Classical Music Radio in DC
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Looking for a great way to enjoy classical music in the DC area? Check out our classical music radio station! We offer a wide variety of music to suit any taste, and our programming is sure to please everyone in the family.
Introduction
Washington, D.C., is home to a wide variety of classical music radio stations that offer listeners a chance to hear everything from local talent to world-renowned orchestras and operas. No matter what your musical taste, you can find a station that suits your needs.
In addition to the various news, talk, and sports radio stations that are available in the DC area, there are also several dedicated classical music stations that offer around-the-clock programming. Whether you’re a fan of Bach or Beethoven, Mozart or Mahler, you can find a station that plays the music you love.
If you’re looking for something specific, many of the stations have online streaming capabilities that allow you to listen in real-time or choose from a selection of on-demand programming. You can also listen to classical music online through streaming services such as Pandora or Spotify.
Whether you’re a diehard fan or just getting introduced to the genre, classical music radio in DC is a great way to enjoy all that this timeless genre has to offer.
What is classical music?
Classical music is a genre of art music that originated in Europe during the Middle Ages and continued through the Renaissance, Baroque, Classical, and Romantic periods. It is often considered one of the highest forms of artistic expression.
The history of classical music radio in DC
Classical music radio first came to Washington, DC in the early 1920s. At that time, classical music was very popular and there were several radio stations that played it. One of the most popular was WGMS, which was owned by the Washington Post.
In the late 1920s, WGMS stopped playing classical music and switched to a more popular format. This caused a lot of anger among classical music fans in the DC area. In response, several local businesses decided to start their own classical music radio station.
The first of these was WMAL, which went on the air in 1930. WMAL quickly became very popular and soon had more listeners than any other classical music station in the country.
In the 1970s, WMAL was sold to a company that wanted to switch to a different format. This created another uproar among classical music fans, but eventually a new station, WETA, took over WMAL’s spot as the top classical music station in DC.
Today, there are still many classical music fans in DC and there are several radio stations that cater to them. Classical music can also be heard on many public radio stations in the area.
The future of classical music radio in DC
With the recent announcement that WGMS 103.5 FM will be shutting down its classical music format at the end of March, the future of classical music radio in the DC area is uncertain. But despite the challenges, there are still several ways for classical music lovers to stay connected to their favorite genre.
One option is to check out one of the many online streaming options, such as WETA’s Classical 90.9 or WRTI’s online stream. If you’re looking for a more local option, try WMAL 630 AM, which offers a mix of news and classical music programming.
If you have a satellite radio subscription, you can also find several classical music stations on XM and SiriusXM, including Symphony Hall (XM 82) and Met Opera Radio (SiriusXM 134).
And of course, there’s always the old-fashioned way of listening to classical music: via CDs and donations from local public radio stations.
How to listen to classical music radio in DC
If you love classical music, you’re in luck – there are several ways to tune in to classical music radio in the DC area. Here are a few of our favorites:
1. WETA 90.9 FM
WETA is the flagship public radio station in the DC area, and it features a 24/7 classical music format. You can listen online or on your radio at 90.9 FM.
2. WGMS 103.5 FM
WGMS is a commercial classical music radio station that has been broadcasting in the DC area for over 50 years. You can listen online or on your radio at 103.5 FM.
3. WPFW 89.3 FM
WPFW is a non-commercial public radio station that specializes in jazz and world music, but also features a classical music program on Sundays from 3-5pm ET. You can listen online or on your radio at 89.3 FM.