On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me…classical music? Christmas music and classical music have been interwined through the centuries; composers have always been inspired by the story of the birth of Christ. In the 12 Classical CDs of Christmas, listeners will get a sense of what's new for the season with an individual perspective from each of the hosts. The hosts will each choose their favorite CD and tell a little story around it too. Besides making your Christmas shopping list a little shorter, listeners will learn more about what makes this music so special to so many at this time of year...and you won't have to worry about where the seven swans are a'swimming either.

Hosts are Ted Askew, Valerie Kahler, John Zech, Jeff Esworthy, Julie Amacher, Bob Christiansen, Steve Staruch, Mindy Ratner and Lauren Rico.

Bob Christiansen
Listen
Poznan Nightingales - Hej koleda, koleda Muza 268
Arte Dei Suonatori Baroque Orchestra; Rachel Podger, violin -
Vivaldi: La Stravaganza, Op. 4
Channel Classics 19598

Valerie Kahler
Listen
Grex Vocalis - Magnum Mysterium 2L 26 (label is 2L) available
online, including at www.2L.no

Lauren Rico
Listen
Empire Brass - Joy to the World: Music of Christmas Angel/EMI

Ted Askew
Listen
The Robert Shaw Chorale and Orchestra - A Festival of Carols
RCA Gold Label 6429

Jeff Esworthy
Listen
Dean Shostak – Crystal Carols – Dean Shostak Music DS-100 (PO
Box 465 Williamsburg, VA 23187)

John Zech
Listen
John Rutter and the Clare College Singers - Carols from Clare EMI
69950

Steve Staruch
Listen
Maddy Prior and the Carnival Band - A Tapestry of Carols SAYDISC
366

Julie Amacher
Listen
Apollo’s Fire/Jennette Sorrell;Sandra Simon - Noëls & Carols from the Olde World
Koch 7582

Jeff Esworthy
Listen
Cantus – Comfort and Joy Volume 2 – Cantus Recordings CTS 1205
(PO box 16321 Minneapolis, MN 55416)

Bob Christiansen
Listen
The Philadelphia Orchestra and Chorus/Eugene Ormandy - Joy to the
World RCA 6430

Mindy Ratner
Listen
The Wind Symphony from the University of Cincinnati College-
Conservatory of Music/ Rodney Winther - A Hanukka Celebration
Naxos 8.559410

Julie Amacher
Listen
Janine Jansen, violin with ensemble; —Vivaldi: The Four Seasons
Decca 475 6293