firstchoice wusf for information, education and entertainment • decemBer 2009 André Rieu Live in Dresden: Wedding at the Opera Recorded at Dresden’s Semper Opera House in 2008, this musical confection from André Rieu is both a concert and a real wedding party in one of the world’s most beautiful opera houses. The charming bride and groom, part of the famous “Vienna Debutantes,” are joined by 40 pairs of dancers from the Elmayer Dance School in Vienna, as well as sopranos Mirusia Louwerse and Carmen Monarcha, the Platinum Tenors, baritone Morschi Franz, and the Johann Strauss Orchestra and Choir. Airs Tuesday, December 1 at 8 p.m. from the wusf gm Season’s As you plan your year-end Greetings charitable giving, please consider a contribution to HE HOLIDAYS CAME EARLY THIS YEAR WUSF. It’s tax-deductible, T at WUSF Public Broadcasting. Thanks to you, WUSF 89.7’s Fall Membership Campaign it’s easy and it will make a was an unqualified success. We welcomed difference in your community. 1,050 new members to our family and raised more than $400,000 from new and renewing Just call Cathy Coccia at members. Bravo to everyone involved! 813-974-8624 or go online Speaking about our loyal supporters, we recently celebrated our Cornerstone Society to wusf.org and click members during the second annual Corner- on the Give Now button. stone Appreciation event. This year’s guest was the witty and insightful Susan Stamberg, Make a gift that gives back – an NPR special correspondent. She touched to you and your neighbors. the hearts of everyone there. Events like these are our way of thanking you for your support. We never forget that our programming depends on you. Celebrating your generosity means we’re as frugal with your contributions as ever. Technology has been our greatest asset in decreasing costs for many operational activities at WUSF and in increasing the additional activities we can provide as public broadcasters. One change you’ll notice this year is that we’re saving money and staying green by not mailing out holiday cards. You’ll find our holiday wishes to you on the address page and throughout First Choice. We planned our programming so you can create holiday memories with your family as you enjoy the festive holiday programs. Looking ahead to summer 2010, our intrepid travel guru, Burt Wolf, is planning no less than five riverboat cruises of Europe. We invite all the explorers out there to join on any or all of them. His wide-ranging voyages explore Austria, the Czech Republic, France, Germany, Holland, Hungary, Slovakia and Switzerland. It’s Europe as you’ve never seen it before – an up-close and personal experience of culinary, cultural and architectural treasures. No matter which cruise you sign up for, a portion of the proceeds of your booking helps support WUSF Public Broadcasting. As you gather with your family and special friends to celebrate the holidays, I hope you’ll take time to enjoy the inspired seasonal programs on WUSF. Best wishes to you from all of us! JoAnn Urofsky General Manager wusf happenings LA MUSICA Cornerstone Appreciation The 24th season of La Musica International Chamber Music Festival opens with “Sonata a Due,” featuring pianist Derek Han and violinist Federico Agostini in a performance of sonatas by Debussy, Ravel and Franck, December 7, at The Charles Ringling House in Sarasota. Tickets, which include cocktails and a candlelit dinner, are $150 and $250. This season’s festival runs April 7-21, with concerts on April 9, 12, 15, 18, and 21, at the Sarasota Opera House. For Sonata reservations, call 941-371-6798. For festival NPR special info, visit: www.lamusicafestival.org. correspondent Susan Stamberg joined The Perlman Music WUSF to honor Program (PMP) is its Cornerstone returning for its sixth Society members on November 7. THE residency in Sarasota, December 20-31. This annual event PERLMAN Thirty-five students celebrates and thanks those from around the globe MUSIC special donors who Cruise with Burt Wolf! are instructed by contribute an annual PROGRAM renowned musicians Cruise the rivers of Europe with television gift of $1,000 or more led by the celebrated to WUSF. More than journalist Burt Wolf. Choose from five violinist Itzhak Perlman. 100 Cornerstone upcoming tours (or go on all five!) and Area music lovers are members joined invited to free rehearsals Stamberg and WUSF experience a world of tastes, sights, and master classes staff and volunteers and architectural and cultural highlights. on the USF Sarasota- for a brunch and Manatee campus. PMP’s a behind-the-scenes The tours are: Danube Cruise through graduation ceremony tour of the station. Czech Republic, Germany, Austria, is the “Celebration “Susan was so Slovakia, and Hungary (June 19-30, Concert,” with Itzhak gracious and did Perlman, at the Sarasota her best to speak 2010); River Cruising through France: Paris with everyone,” said Opera House, January 2, Cathy Coccia, to Normandy (July 19-27, 2010); Rhine 5 p.m. For tickets, call director of develop- River Cruise through Switzerland, France, 941-366-8450, Ext 1. ment at WUSF. For schedule information, Germany, and Holland (July 31-August 8, “Our Cornerstone www.perlmanmusic members are our 2010); River Cruising through France: programsuncoast.org. most dedicated From Nice To Paris (August 15-26, 2010); supporters. They love WUSF. This event Rhine River Cruise through Holland, Thank you! was our way to love Germany, and France (September 11-19, them back.” Coccia We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all of our new says that Cornerstone 2010). A portion of the proceeds from and renewing members, volunteers and staff who membership has tickets will be directed to WUSF Public helped make the WUSF 89.7 Fall Membership grown from 152 Campaign such a terrific success. We received Broadcasting. Info: 1-888-365-3443. people in 2003 to more 3,244 pledges of support, totaling $406,150. than 400 in 2009. Thank you for making us shine! holiday programming The Urban Nutcracker Celtic Woman Michael Tilson Thomas The Rockettes Chanukah Stories WUSF TV HOLIDAY PROGRAMMING HIGHLIGHTS Radio City Christmas Spectacular Starring The Urban Nutcracker Anthony Williams and The Nutcracker Performed by the Royal Ballet the Rockettes The Rockettes perform traditional a diverse group of dancers put their twist on at the Royal Opera House in London in 2000. favorites, including “Living Nativity” and “Parade traditional Nutcracker roles. Dec. 18, noon. Dec. 24, 3 p.m.; Dec. 25, 2 a.m. and 11 a.m. of the Wooden Soldiers.” Dec. 2, 1:30 p.m. Michael McDonald—This Christmas: A Dinosaur Train The entire Pteranodon family has Great Performances: “Andrea Bocelli & David Soundstage Special Michael McDonald fun celebrating Mom’s favorite holiday, Winter Foster: My Christmas” David Foster joins combines yuletide favorites and Motown classics Solstice. They learn about evergreen trees and Andrea Bocelli for a Christmas concert of holiday with his signature hits for a perfect blend of help decorate them. Dec. 24, 6 p.m. classics with special guests Natalie Cole, Mary J. holiday cheer. Dec. 18, 8 p.m.; Dec. 24, 9 p.m.; Barney & Friends Barney reminds BJ and Riff Blige, Katherine Jenkins, The Muppets, and more. Dec. 25, midnight and 10 a.m. that Christmas is more than just getting gifts. Dec. 2, 3 p.m.; Dec. 3, 10 p.m.; Dec. 6 at 10 p.m. Katie Brown Workshop Christmas Katie Dec. 24, 6:30 p.m. Celtic Woman: Songs From The Heart prepares a no-stress holiday meal and then America’s Children’s Holiday Parade Recorded at the historic Powerscout House decks the halls with an advent calendar and Children’s favorites appear as giant helium and Gardens in Ireland with composer David a dressed-up styrofoam Christmas tree. balloons over the streets of downtown Oakland. Downes and the five women who comprise Celtic Dec. 19, 10:30 a.m. Guests include Sid the Science Kid, Caillou, Woman. Dec. 3, 8 p.m. Trans-Siberian Orchestra: Ghosts of Raggs, Curious George, WordGirl and more! Connie Talbot’s Holiday Magic Connie Talbot Christmas Eve Narrated by the late Ossie Dec. 24, 7 p.m. performs classic holiday tunes, including “Frosty Davis, a runaway girl returns to her family Mr. Christmas A family learns that a happy the Snowman,” “Ave Maria,” “Silent Night,” and after she encounters an old caretaker (Davis), Christmas doesn’t depend on material gifts. “Walking in the Air.” Dec. 5, 4:30 p.m. who guides her on her journey. With musical Dec. 24, 8 p.m.; Dec. 25, 6 a.m. Memory of a Large Christmas recounts the performances by Jewel, Michael Crawford and Great Performances: “Renée Fleming: heartwarming memories of Southern writer Lillian the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. Dec. 19, 10:15 p.m. Sacred Songs and Carols” Soprano Renée Smith’s turn-of-the-century childhood and her Faith Hill — Joy to the World: A Soundstage Fleming performs a selection of sacred family’s celebrations of Christmas. Dec. 6, 9:30 Special Faith Hill sings from her upcoming Christmas music, accompanied by the Deutsche a.m.; Dec. 22, 4:30 p.m. holiday album, “Joy to the World.” Dec. 20, 7 p.m.; Kammerphilharmonie Bremen, conducted by Hanukkah: Let There Be Lights traces the Dec. 24, 10 p.m.; Dec. 25, 1 a.m. and 9 a.m. Trevor Pinnock. Dec. 25, 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. roots, considers traditions past, and the evolution The Secret Family of Jesus Professor Robert Ives: New England Holidays Symphony in of Hanukkah in today’s world. Dec. 15, noon.