Classical 95.9-FM WCRI

04-11-26 New York Times & USA Today Bestselling Author Marie Benedict-Daughter of Egypt - Ocean House Author Series

Join us as Ocean House owner and award-winning author Deborah Goodrich Royce has a conversation with her New York Times & USA Today bestselling author Marie Benedict about her recent book Daughter of Egypt.
About the Author:
MARIE BENEDICT is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of The Queens of Crime, The Mitford Affair, Her Hidden Genius, The Mystery of Mrs. Christie, The Only Woman in the Room, Lady Clementine, Carnegie’s Maid, The Other Einstein, and with Victoria Christopher Murray, the Good Morning America Book Club pick The Personal Librarian and the Target Book of the Year The First Ladies. All have been translated into multiple languages, and many have been selected for the Barnes & Noble Book Club, Target Book Club, Costco Book Club, Indie Next List, and LibraryReads List. She lives in Pittsburgh with her family.
Book Summary:
In the 1920s, archeologist Howard Carter and Lord Carnarvon of Highclere Castle made headlines around the world with the discovery of the treasure-filled tomb of the boy Pharaoh Tutankhamun. But behind it all stood Lady Evelyn Herbert—daughter of Lord Carnarvon—whose daring spirit and relentless curiosity made the momentous find possible. Though not a trained archaeologist, she nonetheless pursued her passion, determined to leave her mark on the field and be treated as an equal by her male colleagues.
Nearly 3,000 years earlier, another woman defied the expectations of her time: Hatshepsut, Egypt’s lost pharaoh. From her father Thutmose I, she learned how to lead and through her political savvy she rose to guide her kingdom to prosperity. By her side was her trusted adviser and secret lover, Senemut. Though he was a commoner and she royalty, together they formed a partnership that allowed a dynasty to flourish. Though Hatshepsut’s reign was bold and visionary it was also nearly erased from history. 
When Evelyn becomes obsessed with finding Hatshepsut’s secret tomb, she risks everything to uncover the truth about her reign. She must also confront the reality of the artifact trade—that despite regulations governing the removal of artifacts from Egypt, colonial antiquity collectors were selling them at alarming rates. Evelyn must rethink her assumptions as she resolves that valued artifacts must be kept in Egypt, their rightful home. But as danger closes in and political tensions rise, she must make an impossible choice: protect her father’s legacy—or forge her own.
Propelled by high adventure and deadly intrigue, Daughter of Egypt is the story of two ambitious women who lived centuries apart. Both were forced to hide who they were during their lifetimes, yet ultimately changed history forever.
 
For more information about Marie Benedict, visit authormariebenedict.com. For details on Deborah Goodrich Royce and her new release, Best Boy, along with information about the Ocean House Author Series, visit deborahgoodrichroyce.com

04-10-26 Saxophonist David Sanchez-"The Departure" - Jazz After Dinner

This week on Jazz After Dinner, Joe features Saxophonist David Sanchez from his 1994 Sony Records recording, titled “The Departure.”

04-12-26 Puddingstone Music of Newport - Conducting Conversation

Puddingstone Music of Newport is the subject of this week's program with Clemens Teufel, pianist and Executive Director. We talk about what has been happening with the organization, the concert on April 15th at Rough Point, and other events taking place this season. For more information, you can go to www.puddingstonemusic.org

04-04-26 Spring Has Sprung! - WCRI's Kids Hour

In this week's WCRI's Kids Hour, your host Jamie listens to music celebrating Spring. You'll hear music from Frozen, Moana, Bambi, Animal Crossing, Carnival of the Animals, and more!

04-03-26 Evening Sky +1-“Evening Sky +1 with Mino Lanzieri” - Jazz After Dinner

This week on Jazz After Dinner, Joe features Evening Sky +1 from their 2026 NCM East Records recording, titled “Evening Sky +1 with Mino Lanzieri.”

04-05-26 "Singers Unlimited" - Conducting Conversation

The subject of this week's program is the music of “Singers Unlimited”, with Mike Maino. Mike has a chance to do the third in a series about great American Artists. In this case, the artists are a singing group from the 1970's, and he plays some of their most famous arrangements. For more information or comments, you can call (401) 294-9274 or email maino@classical959.com

03-29-26 Nick Rocha, Music Director for Oure Pleasure Singers - Conducting Conversation

This week, we feature Nick Rocha, choral conductor, pianist, and composer. He’s also the music director of Oure Pleasure Singers. We’ll discuss his career and some of his original compositions that will be presented in concert on May 17th at 3 PM at the Second Congregational Church in Attleboro, MA. For more information, you can go to www.opsingers.org

03-27-26 Pianist Cyrus Chestnut "Cyrus Chestnut" Jazz After Dinner

This week on Jazz after Dinner, Joe features Pianist Cyrus Chestnut from his 1998 Atlantic Records recording, titled “Cyrus Chestnut.”

03-20-26 Pianist Oscar Peterson & Bassist Ray Brown-"The Duo" - Jazz After Dinner

This week on Jazz After Dinner, Joe features Pianist Oscar Peterson and Bassist Ray Brown from their 2003 Ocium Records recording, titled “The Duo.”

03-22-26 Dan Brandl, Executive Director of LaGrua Center - Conducting Conversation

The LaGrua Center in Stonington is the subject of this week's program with Dan Brandl, Executive Director. We talk about what has been happening at the Center, the upcoming events this season, and the Music Matters series, which continues to run. For more information, you can go to www.lagruacenter.org

03-14-26 Lifestyle Design Panel Talks About Their Books, Writing , and Designing - Ocean House Author Series

Join us as Ocean House owner and award-winning author Deborah Goodrich Royce moderates a conversation with her Lifestyle Design Panel featuring Genevieve Wheeler Brown, Amanda Reynal, Christopher Spitzmiller, & Ashley Whittaker.
About the Panel:
Genevieve Wheeler Brown - Founding Genevieve Wheeler Decorative Art Advisory in 2003, Genevieve comes to the advisory business with more than 12 years of experience in the auction world, strong generalist knowledge and a wide range of contacts in American, European and Asian decorative and fine arts. Genevieve began her career with Christie’s in 1992 with the European Decorative Arts Department after working as an intern at The Phillips Collection, Washington D.C. in 1990. She was then asked to run Overseas Consignments at Christie’s Park Avenue, a department that handled inquiries for European based auctions including Indian and Southeast Asian art, Islamic Art, Miniatures, Textiles and Cameras. In 1995 Genevieve became the New York contact for sales of Fabergé and Russian Silver at Christie’s Park Avenue and most recently was as a specialist in Fine Musical Instruments at Christie’s Rockefeller Center from 1998 to 2003. While at Christie’s, she was involved with important sales such as ‘The Pine Cone Egg’ by Carl Fabergé and ‘The Taft’ Stradivari which fetched the auction record for an instrument sold in the United States. She has also been an appraiser on the PBS production ‘The Antiques Roadshow’. A supporter of several fine and decorative art related institutions, Genevieve has served on the Board of the National Society of Colonial Dames in the State of New York, served as a member of the Young Fellows Steering Committee of the Frick Collection from 1995 to 2005 and co-Chaired the Winter Antiques Show Young Collector’s Night, New York in 2004, 2005, and 2006. Genevieve currently advises several organizations including Dumbarton House, a Federal period house museum in Georgetown, as a board member as well as for The Winter Show as a vice-chair of Opening Night and as co-founder of The Winter Show Luncheon.
Amanda Reynal - With 30 years in interior design, Amanda Reynal is known for creating joyful spaces that pair a confident use of color with eye catching detail. In 2001, she founded Amanda Reynal Interiors, known for her well-traveled aesthetic and astute knowledge of antiques, art and the global design market. Her work adheres to historical aesthetic, using traditional forms with a fresh and updated sensibility. Her style is influenced by her upbringing in the Northeast and time in Palm Beach.
Christopher Spitzmiller - CHRISTOPHER’S ICONIC CERAMIC LAMP DESIGNS draw inspiration from classical forms and traditional gemlike glazes. He began his career in 1996 in Washington, D.C. then moved to New York City in the fall of 1999 where he continues to create his one of-a-kind lamps with a crew of skilled artisans. The lamps are of timeless appeal and luxurious quality. Beautiful classic lamps are drenched in bold, vibrant, rich glazes. As of late Christopher has expanded his designs to tableware and other ceramic accessories. In 2015 he began a partnership with Visual Comfort and Circa Lighting allowing his designs to reach a broader audience. Christopher’s work is often featured in celebrated publications such as Architectural Digest, Town & Country, Elle Décor, Veranda, The New York Times and the Wall Street Journal. He has had the honor of making lamps for four different White House Administrations, the Blair House and many other distinguished American homes. When not in the Studio, Christopher can be found at his farm in Millbrook, NY gardening, beekeeping, making jam, cooking for friends, or tending to his flock of heritage breed chickens. All captured in his book ‘A Year at Clove Brook Farm,’ published by Rizzoli. He also enjoys the pleasure of giving back to the community by serving on the boards of the Lenox Hill Neighborhood House and The Garden Conservancy. 
Ashley Whittaker - Described as the “neo-traditionalist,” Ashley Whittaker reveals her fresh and modern perspective on traditional design and architecture in all of her work. The New York City decorator offers distinctly classic taste and chic sophistication to residential decoration and interior design. Characterized by tailored rooms that incorporate charming detail and engaging play on color and pattern, Whittaker’s signature style is immediately evident. A Florida native, Ashley received her bachelor degree from St. Lawrence University. She has worked as a special events director at both Ralph Lauren in New York and the finance firm Forstmann Little & Co. Ashley credits her training in the design industry to legendary decorator Markham Roberts where she worked before starting out on her own.
 
For details on Deborah Goodrich Royce and the Ocean House Author Series, visit deborahgoodrichroyce.com
 
 

03-13-26 Pianist Sir Roland Hanna-“Roland Hanna Quartet Plays Gershwin” - Jazz After Dinner

This week on Jazz After Dinner, Joe features Pianist Sir Roland Hanna from his 1993 LRC Records recording titled “Roland Hanna Quartet Plays Gershwin.”

03-15-26 Eddie Dillon, Composer, Arranger, Singer & Guitarist - Conducting Conversation

This week, for a special St. Patrick's Day show, we feature Eddie Dillon, composer, arranger, singer, and Guitarist, and one of the original guests on the show when it started in 2007. Eddie is the only person to have appeared with Mike every year of the show's existence. We'll listen to some examples of his music, some of his personal favorites, and discuss his upcoming concerts. For more information, go to www.eddiedillon.com 

03-06-26 Saxophonist Ravi Coltrane-"From The Round Box" - Jazz After Dinner

This week on Jazz After Dinner, Joe features Saxophonist Ravi Coltrane from his 2000 BMG Records recording titled “From The Round Box.”

03-08-26 Mystic Chamber Music Series - Conducting Conversations

The Mystic Chamber Music Series is the subject of this week's program, with Thomas Readett, Artistic and Executive Director, Nini Giorgadze, violinist, and Sila Senturk, pianist. We talk about the upcoming 2026 series and their concert coming up on Saturday, April 18th at 5:30 PM at The Noank Baptist Church. For more information, you can go to www.mysticchambermusicseries.com

03-07-26 Luck Of The Irish - WCRI's Kids Hour

In this week's WCRI's Kids Hour, your host Jamie listens to music celebrating St. Patrick's Day. You'll hear music from Riverdance, The Secret of Kells, Far & Away, and more!

02-27-26 Pianist Stanley Cowell-"Games" - Jazz After Dinner

This week on Jazz After Dinner, Joe features Pianist Stanley Cowell from his 1991 Steeple Chase Records recording titled “Games.”
 

03-01-26 The Music of Disney - Conducting Conversations

The music of Disney is the subject of this week's program with Kurt Anderson, singer and music lover, and Jamie Jones, WCRI’s President and former Disney performer. We talk about many Disney movies and listen to some of their favorite music from those films. For more information, you can call 401-294-0274 or go to www.classical959.com

02-22-26 RI Civic Choral & Orchestra February 2026 - Conducting Conversations

The RI Civic Choral and Orchestra is the subject of this week's program with Fred Surr, singer and Board Member. We talk about their upcoming concerts, and listen to some of the music being presented on Sunday, March 1st at 3 PM at the URI Fine Arts Center. For more information, you can call 401-521-5670 or go to www.ricco.org

02-21-26 On Defense: Estonia's Stadium Oak - This Old Tree

In this episode of This Old Tree, with Doug Still...In the small Estonian town of Orissaare, football players dribble around a 150-year-old oak tree standing impossibly in the middle of their soccer field or "stadium." What seems like a quirky local oddity became a symbol of national pride when this tree won the 2015 European Tree of the Year, beating much larger countries like Hungary, Spain, and the UK.
How did an unknown Estonian oak outcompete all of Europe? The answer involves brilliant PR, ancient folklore, a fierce independence forged by centuries of foreign invasion, and a profound connection to forests rooted in animism. Could a tree resist the Soviets? Learn about its inspiring legend that captured the attention of tree-lovers around the world.