Diane Rehm you rock!

Diane Rehm with Maxie.

Dear Diane,

You've always been one of my favorite NPR personalities. Even though the last hour of your program airs opposite my morning classical music program I still like you (wink, wink). Hey! What's wrong with a little friendly competition! We're playing on the same public radio team after all.

Here's why, in addition to being a fan of your thoughtful, reasoned, compassionate and intelligent interviewing skills, I now say that you rock! You are donating
an autographed, framed photo and Top Dogs book to the Cesar and Illusion Millan Foundation that supports dog shelters around the country with donations and grants.


You go girl!

Sincerely,

Robin Rilette
Music Director
Northwest Public Radio

Joshua Bell with Sergei Rachmaninoff

This morning I played the "Romance" from Edvard Grieg's "Violin Sonata No. 3." This recording is rather unique. It features violinist, Joshua Bell performing with composer and pianist Sergei Rachmaninoff who died in 1943.


This performance is possible through something called "Zemph re-performance technology." Click here
to learn more and to see a video of Joshua Bell during the recording session for the Grieg.

Basset horn vs. Basset Hound

Here is a picture of a Basset Hound.


Here is a picture of the basset horn.

They look completely different and they sound completely different. The basset horn
is a musical instrument, a member of the clarinet family. The basset hound is also a musical instrument. Just ask basset hound owners!



I believe that she is singing in the key of Eb major. Actually, I have no idea. Would that I had perfect pitch! This video begs another question. Who in their right mind would actually encourage a basset hound to bay?!

Here's more information on The Vauxhall Gardens.

Dreams do come true!

It's not every day that you get to speak with one of your heroes but this week I did! Cesar Millan, known to fans worldwide as the Dog Whisperer, spoke with me about his latest book How to Raise the Perfect Dog. Click here to listen to the full interview.


Here's a quick story about what you didn't hear in the interview. I think you'll get a kick out of it! When I personally thanked Cesar and he responded by thanking me in turn, my response went something like this...."oh...uh...ah....uh huh....oh...manical laughter....you're welcome." Yes, I AM a radio professional!

Here's a short video about Mr. President, one of the four puppies that he raised for his new book.

A Season of Symphonies

As you can see by the Yakima Symphony Orchestra's banner they are expecting a banner year! For the first time in their history they are "conducting" a search for a new Music Director. The YSO received 105 applicants from three continents for this position. I think that would make retiring Music Director and Conductor Brooke Creswell very proud.


Brooke Creswell has been Music Director and Conductor of the Yakima Symphony Orchestra since its inception back in 1967 under the name Yakima Chamber Orchestra. Brooke remains with the YSO in the capacity of Artistic Director this season. To read more click here.

Brooke will also conduct the season opening concert on November 1st featuring a piece about the national Mexican holiday knows as Dia de lost Muertos or Day of the Dead. Also on that program is Lux Aeterna written by Morten Lauridsen
born in Colfax, Washington.


Other season highlights include the YSO's principal cellist, Kara Hunnicutt in Ottorino Respighi's Adagio con variazioni featuring conductor Viswa Subbaraman.










Pianist Regina Yeh joins the Yakima Symphony and conductor Nikola Caoile in Frederic Chopin's Piano Concerto No. 2 in f.


Check out the other conductor candidates and buy your tickets to be a part of this exciting season!

A Season of Symphonies

Adam Stern and the Seattle Philharmonic's 2009/2010 season focuses on both the tried and true and the tantalizingly new.


Their season features everything from Shel Silverstein's The Giving Tree narrated by Adam Stern's daughter, Ella, to Maurice Ravel's Bolero.


Check out their full schedule on the Seattle Philharmonic link above and click here to purchase your season tickets.