ArtsFocus
Discover Classical presents ArtsFocus, a podcast that features guests from the regional arts community discussing current activities such as concerts, exhibitions, and festivals. Each segment highlights upcoming events and cultural happenings. The podcast is produced by Discover Classical, a listener-supported classical music station based in Dayton, Ohio.
Episodes
8/20/26 - The Dayton Collaboratory's Porch Fest
Larry Coressel talks to organizers Peter Benkendorf and Libby Ballengee about this year's Porch Fest in Dayton's St Anne's Hill neighborhood.Dayton Callaboratory's Porch Fest takes place Saturday, August 22. More info at Dayton Porchfest.org.This segment first aired 8/20/2026.
8/18/26 - Dr. Thomas Garcia
David Crean talks to Dr. Thomas Garcia, a guitarist, professor of Ethnomusicology at Miami University, and leading expert in the music Heitor Villa-Lobos.For more information about Dr. Garcia's research and music, visit miamioh.edu.This segment first aired 8/18/2026.
8/13/26 - The Giving Strings Orchestra
Adam Alonzo speaks with conductor Patrick Reynolds and orchestra member Paul Agiro about this year's Giving Strings Orchestra concert.The concert will take place August 15, 2026 at 6:30PM at Lutheran Church of Our Savior (155 Thruston Blvd E, Dayton, OH 45419).This segment first aired 8/13/2026.
8/11/26 - Violinist Joshua Bell
Violinist Joshua Bell spoke with Larry Corresel backstage at the Kuss Auditorium shortly before Bell took the stage for his July 30th performance with the Springfield Symphony Orchestra.This segment first aired 8/11/2026.
8/6/26 - The 5th Annual Springfield Jazz & Blues Festival
Larry Corresel speaks to Todd Stoll, an organizer of this year's Springfield Jazz and Blues Festival.It takes place this weekend, August 7 & 8, 2026, in downtown Springfield.This segment first aired 8/6/2026.
8/4/26 - DCDC presents Street Beats Community Days
Larry Coressel talks to Debbie Blunden-Diggs, President and CEO of the Dayton Contemporary Dance Company, about their upcoming community block party, Street Beats Community Days.DCDC's Street Beats Community Days will take place Saturday, August 8, 2026 at 840 Germantown St. (on the Central State University Dayton Campus.)This segment first aired 8/4/2026.
7/30/26 - New DPO Assistant Conductor Caleb Thompson
Shaun Yu sits down with Caleb Thompson, the new assistant conductor with the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra. This segment first aired 7/30/2026.
07/28/26 - Art in the City
Learn more about this year's expanded Art in the City as Discover Classical's Shaun Yu talks to Tracy Obenour, the Design and Production Manager for the Downtown Dayton Partnership.This segment first aired 7/28/2026.
7/23/2026 - The Frank Lloyd Wright Westcott House
Larry Coressel talks to Marta Wojcik, executive director and curator of the Westcott House in Springfield, OH. It was built by Frank Lloyd Wright in 1908.
7/21/26 - Sue Jordan & the Dayton Celebration Chorus
David Crean talks to Sue Jordan, director of the Dayton Celebration Chorus.This segment first aired 7/21/2026.
7/16/26: The Five Rivers MetroParks Trails Challenge
Larry Coressel talks to Thomas Nugent, Outdoor Recreation Coordinator for Five Rivers MetroParks, about their summer Trails Challenge.This segment first aired 7/16/2026.
7/14/26: New Dayton Opera Artistic Director, Chandler Johnson
Larry Coressel and Kathleen Clawson introduce us to the new Dayton Opera Artistic Director, Chandler Johnson.This segment first aired 7/14/2026.
7/9/26 - Q the Music
Adam Alonzo speaks to Jeaunita Olówè & Lois Clark Ramey about the Dayton Performing Arts Alliance's afterschool program Q the Music, and its annual instrument drive.This segment first aired 7/9/2026.
7/7/26 - Muse Machine Summer Institute
Larry Coressel talks to Emily Gray and Selena Burks-Rentschler from The Muse Machine about their Summer Institute at Wright State's Tom Hanks Center for Motion Pictures.This segment first aired 7/7/2026.
7/2/26 - Elements Music Studio
Larry Coressel talks to Christina Darding, the owner of Elements Music Studio in Springfield, OH.This segment first aired 7/2/2026.
6/23/26 - Dayton Dance Initiative presents The Light In Between
Adam Alonzo speaks with Patrick Lennon and Austin Jaquith about their new dance piece, The Light In Between, being performed this coming weekend by the Dayton Dance Initiative.Performances take place this Friday & Saturday, June 26 & 27, 2026 at the PNC Annex. This segment first aired 6/23/2026.
6/18/26 - Dayton Opera: Bon Appetit! & The Cook-Off
Kathleen Clawson talks to Larry Coressel about the Dayton Opera's recent productions, Bon Appetit!, and The Cook-Off.Hear both productions on Discover Classical this weekend at 1PM. Listen on your radio, online, or through our mobile app.This segment first aired 6/18/2026.
6/16/26 - The Dayton Art Institute presents "All the World's a Stage"
Larry Coressel speaks with Dr. Peter Doebler of the DAI about their exhibit, "All the World's a Stage."The exhibit is open now through August 9, 2026 in Gallery 117. For more information, visit daytonartinstitute.org.
6/11/26 - Cultureworks' Campaign for the Arts
Shaun Yu talks to Curtis Bowman, director of engagement for Cultureworks, about their annual Campaign for the Arts.This segment first aired 6/11/2026.
6/9/26 - Dayton Live Creative Academy
David Crean talks to Dayton Live's Stephanie Radford & Ronald Frost about the activities the Creative Academy will offer this summer.More information about Dayton Live Creative Academy is available by visiting DaytonLive.org and clicking Education on the main menu.This segment first aired 6/9/2026.
6/4/26 - DPO Principal Trumpeter Charles Pagnard
Larry Coressel talks to Charles Pagnard, the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra's Principal Trumpeter, about his unique role in the DPO's upcoming performance of Mahler's Fifth Symphony.This segment first aired 6/26/2026.
6/2/26 - Levitt Pavillion Dayton Summer Concerts
Larry Coressel talks to the Levitt Pavillion's Executive Director, Lisa Wagner, about the Levitt's upcoming Summer Season.More information, including the schedule, at LevittDayton.Org.This segment first aired 6/2/2026.
5/29/26 - ARTSFOCUS EXTRA - Soprano Maya Vansuch Wurth
Shaun Yu speaks to past Young Talent Search Winner - and featured performer at this year's Rising Stars Gala - Maya Vansuch Wurth.The Rising Stars Gala is Saturday, May 30, 2026. Visit DiscoverClassical.org for more information.This segment first aired 5/29/2026.
5/28/26 - The Dayton Jewish International Film Festival
Larry Coressel discusses this year's Dayton Jewish International Film Festival with festival chair, Mike Herrlein. The festival runs the month of June at various venues throughout the city. For more information, click here.This segment first aired 05/28/2026.
5/26/26 - Young Talent Search winner Mingde Hirakawa
Larry Coressel talks to Mingde Hirakawa, a flutist shosen as one of this year's Young Talent Search Winners.
5/21/26 - Young Talent Search Winner Alexander Wang
Shaun Yu talks to Alexander Wang, a violinist chosen as one of this year's four Young Talent Search winners.This segment first aired 5/21/2026.
5/18/26 - Theatre Lab Dayton presents Amour
Larry Coressel discusses TheatreLab Dayton's new production, Amour, with director Joe Deer and music director Jeff Powell.Amour will run May 21 - May 24, 2026 at the PNC Arts Annex. For more information, including ticketing info, visit
5/14/26 - The DPAA presents The Gershwins' Porgy & Bess
Larry Coressel talks to Dayton Opera Artistic Director, Kathleen Clawson, and Kearstin Piper Brown, the actress singing the part of Bess, about the DPAA's upcoming production of The Gershwins' Porgy & Bess.Performances take place on May 15 & 16, 2026 at the Schuster Center. Both show times are scheduled for 7:30PM.For tickets and more information, visit daytonperformingarts.org.This segmen
5/12/26 - The Bach Society of Dayton presents Canta y Baila
Larry Coressel speaks to Discover Classical's own Dr. David Crean, the Bach Society's music director, about their upcoming program Canta y Baila, which takes place this coming Sunday, May 17, 2026, at the Kettering Seventh-Day Adventist Church. The concert starts at 4PM.For more information and tickets, visit https://bachsocietyofdayton.org/.This segment first aired 5/12/2026.
5/07/26 - The Dayton Performing Arts Alliance High School Vocal Competition
Larry Coressel talks to Jeaunita Olowe, the DPAA's Vice President for Learning and Community Engagement, about their upcoming High School Vocal Competition.The performance is open to the public. It will take place at Wright State University's Schuster Hall inside the Creative Arts Center. Start time is 5:30PM.This segment first aired 05/07/2026.
5/05/26 - Kettering Children's Choir
Kettering Children's Choir Artist Director Christina Smith and choir member Maddie Ellinger speak with Adam Alonzo about the KCC's history and importance in the community.See the KCC perform this Saturday, May 9, 2026 at Kettering Adventist Church; identical performances take place at 5PM and 7PM. Visit https://www.ketteringchildrenschoir.org/ for more information.This segment first aired 5/5/202
4/30/26 - Young Talent Search Winner Landry Niles
Larry Coressel talks to Landry Niles, a soprano chosen as one of this year's four Young Talent Search winners.This segment first aired 4/30/2026.
4/28/26 - 2026 Young Talent Search Winner Sophia Fan
Shaun Yu talks to Sophia Fan, a pianist chosen as one of this year's four Young Talent Search winners.This segment first aired 4/28/2026.
4/21/26 - Music Camps at Star City Music Studios
Discover Classical's Samee Griffith and Aaron Mood discuss the summer camps currently offered at Star City Music Studios, their music school.For additional information, visit starcitymusicstudios.com.This segment first aired 4/21/2026.
4/16/26 - Springfield Symphony Orchestra presents Mozart's Requiem
Larry Coressel speaks with Springfield Symphony Orchestra's Kevin Wilson, about its upcoming presentation of Mozart's Requiem.The SSO will perform Mozart's Requiem this Saturday, April 18, 2026, at the Clark State Performing Arts Center. More information available at https://www.springfieldsym.org/.This segment first aired 4/26/2026.
4/14/26- DPAA Directors Present: American Soundscapes
Dayton Opera artistic director Kathleen Clawson and Dayton Ballet artistic director Brandon Ragland discuss their roles in the upcoming production, American Soundcapes, a collaborative presentation of the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra, Dayton Opera, and Dayton Ballet.American Soundcapes will take place April 18, 2026 at the Schuster Center. For more information, visit daytonperformingarts.org.This
4/9/26 - DCDC & Dayton Ballet present: Rhythm of the City
Larry Coressel talks to Debbie Blunden-Diggs, DCDC's Artistic Director, about Rhythm of the City, their exciting collaborative production with Dayton Ballet that celebrates Dayton's roots in Funk music.See Rhythm of the City at the Victoria Theatre April 10-12 at the Victoria Theatre. For more information, visit DCDC.org.This segment first aired 4/9/2026.
4/7/26 - Barbra Stonerock of The Dayton Foundation
Larry Coressel talks with Barbra Stonerock, Vice President of Community Engagement with The Dayton Foundation.Additional information about the organization is available at DaytonFoundation.org.This segment first aired 4/7/2026.
4/2/26 - Textile Artist Olivia Richardson
Larry Coressel talks to local textile artist Olivia Richardson, owner of Olivia Designs.For more information, including examples of her work, visit OliviaDesigns.art.This segment first aired 4/2/2026.
3/31/26 - Ohio Arts Council Award Winner Author Erin Flanagan
Larry Coressel speaks with author and Wright State University professor Erin Flanagan, one of this year's recipients of the Ohio Arts Council Individual Excellence Award. This segment first aired 3/31/2026.
3/26/26 - Ohio Arts Council Grant Winner Kent De Spain
Larry Coressel speaks to choreographer Kent De Spain, a recent winner of an Individual Excellence Award from the Ohio Arts Council.This segment first aired 3/26/2026.
3/24/26 - Theatre Lab Dayton presents Nunsense
Adam Alonzo speaks to members of Theatre Lab Dayton about their upcoming musical comedy, Nunsense. The show runs March 26-29, 2026. For more information, visit https://www.theatrelabdayton.org/.This segment first aired 03/24/2026.
3/12/26 - The Bach Society of Dayton presents "War & Peace"
BSoD director David Crean discusses the upcoming concert, "War & Peace," taking place at the Kettering Seventh-Day Adventist Church on Sunday March 22, 2026 at 4PM.For additional information including tickets, visit bachsocietyofdayton.org.
3/10/26 - Anschel, a new play by Michael London
Playwright Michael London discusses his new play Anschel, the first in the upcoming "Resilience Trilogy," three stories of courage and resillience during the Holocaust.Anschel will be performed Sunday, March 15, 2006, at 2PM at the Dayton Art Institute. For tickets and/or additional information, visit daytonartinstitute.org.This segment first aired 3/10/2026.
3/5/26 - Composer Eleanor Blue
Local composer Eleanor Blue discusses her music with Larry Coressel.Find out even more about her and her music at her website, eleanorblue.orgThis segment first aired 3/5/2026.
3/3/26 - Dayton Opera Artistic Director Kathleen Clawson, Part 2
Shaun Yu continues his conversation with outgoing Dayton Opera Artistic Director, Kathleen Clawson.This segment first aired 3/3/2026.
02/26/26 - Dayton Opera Artistic Director Kathleen Clawson
Artistic Director Kathleen Clawson looks back on her six years at the helm of the Dayton Opera.This segment first aired 2/26/2026.
2/24/26 - Wright State's Concerto Aria Night
Learn about the Wright State University School of Fine and Performing Arts' Concerto Aria Night from the School Chair, Steven Alderidge.The performance takes place tonight, February 24, 2026 at Wright State's Schuster Hall inside the Creative Arts Center. Visit HERE for ticket prices and additional information.This segment first aired 2/24/2026.
2/19/26 - DCDC presents "Black By Popular Demand"
Qarrianne Blayr, Associate Artistic Director of Dayton Contemporary Dance Company, discusses their upcoming production of "Black by Popular Demand," taking place at the Victoria Theatre on February 28 & March 1, 2026.Tickets and additonal information can be found at DCDC.org.This segment first aired 02/19/2026.
2/17/26 - ArtsFocus Extra: Dayton Ballet presents "The Sleeping Beauty"
Discover Classical's Adam Alonzo speaks with Hailey Flanagan, Erin Blair and Catherine Voorhees, the leads from Dayton Ballet's upcoming presentation of Tchaikovsky's "Sleeping Beauty." Here the broadcast version is supplemented with additional interview material."The Sleeping Beauty" will take place with a live orchestra Friday, February 20, through Sunday, February 22, 2026, at the Schuster Cen
2/12/26- Dana Wiley of Dana L. Wiley Gallery
Learn about artist and area art gallery owner Dana Wiley.For additional information, visit her website at danalwileygallery.com.This segment first aired 2/12/2026.
2/10/26 - "In Small Measure" at The Contemporary Dayton
Larry Corresel speaks to curator Heather Jones about the 2026 Restyled Art Auction, titled "In Small Measure", being held at The Contemporary Dayton February 13 & 14, 2026.For more information about this event, visit The Contemporary Dayton's website at codayton.org.
2/5/26 - Dayton Opera presents "The Cook Off" & "Bon Appetit!"
Dayton Opera's Artistic Director Kathleen Clawson shares what to expect in the Opera's upcoming double bill, "The Cook Off" & "Bon Appetit!" and other upcoming Dayton Opera performances."The Cook Off" & "Bon Appetit!" will take place Friday, February 6, 2026 at 7:30PM and Saturday, February 7 at 2:30PM and 7:30PM at UD's Roger Glass Center for the Arts. Purchase tickets for "The Cook Off"
2/3/26 - "Talking 'Bout the Young Sound" with Kyleen Downes
Larry Coressel talks to multi-faceted Dayton musician Kyleen Downes about her rock music program for teens called "Talking 'Bout the Young Sound."For more information, visit Kyleen's website, kyleendownes.com
1/29/26 - Organbuilder Nicholas Koch
David Crean speaks with Organbuilder Nicholas Koch.This segment first aired 1/29/2026.
1/27/26 - Conductor Maureen Hickey Haitch
Meet Maureen Hickey Haitch, conductor of the Dayton Philharmonic Youth Strings & Youth Orchestra.Listen to the DPYO perform the concert titled "Sunrises & Storms" on an upcoming episode of Discover Classical's Live & Local, February 15 at 10AM & February 16 at 8PM.For more information about the DPYO & DPYS, visit daytonphilharmonicyouthorchestra.org or daytonperformingarts.org.
1/22/26 - The Springfield Symphony Orchestra presents "Timeless Whimsy"
Larry Coressel speaks to SSO Music Director & Conductor Peter Stafford Wilson about the upcoming concert, "Timeless Whimsy."UPDATE: THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED. Visit the SSO website at https://www.springfieldsym.org/event-details/cancelled-timeless-whimsy for more information. This segment first aired 1/22/2026; this post updated 1/23/2026
01/20/26 - Dr. William Henry Caldwell , Director of MLK Community Chorus at Cleveland Orchestra
David Crean talks to Dr. William Henry Caldwell, Director of the MLK Community Chorus at the Cleveland Orchestra, about his past and present career as a choral conductor.This segment first aired 2/22/2024.
01/15/26 - Conductor Richard Kaufman
Conductor Richard Kaufman shares stories of his life and career before coming to Dayton to conduct the DPO as it plays John Williams' live score to Steven Spielberg's Jurassic ParkSee Jurassic Park accompanied by the DPO on Saturday, January 17, 2026 at the Schuster Center. Tickets are available at daytonperformingarts.orgThis segment first aired 1/15/2026.
01/13/2026 - Muse Machine presents Disney's Frozen
Find out about Muse Machine's upcoming musical production of Disney's Frozen from director Joe Deer. Disney's Frozen will run January 15 though 18, 2026 at the Victoria Theatre.Find out more and purchase tickets at MuseMachine.com.This segment first aired 01/13/2026.
01/08/26 - Cellist Anita Graef
Adam Alonzo interviews cellist Anita Graef, who recently performed at the Arts Live Vanguard Concert at the University of Dayton. That performance will be featured on Live & Local, airing Saturday, 01/10, at 10AM, and Sunday, 01/11, at 8PM.This segment first aired 01/08/2026.
01/06/2026 - Artist Coleen Kelsey
Larry Coressel speaks with Coleen Kelsey, a Miami Valley artist whose work will be shown at the Dayton Society of Artists through January 17, 2026.For more information about the exhibit, visit daytondsa.org.This segment first aired 01/06/2026 and was edited on 01/07/2026.
12/23/25 - Composer Steven Winteregg
Larry Coressel sits down in the studio with area composer Steven Winteregg to discuss his recent work.This segment first aired 12/23/2025.
12/18/25 - Noah Carpenter, Senior Organist at Normandy United Methodist Church
Noah Carpenter, the Senior Organist at Normandy United Methodist, discusses the history of the church and their upcoming Christmas Open House. For more information visit NormandyUMC.orgThis segment first aired 12/18/2025.
12/16/25 - Eric Knorr, Music Manager at the Troy-Hayner Cultural Center
Eric Knorr stopped by the studio to discuss his role as Music Manager and upcoming music at the Troy-Hayner Cultural Center.This segment first aired December 16, 2025.
12/11/25 - The Dayton Ballet presents The Nutcracker
Brandon Ragland, Artistic Director of the Dayton Ballet, discusses his new version of the The Nutcracker.For tickets and additional infromation, visit DaytonPerformingArts.orgThis segment first aired 12/11/2025.
12/9/25 - Dr. Steven Hankle
Learn about Dr. Steven Hankle, Associate Professor of Choral Music & Music Education at the University of Dayton and Director of the Dayton Philharmonic Chamber Chorus.The Dayton Philharmonic Chamber Chorus will perform in Handel's Messiah at the Winsupply Theatre inside the Schuster Center on December 16, 2025. Visit Daytonperformingarts.org for more information. This segment first aired 12/9
12/4/25 - Bach Society of Dayton Composers' Competition Winner: Spencer Germany
Shaun Yu speaks with Spencer Germany, a choral composer, teacher and winner of this year's Composers Competition held by the Bach Society of Dayton.This segment first aired 12/4/2025.
12/2/25 - Bach Society of Dayton Composers' Competition: Mickey McGroarty
Shaun Yu speaks with Mickey McGroarty, a choral composer and contestant in this year's Composers Competition held by the Bach Society of Dayton.This segment first aired 12/2/2025.
11/25/25 - Sand Dollar Music
Learn about Sand Dollar Music from its founders, Christin Coffee Rondeau & Sarah Robertson. More information is available at their site, sanddollarmusic.com.
11/20/25 - Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra Concertmaster Zulfiya Bashirova
Meet the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra's new Concertmaster, Zulfiya Bashirova.This segment first aired 11/20/2025.
11/18/25 - Handel's Messiah at the University of Dayton
University of Dayton music faculty member Dr. David Sievers discusses the importance of Handel's Messiah.Dr. Sievers and Patrick Reynolds will direct UD's Vocal Performance Ensemble, University Chorale & University Orchestra in their performance of Selections from Handel's Messiah on Friday, November 21, 2025 at 7:30PM at the Roger Glass Center for the Arts Concert Hall. More information can b
11/13/25 - Springfield Symphony Orchestra hosts "Bugs Bunny at the Symphony"
Conductor and co-creator George Daugherty discusses his program "Bugs Bunny at the Symphony," which he will present with the Springfield Symphony Orchestra this Saturday, November 15, 2025 at the Kuss Auditorium in Springfield.This segment first aired 11/13/2025.
11/11/25 - Happy 40th Birthday, Discover Classical!
On the station's 40th birthday, Larry Coressel reminisces about his time at here with our President & CEO Shaun Yu.Discover Classical first aired on November 11, 1985.This segment first aired 11/11/2025.
11/6/25 - Filmmaker Ian Mullen
Filmmaker Ian Mullin discusses his time working at Dayton's Neon Movies, his journey into filmmaking, and his current project Corner Store.This segment first aired 11/6/2025.
11/4/25 - Human Race presents "Dracula: a Feminist Revenge Fantasy, Really"
The Human Race Theatre artistic director Emily Wells and actress Darlene Spencer discuss Kate Hamill's Dracula: a Feminist Revenge Fantasy, Really, running through November 9, 2025 at the Loft Theatre. Visit humanracetheatre.org for even more information.This segment first aired 11/4/2025.
10/30/25 - The Clark State Theatre Arts Program presents "To Kill a Mockingbird"
Director Maggie Cooper discusses the Clark State Theatre Arts Program's upcoming production of To Kill a Mockingbird, running at the Clark State Performing Arts Center Friday, October 31 through November 9, 2025. For more information, visit pac.clarkstate.edu.This segment first aired 10/30/2025.
10/28/25 - Wittenberg University presents "Ride the Cyclone"
Director Adrienne Oehlers discusses the Wittenberg University Department of Theatre and Dance's presentation of the the musical Ride the Cyclone , which will be performed at the Wittenberg Chakeres Theatre from October 30 - November 2, 2025. For more information, visit Wittenberg.edu.This segment first aired 10/28/2025.
10/23/25 - Dayton Contemporary Dance Company 's "Reflections"
Qarrianne Blayr & Debbie Blunden-Diggs of the Dayton Contemporary Dance Company discuss the upcoming presentation titled Reflections, which will include the world premiere of a piece entitled "Promised Land." Reflections will take place October 25 & 26, 2025 at the Victoria Theatre. Visit dcdc.org or daytonlive.org for ticket information.This segment first aired 10/23/2025.
10/21/2025 - Dayton Opera '25-'26 Season Preview
Dayton Opera artistic director Kathleen Clawson shares the schedule and inspirations for this upcoming season.This segment first aired 10/21/2025.
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