SPRING 2026
IMPACT REPORT
Letter From Leadership
When federal cuts opened a hole in our budget last October, the station’s destiny was in your hands. Without hesitation, you rose to the challenge as if propelled by Richard Wagners’ Ride of the Valkyries.
In my time here, I’ve been honored to experience the tremendous commitment of this community to Classical KING. We found our way through the COVID-19 years together, you provided the funds to build new studios at the Seattle Opera Center, and you helped us expand classical music and discovery through innovative programming and digital platforms. Now, we are moving forward thanks to your extraordinary efforts to fend off the greatest financial threat in our history. Our success has always been driven by an engaged Board, wonderful partners, talented staff, and powered by you and our donor family.
When I arrived in 2018, I knew we could build a world-class station for Seattle, Bellevue, and the Puget Sound. From the day I arrived, it was clear what a special place this is. I saw people who cared deeply about the community and one another. I also heard loud and clear how much Classical KING means to you. Our knowledgeable and dedicated hosts have worked very hard to create inspiring programming and showcase the region’s impressive artists and performing
“…the future of the station is in excellent hands: yours.”
— Brenda Barnes
organizations. This issue features a story about one of our longest running shows, Northwest Focus Live, which has brought visibility to, and enhanced many artists’ careers. You’ll also read about partnerships with Seattle Center Festál, the city’s cultural heritage festivals, and with KUOW for a special celebration this past holiday season.
I am truly proud of how we have grown and expanded our service while staying true to our mission. We remain focused on our local roots even as we’ve grown physically, digitally and programmatically. As I retire this year, this report marks my last to you as CEO. I pass the microphone to my successor knowing the future of the station is in excellent hands: yours. I will forever be grateful to you for trusting me and supporting the station during my eight rewarding years at Classical KING. I am proud to continue my commitment to the organization as a listener, Performance Circle member, and Legacy Society member.
With gratitude,
Brenda Barnes CEO, Classical KING
Public Radio Partnership Brings Comfort and Joy
Two of Seattle’s trusted public radio stations partnered in a holiday streaming collaboration, which shared the joy of Christmas music over the hills and through the Pacific Northwest woods.
The idea began last fall when KUOW, Seatle’s trusted NPR news station, approached Classical KING about offering our Classical Christmas stream on the KUOW app. The purpose was to offer a peaceful space during the holidays alongside KUOW’s local and national news cycle.
Michelle Maestas Simonsen, Classical KING’s Chief Content and Engagement Officer, said “I loved the intention behind this. It was about service to the community. And, for public media, it’s a reminder of what we can accomplish when we lift up each other’s strengths.”
Thousands of KUOW listeners tuned in to Classical
Festál partnership adds international flavor
Poland’s diverse musical history, from polkas to Chopin, was one of several featured last year through Classical KING’s partnership with the Seattle Center Festál cultural heritage festivals. Since 2022, the station has partnered with Festál to amplify its commitment to music discovery.
Over the last year, we featured festivals from France, Japan and Ireland and more. By featuring classical artists who shared a heritage with each festivals, we expand the celebration of culture celebrated across the air waves, digital platforms and on social media.
Leading up to the Polish Festival, Classical KING added a special music feature highlighting works composed by, performed by, or conducted by musicians of Polish heritage into the on-air programming. Through host-led stories and musical context, we invited listeners to discover both the music and the festival. This intentional programming helps shape the uniquely local sound of our station. Your support helps to increase the variety of our music and deepen community partnerships like Festál.
Connecting Listeners with Music Created in the Pacific Northwest
One of Classical KING’s longestrunning programs, Northwest Focus Live champions musicians and artists with a connection to the Pacific Northwest, sharing their work with audiences near and far.
Northwest Focus Live sessions are recorded live for broadcast, with select performances shared beyond the studio through digital and streaming platforms, including YouTube and the NPR Live Sessions. These recordings extend the life of each performance, allowing artists to reach new listeners over time.
“Sharing our music on Northwest Focus Live was a highlight of the year for us,” said Laura Loge, Artistic Director of Nordic Chamber Music.
“We loved being live on air, and now we’ve shared this music here in Norway,” added Steven Luksan, artistic partner of Nordic Chamber Music.
For artists, Northwest Focus Live offers more than exposure. Each guest receives a broadcastquality recording of their live performance and the opportunity to be heard on-air, reaching
Members of Balourdet Quartet with host Dave Beck: (left to right) Justin DeFilippis and Angela Bae (violin), Russell Houston (cello), and Benjamin Zannoni (viola)
an audience far larger than any single concert hall. In one hour, a Northwest Focus Live performance reaches more listeners than five sold-out Benaroya Halls combined. Performance recordings are also added to Classical KING’s music library.
Northwest Focus Live is currently the only classical music program producing video performances for NPR Live Sessions. The series features youth ensembles, emerging artists, composers debuting new work, and established professionals.
Northwest Focus Live remains a success because it stays true to what makes it special: music created right here in the Pacific Northwest. With your sustaining generosity, Classical KING is proud to continue sharing this great local music with audiences around the world.
Kristen Lee (violin) of Emerald City Music
Patricia García Gil of Early Music Seattle performing on a fortepiano, an early version of the modern-day piano
Sound Salon, featuring Byron Schenkman (piano) and Gretchen Yanover (cello)