WNPR To Air A Passover Special

WNRP will air The Passover Story, featuring the acclaimed a cappella group The Western Wind, on Saturday, April 7, at 8 pm. WNPR is broadcast at 88.5 FM/WESW, 89.1 FM/WNPR, 90.5 FM/WPKT, and 91.3 FM/WRLI.

Theodore Bikel and the American vocal ensemble The Western Wind have assembled an eclectic compilation of songs and compositions to create the Passover holiday special. Reflecting the tremendous diversity of Jewish cultures, selections will include Hebrew folk melodies, classical European liturgical music, ancient Sephardic chants, and Klezmer-style improvisations.

Traditional songs from the Seder, including the “adopted” song of slavery, the African American spiritual “Go Down Moses,” are all sung with the superb musicianship and zest that are hallmarks of The Western Wind.

In addition to performing music of the Jewish culture, The Western Wind ensemble’s repertoire is made up of a variety of musical genres. From Renaissance motets to 50s rock and roll, medieval carols, and even simple folk melodies, The Western Wind is a diverse group of musicians.

While maintaining a demanding performance schedule at halls such as Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, and Kennedy Center, the ensemble also conducts workshops for singers. They also teach an arts education program in the New York City public school system, instructing children 6 to 14 in everything from the fundamentals of music notation to interpretations of a challenging vocal repertoire.

The Western Wind has produced 17 recordings along with series of radio programs which have been nationally distributed. The Passover Story is just one of those productions.