Princeton University radio station WPRB’s Classical Discoveries program, now celebrating its silver anniversary, is a regional treasure. For 25 years, the volunteer host and program director Marvin Rosen has dedicated a good part of his life, and early morning, to sharing the world of music. Originally, his listeners were those in the region. But today, thanks to the internet, he shares it with the world from either the WPRB studios or his Princeton home.
Recognizing his accomplishment, his love of music, and his support of numerous composers working today, we invited Rosen to reflect on the program and what it has meant to him. He happily agreed and notes the following:
When I aired my first ever Classical Discoveries program on WPRB on May 29, 1997, I had no idea that I would survive even one summer, let alone 25 years and celebrating my Silver Anniversary on the air.
I know that this is what I would want to do for the rest of my life, but it took a couple of months to figure which way I would go with the programming.
I had total control over the repertoire, and this was worth more to me than any money that I could earn by working at another radio station where I would have minimal control over what I would want to do.
It is hard for me to describe what Classical Discoveries is. Over the years I have presented annual programs, many specials, early music, avant-garde, interviews, and even operas.
Occasionally I do address some political and social issues, but my main focus is to have a good balanced program that features lesser known contemporary music from every corner of the world including composers of different genders, races and nationalities.
Over the years, I have received many comments regarding “Classical Discoveries” and noticed that many of these comments were not from classical music listeners. My favorite comment is “Marvin, you do not play what people like; you make people like what you play.”
On a personal level, this program has helped me keep my sanity in many ways. During the pandemic and before, this show has been a lifesaver for me and has helped me focus away from any personal problems and the problems of the world.
To celebrate the program’s anniversary I will present two special programs on May 25 and June 1 that illustrate the essence of Classical Discoveries. These programs will air from 7 to 10 a.m. on WPRB (103.3).
Both programs will be totally devoted to 21st century music that was presented on the annual marathons “Viva 21st Century.” There will be an equal representation of male and female composers on both of these Wednesday morning programs.
“Classical Discoveries,” Wednesdays, May 25 and June 1, 7 to 10 a.m., on the radio at WPRB, 103.3 FM and online at www.wprb.com.
