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. Beckford traces back to the beginnings of Concert Michael Tilson Thomas and the Chanukah Stories In this animated tale, Christianity and uncovers a conspiracy that San Francisco Symphony perform folk songs, Jami Gertz and Bob Saget share two popular challenges the religion’s foundations. Dec. 23, hymns and marches of Charles Ives. Dec. 25, Chanukah tales. Dec. 15, 12:30 p.m. 10 p.m.; Dec. 24, midnight. 7 a.m. and 2 p.m. holiday programming
WUSF 89.7 Holiday Programming Highlights
Hanukkah Lights Acclaimed Messiah with the Pittsburgh authors explore Hanukkah Symphony Orchestra and the traditions in original stories. Mendelssohn Choir Get in Hosted by Murray Horwitz and the holiday spirit with Handel’s Susan Stamberg. Dec. 14, 7 p.m. “Messiah.” Dec. 21, 7 p.m.
Chanukah in Story and Song A Harpist’s Christmas The Western Wind performs with Yolanda Kondonassis Ladino songs of Spanish Jews, Yolanda Kondonassis celebrates Yiddish melodies of Eastern the season with treasures of Europe, and modern Israeli tunes Christmas harp music. with host Leonard Nimoy. Dec. 21, 9 p.m. Dec. 14, 8 p.m. St. Olaf Christmas Festival Happy Joyous Hanukkah Featuring hymns, carols, choral Featuring a concert by the works, and orchestral selections Klezmatics. Dec. 14, 9 p.m. celebrating the Nativity. Dec. 22, 7 p.m. Welcome Christmas! The Yolanda Kondonassis ensemble VocalEssence in an Lessons and Carols from Photo by Mark Battrell all-American program spotlighting Washington National 20th-century African-American Cathedral Hosted by Robert composers. Dec. 17, 7 p.m. Aubry Davis. Dec. 22, 9 p.m.
Christmas Around the Cantus: All is Calm An Country The best of holiday uplifting musical drama about music-making from coast to the surprising 1914 World War I coast. Dec. 17, 8 p.m. Christmas truce. Dec. 23, 7 p.m.
A Chanticleer Christmas Echoes of Christmas America’s finest male chorus The Dale Warland Singers Jonathan Winters celebrates the wonders of perform moving selections Christmas with best-loved of choral classics celebrating Christmas songs. Dec. 17, 9 p.m. Christmas. Dec. 23, 8 p.m.
Choirs & Carols: An NPR Christmas with The Christmas Join host Lisa Philadelphia Singers 2009 Chanticleer Simeone for ancient harmonies, Traditional and contemporary traditional carols, and a rarely holiday music by The Philadelphia heard Christmas song by Sibelius. Singers. Dec. 23, 9 p.m. The Pittsburgh Brass unpacks a pair of 500-pound bells to ring Festival of Nine Lessons and in the holiday, and the members Carols The legendary music The Western Wind of Trio Voronezh tune up a and spoken-word broadcast from balalaika or two. Dec. 18, 7 p.m. the chapel of King’s College in Cambridge, England. Dec. 24, 10 Christmas with Morehouse a.m. and 7 p.m. and Spelman Glee Clubs The choirs of Morehouse and Jonathan Winters’ A Spelman Colleges join together to Christmas Carol Comedian present a spine-tingling concert Jonathan Winters presents a program. Dec. 18, 8 p.m. distinctive reading of Dickens’ holiday classic. Dec. 24, 9 p.m. Mother of God: a Portrait in Song A concert of devotional New Year’s Day from Vienna music by the Carmel Festival The Vienna Philharmonic presents Chorale in the historic Carmel favorite waltzes and polkas, and Mission Basilica. Dec. 18, 9 p.m. so much more. Jan. 1, 11 a.m. radio television
WUSF 89.7 RADIO SCHEDULE DECEMBER TV HIGHLIGHTS
Monday through Friday Saturday continued Morning Edition Weekend Edition 8-10 a.m. with Carson Cooper 5-9 a.m. Car Talk 10-11 a.m. Classical Music Wait Wait... Don’t Tell Me! 11-noon with Russell Gant 9-1 p.m. Classical Music noon-5 p.m. Classical Music with Bethany Cagle 1-4 p.m. All Things Considered 5-6 p.m. All Things Considered with Joshua Stewart A Prairie Home Companion 6-8 p.m. & Susan Giles Wantuck 4-6:30 p.m. This American Life 8-9 p.m. Marketplace 6:30-7 p.m. Piano Jazz 9-10 p.m. Classical Music Jazz with Bob Seymour 10 p.m.-1 a.m. with Coleen Cook 7-10 p.m. Jazz with Jeff Franklin & Jazz with Bob Seymour 10 p.m.-1 a.m. Matthew Wengerd 1-6 a.m. Jazz with Jeff Franklin & Sunday Matthew Wengerd 1-5 a.m. Jazz 1-6 a.m. Friday Classical Music 6-8 a.m. Inside Washington with Gordon Peterson brings the best and brightest All Things Considered 4-6 p.m. Weekend Edition 8-10 a.m. journalists together to analyze the week’s most notable news events with intelligence, wit and humor. Contributors include NPR senior Florida Matters Florida Matters with Carson Cooper 6-6:30 p.m. with Carson Cooper 10-10:30 a.m. correspondent Nina Totenberg; Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist Charles Marketplace 6:30-7 p.m. Krauthammer; assistant managing editor of Newsweek Evan Thomas; and Classical Music 10:30-11 a.m. Classical Music columnist Mark Shields from PBS NewsHour. Airs Sundays at 9 a.m. Sunday Baroque 11 a.m.-1 p.m. with Coleen Cook 7-10 p.m. Classical Music 1-3 p.m. Riverwalk 10-11 p.m. A Prairie Home Companion 3-5 p.m. Jazz at Lincoln Center 11 p.m.-midnight All Things Considered 5-6 p.m. Jazz Set with Dee Dee Bridgewater midnight-1 a.m. Studio 360 6-7 p.m. Saturday SymphonyCast 7-9 p.m. Jazz 1-6 a.m. Classical Music 9-11 p.m. Classical Music 6-8 a.m. Jazz with Jeff Franklin 11 p.m.-6 a.m. The WUSF Radio Reading Service is accessible to those who qualify 24 hours a day via a special radio receiver, provided at no charge. Find more information at www.wusf.org.
WUSF 89.72 RADIO SCHEDULE
Monday through Friday Saturday continued Morning Edition BBC Newshour 4-5 p.m. with Carson Cooper 5-9 a.m. All Things Considered 5-6 p.m. Tell Me More 9-10 a.m. Michael McDonald—This Christmas: A Soundstage Special Singer Fresh Air Weekend 6-7 p.m. The Diane Rehm Show 10 a.m.-noon Michael McDonald combines yuletide favorites such as “Have Yourself This American Life 7-8 p.m. a Merry Little Christmas” and “White Christmas” with the Stevie Fresh Air noon-1 p.m. Conversations from Wonder Motown classic, “What Christmas Means to Me,” and some World Have Your Say 1-2 p.m. the World Café 8-9 p.m. of his signature hits for an inspiring blend of holiday cheer. Airs Friday, Talk of The Nation 2-4 p.m. The Changing World 9-10 p.m. December 18, at 8 p.m. All Things Considered with Joshua Stewart & Robin Sussingham 4-6:30 p.m. BBC World Service News 10 p.m.-5 a.m. Florida Matters with Sunday Carson Cooper (Friday only) 6-6:30 p.m. BBC World Service News 5-6 a.m. Marketplace 6:30-7 p.m. The People’s Pharmacy 6-7 a.m. The World 7-8 p.m. Speaking of Faith 7-8 a.m. On Point 8-10 p.m. Weekend Edition 8-10 a.m. To The Point 10-11 p.m. BBC World Service News 11 p.m.-5 a.m. Car Talk 10-11 a.m. Saturday Latino USA 11-11:30 a.m. BBC World Service News 5-6 a.m. Florida Matters 11:30 a.m.-noon World Vision Report 6-6:30 a.m. Best of Our Knowledge noon-2 p.m. Florida Matters Selected Shorts 2-3 p.m. with Carson Cooper 6:30-7 a.m. The Splendid Table 3-4 p.m. Only A Game 7-8 a.m. BBC Newshour 4-5 p.m. Weekend Edition 8-10 a.m. All Things Considered 5-6 p.m. Bill Cosby: The Mark Twain Prize An A-list cast of comedians, including Car Talk 10-11 a.m. Jerry Seinfeld and Chris Rock, salutes Bill Cosby, the 12th recipient of On the Media 6-7 p.m. Whad’Ya Know? 11 a.m.-1 p.m. the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor. Taped at the Kennedy Center Living on Earth 7-8 p.m. Wait Wait... Don’t Tell Me! 1-2 p.m. ceremony, the program includes clips of Cosby’s career highlights: Studio 360 2-3 p.m. The Tavis Smiley Show 8-10 p.m. from his role on I Spy to the two comedy series bearing his name. Marketplace Money 3-4 p.m. BBC World Service News 10 p.m.-5 a.m. Airs Thursday, December 31, at 8 p.m. december t v primetime
Tuesday1st Sunday 13th Monday 21st Sunday 27th continued 8:00pm André Rieu Live in Dresden 8:00pm Viewer Favorites 8:30pm Smart Travels – Europe 9:00pm American Experience 10:00pm Ed Slott’s Stay Rich for Life Monday 14th with Rudy Maxa “Four Great “The Kennedys” 11:30pm Worldfocus 8:00pm Rick Steves’ Europe Cities of Europe” Monday 28th Wednesday 2nd “Athens and Side Trips” 9:00pm Great Lodges of the 8:00pm Rick Steves’ Europe 8:00pm Doo Wop 50 8:30pm Smart Travels – Europe with National Parks “Glacier Lodges” “Copenhagen” 11:00pm Worldfocus Rudy Maxa “Medieval Europe” 8:30pm Smart Travels – Europe with Rudy Maxa “Bath Thursday 3rd 9:00pm Great Lodges of the and South Wales” 8:00pm Celtic Woman: Songs National Parks “Grand Lodges” 9:00pm Great Lodges of the from the Heart 10:00pm Great Lodges of the National Parks 10:00pm Great Performances National Parks “Canyon Lodges” 10:00pm Great Lodges of the “Andrea Bocelli and David Foster: Tuesday 15th My Christmas” National Parks “Roughing It in Style 8:00pm Lark Rise to Candleford in Alaska and the Rockies” 12:00am Worldfocus 10:00pm Great Lodges of 9:00pm Doc Martin Tuesday 29th Friday 4th the National Parks 10:00pm MI5 8:00pm Lark Rise to Candleford 8:00pm Big Band Years “Pacific Northwest Lodges” Wednesday 16th 9:00pm Doc Martin 10:00pm Victor Borge: 100 Years Tuesday 22nd 8:00pm Openroad “California Coast” of Music & Laughter 8:00pm Lark Rise to Candleford 10:00pm MI5 8:30pm Burt Wolf: Travels & 11:30pm Worldfocus 9:00pm Doc Martin Wednesday 30th Traditions “Cruising the Rhine” Saturday 5th 10:00pm MI5 8:00pm Openroad “Exploring 9:00pm This Old House “Newton the West” 8:00pm Doo Wop 50 Wednesday 23rd Centre Project” Pt. 8 of 16 8:30pm Burt Wolf: Travels & 11:00pm Pink Floyd: Dark Side Openroad 9:30pm Hometime “Party Kitchen” 8:00pm Traditions “Gateway to Scotland” of the Moon “Surprising California” 10:00pm History Project “The 9:00pm This Old House “Newton Mystery of the Black Mummy” 8:30pm Burt Wolf: Travels Centre Project” Pt. 10 of 16 & Traditions “Cruising France” Thursday 17th 9:30pm Hometime “Attic Trusses” 8:00pm Nature “The Good, 9:00pm This Old House “Newton 10:00pm Saving Fallingwater Centre Project” Pt. 9 of 16 The Bad, and The Grizzly” Thursday 31st 9:30pm Hometime 9:00pm Bear Island 8:00pm Bill Cosby: The Mark “Arched Wood Panels” 10:00pm Gates of the Arctic: Twain Prize Alaska’s Brook Range 10:00pm Secret Family of Jesus Sunday 6th 9:30pm Billy Crystal: The Mark Twain Prize 8:00pm André Rieu Live in Dresden Friday 18th 10:00pm Great Performances 8:00pm Michael McDonald – Where to Watch “Andrea Bocelli and David Foster: This Christmas: A Soundstage My Christmas” Special Over the Air Monday 7th 9:00pm Antiques Roadshow 16.1 WUSF TV 8:00pm Rick Steves’ Iran: Yesterday “Mobile, AL” Pt. 3 16.2 WUSF Kids and Today 10:00pm Globe Trekker Special 16.3 Create TV Thursday 24th 9:30pm Viewer Favorites “Globe Shopper 2” 16.4 florida Knowledge 8:00pm Mr. Christmas 11:00pm Worldfocus Saturday 19th network 9:00pm Michael McDonald – Tuesday 8th 8:00pm Saturday Night Movie WUSF on Comcast This Christmas: A Soundstage 8:00pm Ed Sullivan’s Rock and “That’s Entertainment” 204 WUSF TV Special Roll Classics 10:15pm Trans-Siberian Orchestra: 205 WUSF Kids 10:00pm Faith Hill – Joy to the 10:00pm Rock and Roll Hall of Ghosts of Christmas Eve 206 Create TV World: A Soundstage Special Event Fame Live Sunday 20th 207 florida Knowledge 11:30pm Worldfocus 8:00pm NOVA “First Flower” Friday 25th network Wednesday 9th 9:00pm American Masters 8:00pm Changing Seas WUSF on Verizon FiOS “Super Grouper” 8:00pm Magic Moments – “John Ford/John Wayne: 16 WUSF TV 8:30pm Changing Seas “Mission The Best of 50’s Pop The Filmmaker and the Legend” 470 WUSF TV to Inner Space” 10:00pm Pink Floyd: Dark Side 473 WUSF Kids 9:00pm Antiques Roadshow of the Moon 472 Create TV “Relative Riches” 11:30pm Worldfocus 471 florida Knowledge Thursday 10th 10:00pm Globe Trekker Special network “Best Dives” 8:00pm Viewer Favorites WUSF on Bright House Saturday 26th 12:00am Worldfocus 616 WUSF TV Friday 11th 8:00pm Creating Blue Man Group 617 WUSF Kids 8:00pm Viewer Favorites 10:30pm Falsifyin’ 9:00pm Saturday Night Movie 618 Create TV 12:00am Worldfocus Monday 21st “Top Hat” 619 florida Knowledge Saturday 12th 8:00pm Rick Steves’ Europe Sunday 27th network 8:00pm Viewer Favorites “Greece’s Peloponnese” 8:00pm NOVA “What Are Dreams?”
*Programs scheduled are subject to change after printing of this publication. wusf first choice non-profit org. University of South Florida U.S. Postage WUSF Public Broadcasting PAID 4202 East Fowler Avenue, TVB100 Tampa, FL Tampa, FL 33620-6870 no. 257 813-974-8700
for a wonderful holiday season from all of us at wusf public broadcasting