KLEF Classical 98

08/17/2025

You would be wise to wake early for Sacred Concert. This week Jon Sharpe focuses on Solomon, culminating with a less than well known oratorio by the under appreciated Marc Antoine Charpentier called "The Judgement of Solomon." Jon's show begins Sunday at 6 am. The Charpentier will begin around 8:15 am

08/13/2025

Many thousands of operas have been written and performed over the centuries. I was once told that the Bibliotheque Nationale de France has 15,000 complete manuscripts in its collection. The person said this didn't seem open to argument, so I have never bothered to count.

Yet, Google says that less than 2700 different titles have been performed in the last five years. That leaves a lot of music unheard and some of it is magnificent.

KLEF isn't in a position to change these numbers very much but, thanks to Mike Jungreis, we do what we can to keep some unfamiliar operas on the air. The week, for example, our featured composer is Giacomo Meyerbeer. He was once the toast of the French opera crowd but hardly a household name today. Mike will play Robert the Devil, an eighteenth century supernatural stemwinder

Is Robert the Devil from the far darkest reaches of the bibliotheque's stacks? Hardly, total Meyerbeer is obscure but not forgotten. And for KLEF to broadcast an opera we need somethings that's been recorded in modern times. That said, it's a pretty good bet that Saturday at 8 p.m. will be the nation's only public hearing of Robert the Devil all week. Maybe even all month.....or more.

--Rick

08/10/2025

Saturday Night at the Opera host Mike Jungreis has been released from the hospital and is now back home, continuing to mend from his bicycle accident. And, of course, the show goes on; tonight it's Mozart's Idomeneo. Curtain time 8 p.m. on 98.1 FM,

07/31/2025

It's wonderful to see Janet's gem get attention.

Six weeks of hard work pays off for performing arts students this weekend at the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts.

07/30/2025

Mike Jungreis has chosen this week's Saturday Night at the Opera. It's Verdi's "I Lombardi." Radio show time is 8 p.m. at 98.1 FM

07/27/2025

The sun shone in more ways that one today of the Plein Air Painters Weekend up one the Hillside. Organizers say attendance was good and folks were in a generous mood. Admission is free, but for those who wish, there are several ways to help Clare House. Chat with your favorite artists, watch them work, take in the great scenery, and have a good time with great people. The event continues Sunday from ten to six. Just drive up Abbott then right on Birth and then left on Barry.

07/26/2025

Mike Jungreis is still in the hospital recovering from two surgeries which are the result of a bicycle accident. So, who will host Saturday Night at the Opera? That remains to be seen (or heard?). Mike, trouper that he is, will try to record the commentaries from his hospital bed. If Mike can pull it off, great. But, regardless, tonight on Saturday Night at the Opera we'll play Handel's "Flavio." Show time is 8 p.m.

07/24/2025

Their ad promised a great show. Yet, the Anchorage Chamber Music Festival over delivered. Wednesday night was beyond splendid. Most of the Festival's remaining concerts are already sold out but there are some tickets for this Friday at UAA. Don't be fooled by the name "The French Piano." It's not a piano recital. You can check out the program is on line at their website:

www.anchoragechambermusicfestival.org

07/22/2025

This is less than an ideal place to plan an opera broadcast, but life sometimes takes unexpected tumbles. Mike Jungreis, our host for Saturday Night at the Opera, took a nasty fall last week. He was bicycling to work. In front on him on the bike trail were two people and their unleashed dog. The dog changed course suddenly and ran in front of Mike. Mike jammed the brakes. He didn't hit the dog but did fly over the handle bars, suffering fractures in both the hip and shoulder. He awaits his second surgery and expects to be in rehab for many weeks. Nonetheless, he is planning next week's opera, though it remains to be seen if he'll actually be up to hosting it personally His choice: Handel's "Flavio."

07/19/2025

One Saturday night, many years ago, KLEF got a call from a man who turned out to be Mike Jungreis. He was extremely tactful but essentially said I was a terrible opera host. I agreed heartily, and since he clearly knew his opera onions, I suggested he become the host. Mike's done a great job ever since; that is, until tonight. He was involved a bicycle accident yesterday and is hospitalized for surgery. So, tonight listeners are stuck with me. I'll try to hold up the standards Mike maintained all these years. Fortunately, we can rely on Verdi and EMI Recordings to more than hold up their end. --Rick

07/05/2025

Tonight Mike Jungries takes Saturday Night at the Opera to Verdi's breakout hit, "Nabucco." The radio curtain goes up at 8 p.m.

07/05/2025

The sun shone on Anchorage's Fourth of July, providing the perfect opportunity to take pet turtles out for a walk. And that's what one of KLEF's neighbors did again today. She has three. This one is Pepper.