Now here’s a fresh look at diversity on classical radio:
In an article Dec. 8th by of Kenya, Voice of America reports that classical music is booming in Kenya.
The recent launch of a classical music magazine and a growing number of concerts and programs on radio stations are a sign of the new popularity. Supporters say this type of music can compliment traditional African beats.
This is not going to be a compendium of fundraising ideas for classical stations, so if you’re looking for the foolproof idea that will make your fundraising SING during a recession, sorry. I wanted to give non-radio types a look at what goes on behind the scenes.
It’s almost impossible for public classical stations to generate “earned income.” Radio has always been free — like the internet — so you can’t really sell the product, unless you’re satellite radio and force people to buy a special receiver and pay a subscription fee.
More from KUSC. Instead of narrowing its playlist and pandering to casual listeners, KUSC continues to be broadminded, even to the extent of playing new music. Producer Brian Lauritzen writes about a new series beginning tomorrow:
KUSC is adding the solo recital series Piano Spheres to its broadcast schedule. The full-length concert broadcasts will air at 10:00 pm the first Saturday of each month, beginning in November, as part of KUSC’s contemporary music program Modern Times. Each broadcast features an interview with the artist at the piano.
My favorite anecdote had to do with a friend who walked into an auto parts store and heard the show playing on the radio. She looked around and just saw these two geezers in Caterpillar caps behind the counter, and asked, “So do you like classical music?” They said, “That’s not classical music, that’s ‘From the Top.’ “