Season 2
Holiday Special
This holiday season we’re bringing music back into our studio space with a few of the artists you have met through Classical:BTS and our American Portrait | Central Illinois specials.
Charmian Bulley, youth choral educator
Follow Charmian Bulley’s remarkable journey as one of the longest serving youth choral educators in Central Illinois.
John Paul Buzard, pipe organ maker
Follow John Paul Buzard’s remarkable journey in becoming one of the premier organ makers in the United States – building each instrument right here in downtown Champaign.
Tonina Saputo, bass player and guitarist
Follow Tonina Saputo’s remarkable journey as a bass player and guitarist who is known for her unique sounds combining classical, folk, R&B, Spanish, and Latin styles.
Dr. William McClain, conductor
Follow Dr. William McClain's journey conducting across the country and performing at renowned venues such as Carnegie Hall and Sheremetev Palace in Russia.
Richard Bruné, luthier
Follow Richard Bruné’s journey—a local luthier who is almost entirely self-taught, both as a craftsman and as a guitarist.
Nomin Zolzaya, cellist
Follow the journey, inspiration, and music of Acting Principal Cello for the Illinois Symphony Orchestra, Nomin Zolzaya.
Season 1
Stephen Taylor, professor and composer
University of Illinois professor Stephen Taylor can trace everything back to hearing Stravinsky for the first time.
Sam Walder, innovator and violinist
Sam Walder felt the difficulty and stress sometimes associated with learning the violin firsthand.
Joseph Baldwin, conductor
Conductor Joseph Baldwin has worked with orchestras, choirs, and many indivduals as a teacher on his path to conducting. He's also a yogi.
Charles Joseph Smith, pianist and composer
Pianist and composer Dr. Charles Joseph Smith was diagnosed with autism at the age of 4.
Julia Kay Jamieson, harpist and composer
Music has always been an integral part of harpist/composer/teacher Julia Kay Jamieson's life.
Stephen Schmidt, master piano restorer
Champaign-based Stephen Schmidt transferred his passion for playing music into a career restoring pianos.