The LA Phil, conductor Gustavo Dudamel and two classical radio stations are teaming remotely to present “At Home with Gustavo,” a series created in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the temporary closures of cultural venues across the world.
Different episodes will be broadcast four times a week in English and once a week in Spanish, beginning next week. The limited-run series will air locally on Classical KUSC in Los Angeles and Classical KDFC in San Francisco, be syndicated nationally through a partnership with PRX, and streamed internationally online.
The series will offer the Venezuelan conductor’s curated musical selections, “along with his personal reflections on the music and his experience of our current moment,” according to a statement describing the series. “Interviewed by KUSC’s Brian Lauritzen, Dudamel welcomes listeners into a communal experience designed to uplift and inspire during a difficult time, while also offering rare access into his own life in music.”
The Spanish-language programs will be the first to air on KUSC and KDFC since the 1970s, according to the statement.
“For me, and I imagine for a lot of you, music has been the thing that brings people together, even when we are apart,” Dudamel said. “It’s important, maybe now more than ever, that we find ways to connect and find comfort and inspiration. While I can’t perform for you right now, I am excited about a new way that I can share music.”
Dudamel said he will record the show from his home.
“I will be talking with my friend Brian Lauritzen and sharing with him, and you, some of my favorite recordings,” he said. “And unlike in a concert, I get to talk directly to you about why I love this music and why I think you will, too. Some shows will be in English, some in Spanish, but the music needs no translation.”
“At Home with Gustavo” can be heard Tuesday through Friday from 6-7 p.m. on KUSC and KDFC, with an additional Spanish-language broadcast on KUSC on Sundays from 7-8 p.m. and on KDFC on Sundays from 6-7p.m.
Here is the full episode schedule:
— Tuesday, March 31, at 6 p.m.;
— Wednesday, April 1, at 6 p.m.;
— Thursday, April 2, at 6 p.m.;
— Friday, April 3, at 6 p.m.;
— Sunday (in Spanish), April 5, at 7 p.m. on KUSC, at 6 p.m. on KDFC;
— Tuesday, April 7, at 6 p.m.;
— Wednesday, April 8, at 6 p.m.;
— Thursday, April 9, at 6 p.m.;
— Friday, April 10, at 6 p.m.;
— Sunday (in Spanish), April 12, at 7 p.m. on KUSC, at 6 p.m. on KDFC.
Listen to KUSC over the air on 91.5 FM and beyond, streaming live on KUSC.org, on the free iOS and Android apps, and via smart speaker.
KDFC can be heard all across the Bay Area, streaming live at KDFC.com, on KDFC’s free iOS and Android apps, and smart speakers.
The series will be syndicated nationally by PRX. Check local listings at PRX.org.
For more information, visit: laphil.com/athomewithgustavo.