Spotlight image: All Classical Radio

New Look, Same Station: All Classical Radio

Since 1983 this station has provided a constant source of music, inspiration, and joy for listeners in Portland, OR, and around the world. As we celebrate 40 years of community-minded, community-funded service, we are proud to reintroduce ourselves as All Classical Radio. With a bold new look and logo, and exciting initiatives on the horizon, we remain committed to sharing outstanding music and cultural programming in the years ahead.

All Classical Radio is your station. We are proud to be the Pacific Northwest’s most accessible and wide-reaching resource for outstanding music, arts, and cultural programs, and we will continue to serve as a trusted source for classical music enthusiasts, a beacon for community connection, and a platform for talented musicians and artists of all ages. For forty years, listener support has built and sustained this service. Together with our community, we continue to build together, and the future is bright!

A web banner announcing All Classical Radio's new logo and brand

ABOUT THE NEW LOOK

A vibrant visual universe for a vibrant radio station

All Classical Radio’s refreshed brand represents an exciting alignment with the station’s expansive geographic reach and impact, and our commitment to serving all listeners. The new logo and accompanying visual universe were inspired by the 20th Century Orphic Cubism Art movement, which sees art as the unification of sensation and color.

The logo is a joyful, minimalist representation of everything that makes All Classical Radio so unique. In the “C”, you may see sound waves, a record, an audience, a concert hall, a spotlight shining on our artists–and we hope you will see yourself, the community of listeners who support this service and make everything we do possible.

All Classical Radio’s President and CEO, Suzanne Nance, shares, “We are honored to be recognized as a leader in public media, for high rankings in listenership as well as our innovative programming on the air and in the community. This brand alignment reflects our flourishing global reach and our welcoming hometown touch, and positions the station to improve its accessibility and visual recognition, especially in the digital media landscape.

“We remain committed to enhancing lives and breaking down barriers to classical music; welcoming all people and all communities to experience the power of the arts on All Classical. It’s the same wonderful station listeners have grown to love over the past four decades, with a new vibrant look!”

All Classical Radio's new logo and brand

All Classical Radio’s new logo and look were developed in partnership with boutique creative consultancy – Hyper Beau.

Read the complete brand alignment press release.

View All Classical Radio’s new logo.


TO THE NEXT 40 YEARS

Join All Classical Radio in recognizing our 40th anniversary this year, and watch this space to learn more about exciting initiatives on the horizon, including: a comprehensive website redesign (fall 2023), a retrospective exhibit to be displayed at the Oregon Historical Society (beginning October 2023), and All Classical Radio’s move to our new headquarters at the KOIN Tower in downtown Portland (early 2024). Learn more about our relocation or make a contribution to the capital campaign.


Thank you for supporting this service of music, companionship, kindness, and joy.


All Classical Radio: Frequently Asked Questions


Spotlight image for John Pitman Review: Andrew Brownell's 'Shades of Night'

John Pitman Review: Andrew Brownell’s ‘Shades of Night’

Andrew Brownell is a pianist and former Portlander who, in the mid-1990s would occasionally stop by the All Classical studios for an interview with John Pitman. Often, Andrew would play something on the piano, or accompany violinist Nicholas Crosa (now part of Pink Martini), for an upcoming recital.

Brownell recently stopped by for a chat with John about his latest album, “Shades of Night,” available now on Divine Art. The pianist explores a time when the night was an antithesis to the clarity of an illumined day. In the especially fertile imaginations of the 19th- century Romantic composers, this was a time when the world gave itself over to mystery and magic. Brownell shares insight into his choices of repertoire, and the careful arrangement of them on the album, and how the pairings reveal secrets otherwise hidden, as though shielded from the light of the moon or campfire.

Hear their conversation below:

https://soundcloud.com/all-classical-portland/shades-of-night-andrew-brownell-jp-interview-feature?si=e7e3f6b4856e4408bf86a3d52ac75e78

“Shades of Night” is available now on Divine Art.


Spotlight: All Classical 40th Anniversary Celebrations

Celebrate All Classical’s 40th Birthday!

On August 1st, All Classical will celebrate 40 years of orchestrating magic! Since 1983, this station has provided an innovative classical soundtrack, broadcasting from the heart of the Pacific Northwest and now serving millions of listeners worldwide, from the Oregon Coast to Antarctica and beyond.

This community-funded radio station is here thanks to YOU, our listeners, and we can’t wait to celebrate with you!

Celebrate All Classical's 40th Birthday!

With highlights on the radio, events at our station, and collaborations in the community, there are many ways to take part in our 40th anniversary. Read more below, and be sure to tune in on August 1 for our birthday party on the radio at 89.9 FM, via our free mobile app, or online at allclassical.org.


40TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS

  • ON AIR – Tune in throughout the day on August 1 for our one-day fundraiser and celebration, as our hosts gather on the air to commemorate the big 4-0. During this one day fundraiser, please consider making a “birthday” gift to All Classical in support of this service. Your donation in any amount will make a difference! Give onlinemail in a check, or call 888-899-5722.

  • BIRTHDAY GRAND PRIZE GIVEAWAYMake a gift on August 1st and you will be entered to win a one-of-a-kind Birthday Gift Basket filled with Pacific Northwest treasures. One lucky winner will be drawn following our Birthday Fundraiser! Learn more.

  • ON AIR – Then tune in at 7:00 PM PT on August 1 for Birthday Notes!, a retrospective birthday program, hosted by John Pitman and featuring musical moments and highlights from the last 40 years, plus appearances by all your favorite All Classical hosts. Learn more.

Summer 2023 Open House: All Classical hosts
  • SUMMER OPEN HOUSE – You’re invited to celebrate with us in person at the station on Sunday, August 6, 2023, from 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM! Our Summer Open House will include tours of the station, snacks and light refreshments, chances to meet your favorite hosts, an ICAN Radio room with fun activities for children and families. Plus, you’ll enjoy live performances by Meester & Meester and pianist María García. Learn more here.

  • FREE CONCERT IN THE PARK – Our birthday month festivities continue on Thursday, August 24, 2023, at 5:30 PM at Irving Park in Portland, OR. The International Children’s Arts Network (ICAN Radio) invites you to a free concert featuring Mo Phillips & the Spaghetti Pants Dance Band! Learn more at ICANRadio.org.

Celebrate All Classical's 40th Birthday!

Join the party at 89.9 FM or worldwide via the All Classical live player.


Five LGBTQI+ Artists You Need to Know

Five LGBTQI+ Artists You Need to Know

In honor of Pride Month, and all year round, join All Classical in celebrating LGBTQI+ musical artists who provide so much joy, talent, and beauty to our collective soundscape. As we come together to enjoy the station’s catalog of diverse programming, let’s get to know a few of the LGBTQI+ artists who regularly grace our airwaves.

Thomas Lauderdale

Thomas Lauderdale
Photo by Autumn de Wilde courtesy of Harvard Magazine

While celebrated as an extraordinary performer and bandleader globally, Thomas Lauderdale is an absolute icon among audiences of his Pacific Northwest hometown. Lauderdale has had a keen interest in politics and social justice since his teens and planned to run for political office after graduating (with honors) from Harvard University. Instead, in 1994, the musician founded the band, Pink Martini, to play events for progressive causes. Since its founding, Pink Martini has blossomed into a cultural staple integral to Portland’s identity while staying true to Lauderdale’s founding mission to participate in community interests actively. As a pianist and sought-after collaborator, Lauderdale is admired for his captivating stage presence and dazzling musicianship.

Last month, Lauderdale joined All Classical host Christa Wessel at the station to chat about his new collaboration with legendary Portland surf rock band Satan’s Pilgrims called “Thomas Lauderdale Meets The Pilgrims.” Listen to Christa and Thomas’s conversation here.

Yannick Nézet-Séguin

Yannick Nézet-Séguin
Photo by George Etheredge courtesy of Nézet-Séguin’s website

Canadian-born and Grammy Award-winning conductor and pianist Yannick Nézet-Séguin has led the world’s most acclaimed orchestras and opera houses, not to mention his seemingly endless collaborations with the most distinguished singers and musicians of our time. Currently, Nézet-Séguin serves as Music Director of the Metropolitan Opera, Artistic and Music Director of The Philadelphia Orchestra, and Artistic Director and Principal Conductor of Orchestre Métropolitain in his native Montreal. The conductor has become a beloved household name known for his fresh perspective, his dedication to the art form, and his charisma. In an industry where prominent arts leaders historically have rarely been openly gay, Nézet-Séguin is a beacon of hope for up-and-coming musicians who otherwise may have feared discrimination.

Edna Vázquez

Edna Vazquez
Photo by Kale Chesney courtesy of Vázquez’s Facebook page

Edna Vázquez is a multifaceted performing artist whose music seamlessly spans the genres of rock, folk, pop, and R&B. Her Mexican heritage plays a vital role in her identity as a performer whose roots are in mariachi music (she grew up in Jalisco, the heartland of the musical genre). Additionally, Vázquez regularly tours with Pink Martini as a featured soloist and even released an album, “Bésame Mucho,” with the ensemble. She has become a household name for her powerful vocal performance and passion that permeates any listener’s heart.  When Vázquez first came out as a lesbian as a teenager, she was culturally isolated. Ever since, the musician has been a fierce advocate for LGBTQI+ rights and spreading the message of love and cultural healing through music.

Marin Alsop

Photo by Grant Leighton courtesy of Alsop’s website

American conductor Marin Alsop is a trailblazer in classical music, known for modernizing the world’s leading orchestras with her fresh, diverse programming. Among her list of inspiring accolades are an impressive collection of “firsts” – the first woman to lead a major orchestra in the United States, South America, Austria, and Great Britain, the first (and only) conductor to receive a MacArthur Fellowship, and the first female conductor of BBC’s Last Night of the Proms, among many others. As an openly gay woman conductor, Alsop creates a sense of hope among aspiring conductors and musicians about the future of inclusivity and equity in the industry and beyond.

In breaking news, Alsop has just been appointed as Artistic Director and Chief Conductor of the Polish National Radio Symphony Orchestra, in addition to continuing to serve as Chief Conductor of the ORF Vienna Radio Symphony Orchestra.

Hunter Noack

Photo courtesy of Noack’s website

Pianist Hunter Noack is a native Oregonian and All Classical’s inaugural Artist in Residence whose love of the outdoors has manifested in the innovative musical experience IN A LANDSCAPE: Classical Music in the Wild™. In the annual series, Noack and his 9-foot Steinway replace the concert hall with some of this country’s most stunning natural backdrops, bringing his gorgeous interpretations of classical music to larger and more diverse audiences. Noack earned degrees from the University of Southern California and Guildhall School of Music & Drama and has toured nationally and internationally with his partner, Thomas Lauderdale’s band, Pink Martini. In 2022, the musician released his debut album, “In a Landscape,” which topped Billboard’s classical music charts.

Revisit Noack’s recent stunning collaboration with poet Kim Stafford on Sunday Brunch: “All Classical Portland’s Poetry Project 2023: The Improv Sessions.”

Recommended Reading

To keep learning, check out these posts from All Classical’s Arts Blog:

John Pitman Review: Eric Whitacre & Voces8 'Home'

John Pitman Review: Eric Whitacre & Voces8 ‘Home’

All Classical Portland’s Program Director John Pitman recently spoke with American choral composer Eric Whitacre, who has a career now spanning over three decades, is one of the world’s most popular composers among audiences and choirs alike. Several of his works have been recorded multiple times, but even then, the composer sees opportunities when one special group comes forth to work with him.

The 8-voice British mixed choir, Voces8, renowned for their stunningly melded yet clear singing, collaborated with Whitacre on Home, which includes the very personal musical statement, The Sacred Veil. There are also several stand-alone works such as The Seal Lullaby, Go Lovely Rose…, and a world premiere:  All Seems Beautiful to Me (with text by Whitman).  John Pitman interviews Mr. Whitacre, and weaves in moments of musical magic as sung by Voces8.

Hear John’s conversation with Eric below:

https://soundcloud.com/all-classical-portland/john-pitman-review-eric-whitacre-voces8-home

Eric Whitacre & Voces8 'Home' album cover

Home is available now through Eric’s website, ericwhitacre.com.


Spotlight image announcing new hosts Coty Raven Morris & Leb Borgerson

New Season, New Voices – Introducing Coty & Leb

As we prepare for a summer of sun, music, and fun, you will be hearing some new friends on our airwaves. All Classical Portland is proud to welcome two new on-air hosts: Coty Raven Morris and Leb Borgerson!

Coty has been a frequent guest on Noteworthy and a featured author on ICAN Radio. You’ll hear more of Coty on various special summer programs that we have planned for you, alongside article highlights on our well-loved Arts Blog.

You can hear Leb overnight on Saturdays from 3:00 – 7:00 AM PT, as well as guest hosting throughout the summer.

Get to know our fabulous new hosts below.


ABOUT

GRAMMY-nominated music educator Coty Raven Morris is a proud alumna of Texas State University- San Marcos and Michigan State University, where she received a Master’s in Choral Conducting.

At Portland State University, Coty is Professor of Choir, Music Education, and Social Justice. She is also the Founder of Being Human Together, a community rooted in music education striving to normalize difficult topics through conversation and connection. Prior to this, she was the Director of Choirs at Crosby High School in the Houston area and has served as the Outreach Choir Director at the MSU Community Music School and Music Director at Grand Ledge United Methodist Church.

Coty was recently named a Quarter-finalist for the 2023 Music Educators Grammy! She was also nominated for the coveted Portland State University George C Hoffman Faculty Award.

New host Coty Raven Morris
New host Leb Borgerson

Leb Borgerson is a multi-instrumentalist who grew up in Eastern Washington. After moving to Portland in 2000, he performed with several popular local bands, recorded numerous records, and toured the Western United States. Leb is the bass player for the well-loved Portland cumbia act Orquestra Pacifico Tropical. As a freelance producer, Leb has written, recorded, and produced over 150 original compositions for multiple production companies.

While studying music composition and guitar performance at Washington State University, he was a DJ on the college radio station KZUU. Outside of work, Leb continues to write and perform music and enjoys spending time with his wife and dog, as well as cooking and traveling.

Photo by Christine Dong


Spotlight image that says: Thank you for your patience.

Streaming Changes (as of May 2023)

All Classical Portland recently updated our streaming encoders to a new service, allowing us to provide better connectivity to our listeners. Unfortunately, not all services have immediately made the transition.

You can always listen for free via our mobile app or the livestream on our website.

If you were using a direct URL to connect to our stream, please note that the urls have changed. If you use an internet radio device and are able to manually update your streams please use the below options.


Direct URLs for online streams:

AAC

MP3

PLS

ASX

If you use iTunes or another media player such as VLC, replace your old m3u file with this new one:


If you are not able to update your stream, please email help@allclassical.org. In your message, let us know the manufacturer and model of your device, and if you know how the stream is distributed (vTune, SkyTune, Roon, etc.).

Thank you for listening to All Classical Portland! We appreciate your patience and apologize for any inconvenience.

You can always listen from anywhere via our mobile app or the livestream on our website.


Christa Wessel interview with Thomas Lauderdale Meets The Pilgrims

Christa Wessel Meets Thomas Lauderdale & The Pilgrims

Desktop banner for Christa Wessel interview with Thomas Lauderdale

Host Christa Wessel spoke with Pink Martini bandleader and Portland pianist Thomas Lauderdale about his new collaboration album with legendary Portland surf rockers Satan’s Pilgrims. Over 25 years in the making, the new album, Thomas Lauderdale Meets The Pilgrims, features new takes on beloved standards such as Night and Day, Malagueña, and George Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue.

Infusing classical music and Thomas’s sparkling piano work with the Pilgrims’ signature surf rock sound, it’s the perfect summer party record you can enjoy all year round!

Hear Christa and Thomas‘s exciting conversation below:

Christa Wessel interviews Thomas Lauderdale

Thomas Lauderdale Meets The Pilgrims album cover

Thomas Lauderdale Meets The Pilgrims is available now on CD and vinyl at pinkmartini.com!

Experience the album live at the Crystal Ballroom on Thursday, May 18, 2023. Tickets and more information at crystalballroompdx.com.


ABOUT

Thomas Lauderdale was raised on a plant nursery in rural Indiana. He began piano lessons at age six with Patricia Garrison. When his family moved to Portland in 1982, he began studying with Sylvia Killman, who to this day continues to serve as his coach and mentor. He has appeared as soloist with numerous orchestras and ensembles, including the Oregon Symphony, the Seattle Symphony, the Portland Youth Philharmonic, Chamber Music Northwest and Oregon Ballet Theatre (where he collaborated with choreographer James Canfield and visual artists Storm Tharp and Malia Jensen on a ballet based on Felix Salten’s Bambi, written in 1923).

Lauderdale currently serves on the boards of the Oregon Symphony, Pioneer Courthouse Square, the Oregon Historical Society, Confluence Project with Maya Lin and the Derek Rieth Foundation. He lives in downtown Portland, Oregon.

Learn more at pinkmartini.com.


Satan’s Pilgrims formed in 1992 during a series of house parties hosted by the members of the band, and were playing shows in their hometown of Portland, Oregon by 1993. Twisting their name from the 60’s AIP film “Satan’s Sadists” and donning their now familiar matching outfits complete with vampire capes, they became a band. 

The Pilgrims are one of the most influential surf instrumental bands around and while much of their sound has a definite Southern California influence, what sets them apart is the legacy of their Pacific Northwest rock ‘n’ roll ancestors and other influences, creating their own sub-genre of surf instrumental that many fans call “Pilgrim Rock”.

Read more at satans-pilgrims.com.


Our Vision for the Future of All Classical

Our Vision for the Future of All Classical

collage of photos

While you’ve been listening to us, we’ve heard you.

We’ve grown. We’ve adapted.
And we’re here for you — in more ways than ever.

All Classical is committed to being a source of positive change in our community of listeners — at home in Oregon and Washington, and around the world.

photo collage- spiral, man playing flute, a nebulous thing

Our Heritage

All Classical’s mission broadens the appeal and reach of classical music and the arts, increasing social and economic benefits to our community.

Join us in celebrating our 40th Anniversary and the way we:

  • Consistently rank in the top three classical music public radio stations across the USA.
  • Produce 98% of our content locally.
  • Pioneer youth programs and arts journalism mentorships.
  • Established a ground-breaking Artist in Residence program, culminating in a Carnegie Hall debut and an appearance on CBS Sunday Morning.
  • Launched icanradio.org, a new International Children’s Arts Network, the first station of its kind, in 2019, to bridge the arts education gap with great content for young listeners and their families.
  • Created the award-winning Recording Inclusivity Initiative that’s increased the number of classical musicians and composers from underrepresented communities that are heard on the radio – a program that we are helping over 40 radio stations establish in communities across the country.

Our Challenge

To better position All Classical and the arts as a force for positive change, it’s time to move to new headquarters, which will enable us to:

  • Increase the range of activities we can offer, thanks to audio and video studios.
  • Create and manage a unique performance and events space.
  • Build a new state-of-the-art recording studio to document the artists of our time and make the studio available to local performers and composers.
  • Bring All Classical to the heart of downtown Portland, where we’ll serve as a beacon for arts-based urban regeneration.
  • Move from being a great classical radio station, to a truly integrated arts and cultural network.
  • Align with our newly created brand identity, envisioned to depict the vibrancy of All Classical and strengthen our digital presence.

Our ambition is to share the dynamism, joy, and passion for classical music with all audiences — regionally, nationally, and internationally.

photo collage - abstract, woman at piano, concert hall, building

Create with Us!

All Classical for all people

These ambitious community and culturally empowering plans will be possible with your support.

All Classical must raise $10 million to help equip our new home and expand the services we offer.

Already over 250,000 people in the Pacific Northwest enjoy the services of All Classical every week, and millions stream across the United States and in over 100 countries.

Research underscores the social and economic benefits of our mission and service. Please help extend the love of classical music and its benefits across our region and beyond by making a powerful financial investment in All Classical.

image collage: women playing stringed instruments, a man near a microphone

Contact

If you would like to help us further on our mission please contact Suzanne Nance at:

503-802-9403
suzanne@allclassical.org

“All Classical is the soundtrack of my life. It is a safe harbor when the storms of life have jangled my nerves and a source of inspiration when the emotional tank is drained.”

– Listener in Portland, OR

“All Classical has been my station in times of stress, work, and joy. You have been with me since inception, and you’ll be part of my life till the end. Thank you for your music, and kind and positive vibes. Now more than ever you’re a beacon of hope!”

– Listener in Portland, OR

“I value this station because in all ways possible it shows up, stands out, and adds value, to every moment of its existence, including mine, and all who listen.”

– Listener in Hillsboro, OR

Suzanne Nance chopping strawberries

A Sunday Brunch Recipe for Mother’s Day

Sunday Brunch host Suzanne Nance loves to explore Oregon’s foodie culture, and what better way than to go straight to the chefs of some of our most beloved restaurants and vineyards. Just in time for Mother’s Day, we are delighted to share the recipe for Crispy Chicken & Waffles by Chef Norma Buchholz from Brooks Winery. It’s a delicious treat to make for mom or another special someone in your life on Mother’s Day – or any day. Bon appétit!

Download the full recipe here, and be sure to tune in to Sunday Brunch every Sunday from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM PT. There’s always room at the brunch table!


Crispy Chicken & Waffles by Chef Norma Buchholz

Waffles:

  • 2 cups flour
  • 1 ¾ cups milk
  • ½ cup melted butter
  • 2 tbsp sugar
  • 2 tsp cinnamon
  • 4 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 2 tsp vanilla
  • 2 eggs, separated (egg whites beaten until stiff peaks form)
  1. Place the flour, sugar, salt, cinnamon, and baking powder in a large bowl, and mix well.
  2. Add vanilla, butter, milk, and egg yolks. Mix well.
  3. Using a spatula, gently fold in the egg whites until well incorporated.
  4. Turn your waffle iron on to medium heat and place 1 cup of waffle batter in the iron, close and cook 1-2 minutes.
  5. Gently remove and let cool before plating.

Chicken:

  • 1 qt buttermilk
  • 3 tbsp kosher salt
  • 2 lbs chicken tenderloin
  • 2 cups flour
  • 1 tbsp paprika
  • 1 tsp cayenne
  • 1 tbsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 3 large eggs
  1. In a large bowl, mix together buttermilk and 2 tablespoons salt.
  2. Add chicken and cover bowl with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours and up to overnight.
  3. When ready to fry: Fill a Dutch oven fitted with a candy thermometer with vegetable oil 2″ to 3″ deep, then heat until oil reaches 300º.
  4. Prepare one sheet pan lined with paper towels and a wire rack.

YIELDS: 4 Servings | PREP TIME: 30 mins | COOK TIME: 20 mins | TOTAL TIME: 50 mins
Learn more at www.brookswine.com


Our Sponsors

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KQAC 89.9 Portland/Vancouver
KQOC 88.1 Newport/Lincoln City
KQHR 88.1 Hood River/The Dalles
KQHR 96.3 Columbia Gorge East
KQMI 88.9 Manzanita
KSLC 90.3 McMinnville
95.7 FM Corvallis/Flynn