Classical Sprouts

Kate Botello makes classical music fun, funny and interactive on Classical Sprouts, the AWESOME classical music podcast for kids from Interlochen Public Radio! Classical Sprouts brings families together to plant seeds of classical music curiosity.

Latest Episodes:

All about the celesta May 20, 2024

Show notes

It looks like a small upright piano, but is shaped like an organ and sounds like a glockenspiel... It’s the Celesta! We’re learning about and listening to music that features the celesta, a bell-like keyboard instrument that is often associated with magical-sounding music this week on Classical Sprouts.

The art of listening with Evelyn Glennie May 13, 2024

Show notes

Scottish percussionist Dame Evelyn Glennie has been a rockstar in the classical music world for decades. She’s performed at an Olympic opening ceremony, has traveled all over the world to perform a wide variety of percussion instruments and styles, she’s known as the first person to successfully create and sustain a full-time career as a solo percussionist and she’s deaf. We’ll learn how this amazing musician uses her whole body to listen on today's episode of Classical Sprouts.

Partying With Respighi's 'The Birds' May 06, 2024

Show notes

Was that a bird or a violin? Fluttering wings, scratching feet, pecking beaks: Italian composer Ottorino Respighi captured these sounds and more in his piece for small orchestra called "The Birds" (or, in Italian, "Gli Uccelli").

Cécile Chaminade's Flute Concertino Apr 29, 2024

Show notes

Her music was played at Queen Victoria’s funeral, she composed an opera, multiple works for orchestra, was an accomplished pianist herself, and wrote a very famous concertino for flute. We’re learning about French composer Cécile Chaminade and that famous flute concertino this week on Classical Sprouts!

Yo-Yo Ma and that one Bach cello suite Apr 22, 2024

Show notes

Yo-Yo Ma has been playing the same Bach cello suite since he was only 4 years old, right as he started learning the cello. Now, he's using his fame (and performances of that same cello suite) to promote what he believes in.

Amy Beach Apr 15, 2024

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Composer Amy Beach was a lot of "firsts" - the first woman to have a symphony performed by a major orchestra, one of the first composers to train exclusively in the United States and more.

Pachelbel's Canon Apr 08, 2024

Show notes

It's chord progression appears in countless pop songs, it's played at tons of weddings and repeats the same 8 notes over and over again… what is it? It’s Pachelbel’s Canon! We’ll get into what makes this piece so popular, and how to spot it in the wild this week on Classical Sprouts.

Classical Sprouts: Saint-Saens 'The Swan' Apr 01, 2024

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It was the only movement of Camille Saint-Saens' "Carnival of the Animals" that he allowed to be performed while he was still alive. "The Swan" depicts a majestic bird gliding along the water and is now standard repertoire for cellists!

Meet The Kanneh-Masons Mar 25, 2024

Show notes

This sibling septet of violinists, cellists and pianists ranging in age from 14 to 27 is known around the world for their impressive musicianship.

Vivaldi's "Spring" Mar 18, 2024

Show notes

Snow is melting, the air no longer feels sharp, and the sun has returned! How should we celebrate? With Antonio Vivialdi of course! We’re listening for the sounds of warmer weather in the "Spring" movement of Vivaldi’s "Four Seasons" today on "Classical Sprouts."

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