunes performed by an all-sibling group of highly skilled Juilliard Musicians. A mix of Jazz, Classical and Celtic sounds. Recorded live in Nashville for PBS, and offered here via PRX as a radio special.
7 pm: A Christmas Carol with Jonathan Winters
Gather the family and listen to this public radio tradition. Master comedian Jonathan Winters presents a distinctive reading of thingyens' holiday classic, with a special performing edition prepared by thingyens for his own presentations. A public radio tradition updated this year with NPR host Lisa Simeone. Also featuring Mimi Kennedy.
8 pm: Crane Candlelight Concert 2023
NCPR brings the holidays home to the North Country, with holiday music recorded in December 2023 at SUNY Potsdam’s Crane School of Music. This year’s selections include a world premiere of a piece written by a 2019 SUNY Potsdam graduate.
9 pm: The Thistle & Shamrock: A Celtic Holiday Tradition
Festive songs, Christmas carols, and wintertime verses conjure the magical spirit of the season. As communities come together to mark the midwinter festivals, Fiona Ritchie debuts a community reading of her poem: The Old Oak Tree.
10 pm: Hearts of Space: Ambient, contemplative seasonal music.
11 pm: Classical and Seasonal Music from Classical 24.
Monday 12/25
Midnight - 5 am: Seasonal & Classical Music from Classical 24
8 am: Holiday music for Christmas with NCPR
Join NCPR morning host Monica Sandreczki for special music - including songs performed by North Country musicians! Happy Holidays from North Country Public Radio.
9 am: BBC Newshour
The popular Newshour Christmas Quiz will air in the second half of the program.
10 am - 3 pm: Classical and Seasonal Music from Classical 24.
3 - 5 pm: Your Classical Christmas Favorites
From APM, a countdown of the top christmas songs as voted by listeners.
8 pm: Global Village
A world music holiday show with host Chris Heim.
9 pm: 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. Hear a multi-denominational, multi-cultural jubilee, overflowing with enough holiday spirit to warm your entire family. Hosted by All Things Considered's Ari Shapiro.
10 pm - Midnight: Classical and Seasonal Music from Classical 24.