Tuning in with Amanda Sewell

As we’ve included more voices in Music by Request, we sometimes get requests that are explicitly political or have a particular point of view about polarizing current events.

What if we try all kinds of things to reach all kinds of audiences with classical music without having to criticize the ways in which others are trying to do the same thing?

New programs, new hosts, new live events and a loss of federal funding - 2025 was a roller coaster for Classical IPR.

Classical IPR’s content is listener-supported, because listeners help create our music playlists, our seasonal concert guides and our local programs.

The push to take away federal funds from NPR was done without realizing or caring how local stations like Classical IPR would be affected.

Copland’s music is hailed as quintessentially American, but many aspects of Copland’s life were considered “un-American” in his lifetime - and likely in 2025, too.

We at Interlochen Public Radio are preparing for the real possibility of losing our federal funding.

“Personally, I cringe whenever I hear [music] recorded at Interlochen. Lesser music less well presented is not my favorite!”

Composers respond to the events of their lives, and those events are all shaped by politics. How can music operate free of political influence?

Classical IPR wants to hear from you as we make plans for the next chapter in our programming for children and families. Please take our survey.