December 2016 - WETA Magazine

DECEMBER 2016 MAGAZINE FOR MEMBERS

BENEDICT CUMBERBATCH IS RICHARD III IN

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HOLLOW CROWN on Great Performances, December 22 & 25 on WETA TV 26/HD Celebrate the holidays with music & specials on Classical WETA 90.9 FM & WETA TV 26/HD

A new WETA documentary premieres December 1: Discovering Alexandria: The 20th Century

– And inside, a tribute to Gwen Ifill –

In Memoriam – Gwen Ifill Dear WETA Members, As we close the year, we remember and celebrate our beloved friend and colleague Gwen Ifill, who passed away on November 14 after a courageous battle with cancer.

Bearing her burdens with quiet grace and immense dignity, Gwen was very private about her health struggle and preferred to focus on her reporting. She was a strong, brave woman with a big heart and a deep faith, and she gave her work her all.

Gwen was one of America’s leading lights in journalism, a true national treasure who devoted her life to public service. She was joyfully dedicated to her work, which had real impact, always presenting incisive, balanced reporting that elevated discourse. One measure of that impact has been the enormous outpouring of expressions of love and appreciation from viewers and colleagues throughout the country — and from abroad. Gwen was adored by her audience.

She came to WETA in the fall of 1999, the perfect person and journalist to invigorate Washington Week and make a significant contribution to the NewsHour, sharing Jim Lehrer and Robin MacNeil’s journalistic ethics and approach to the news. Whether leading Washington Week’s robust roundtable discussion or serving as a NewsHour senior correspondent and later in the anchor chair, Gwen reported the news with integrity and authority, building enormous credibility through fair reporting and probing interviews.

She was also a trailblazer. Although she considered herself simply a journalist — full stop — she was also one of the first black journalists to become managing editor and moderator of a national politics program, and she and her close friend and colleague Judy Woodruff made history as the first women to co-anchor a nightly network television news program. Gwen was honored to be selected to moderate vice-presidential debates in 2004 and 2008, and she covered seven presidential campaigns, five while at WETA. Gwen was also a powerful mentor; she relished meeting and encouraging young journalists and was in turn inspired by them, always remaining optimistic about the future of her profession and its public service mission. For her work, she earned enormous respect, a host of honorary doctorates and an incredible array of awards, among which was a prized Peabody Award for Washington Week. That honor was garnered for the roadshows that took Gwen to cities around the country, broadcasting before live audiences. She loved those special programs, which allowed her to meet the audience and to field questions from engaged viewers who so relied upon her trusted, unbiased reports.

We will miss Gwen on the air, in the hallways at WETA and in our television studio, where on Friday nights she and the production crew put on music and danced together just before her on-camera introductions to Washington Week.

Her joie de vivre, effervescence and quick wit were infectious. Gwen was an extraordinary, special person, a wonderfully kind and inspiring colleague, and a warm and steadfast friend. It was a great privilege to know her.

We will forever cherish Gwen’s memory, and we will go on reporting and analyzing the news in service to the public, presenting superb journalism to the American people as Gwen would want and expect us to do.

Sharon Percy Rockefeller, President & CEO, WETA

W E TA B R OA D CA S T S A N D S E R V I C E S

WETA Television WETA TV 26 26.4 Over the Air Via Antenna Cox 26, 802 Comcast 26 Fios 26 RCN 26

WETA HD 26.1 Over the Air Cox 1026, 1003 Fios 526 DirecTV 26, 26-1 RCN 613 Dish 8076

Via Antenna Comcast 800 (in the D.C. area)

Comcast 219 (Baltimore area)

WETA UK 26.2 Over the Air Via Antenna Cox 800 Comcast 265 Fios 474 RCN 39

Seasonal Programming E

Holiday Music on Classical WETA 90.9 FM

xperience the sounds of the season on Classical WETA 90.9 FM as Greater Washington’s exclusive classical music radio service adds holiday music into its broadcasts. Seasonal offerings air throughout the month and increase substantially during the week before Christmas. Special programming begins with a broadcast of Ryba’s Czech Christmas Mass on the December 18, 9 p.m. broadcast of Choral Showcase and culminates with special programming on December 24-25.

Christmas Eve specials include the traditional Christmas Eve Carolfest (6 a.m.–1 p.m.); Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols from King’s College, Cambridge (5 p.m.); and Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker (7 p.m.). On Christmas Day, Classical WETA presents Christmas in Washington (10 a.m.), featuring performances of holiday music by D.C.-area choral and instrumental ensembles; Handel’s Messiah (3 p.m.); and Bach’s Christmas Oratorio (9 p.m.).

For complete WETA holiday programming details, visit weta.org/happyholidays.

For the Holidays, on WETA TV 26/HD

Rick Steves’ European Christmas Sun 12/4, 10:30am; Rpts Sat 12/17, 10pm; Sun 12/18, 10am, 6pm Celtic Thunder Christmas Fri 12/9, 9:30pm; Rpts Sat 12/17, 4:30pm, midnight; Sun 12/18, 10pm Lidia Celebrates America: Holiday for Heroes Fri 12/16, 10pm; Rpts Mon 12/19, 2pm; Wed 12/21, 3pm Celtic Woman: Home for Christmas Sat 12/17, noon Libera: Angels Sing Christmas in Ireland Sat 12/17, 6:30pm; Rpts Sun 12/18, 2pm Christmas with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir (featuring): Laura Osnes and Martin Jarvis Mon 12/19, 9pm; Rpts Tue 12/20, 3pm; Sat 12/24, 11pm; Sun 12/25, 12:30pm Santino Fontana and the Sesame Street Muppets Mon 12/19, 10pm; Rpts Tue 12/20, 4pm; Sun 12/25, 1:30pm Alfie Boe/Tom Brokaw Sun 12/25, 2:30pm Deborah Voigt/John Rhys-Davies Sun 12/25, 3:30pm Happy Holidays with the Boston Pops Wed 12/21, 10pm; Rpts Thur 12/22, 5pm; Sun 12/25, 11:30am Christmastime in New Orleans 12/23, 8:30pm; 12/25, 11:30pm Call the Midwife Holiday Special 2016 Sun 12/25, 7:30pm (2015 at 6pm); Rpts Mon 12/26, 2pm Live from Lincoln Center: New York Philharmonic New Year’s Eve Sat 12/31, 8pm Visit weta.org/happyholidays for details.

For program or membership inquiries, call 703-998-2724 or visit weta.org.

WETA Kids 26.3 Over the Air Via Antenna Cox 801 Comcast 266 Fios 472 RCN 38 COVER: COURTESY ROBERT VIGLASKY©2015 CARNIVAL FILM & TELEVISION LTD

WETA Online weta.org weta.org/learningmedia

Classical WETA WETA 90.9 FM Washington WGMS 89.1 FM Hagerstown WETA 88.9 FM Frederick classicalweta.org vivalavoce.org

NATIONAL ARCHIVES

Discovering Alexandria: The 20th Century The new WETA documentary premieres Thursday, December 1 at 8 p.m. on WETA TV 26/HD and repeats throughout the month

ALEXANDRIA LIBRARY, SPECIAL COLLECTIONS

Through archival footage, interviews with longtime residents and insights from historians, the new program explores the people, places and events that defined the city during an era of profound change that included the two World Wars, the Great Depression, the Civil Rights era and much more.

Segments recall Alexandria’s early industrial era, the importance of its busy shipyards, the heyday of Potomac Yard when it was one of the top railroad hubs on the Eastern Seaboard, and the ammunition-to-art evolution of the Torpedo Factory. The film follows significant changes in transportation such as the arrival of the GW Parkway connecting Alexandria with Washington, D.C., and later, the new Metro transit system; the construction of new landmarks such as the George Washington Masonic National Memorial (top), and the preservation

2 DECEMBER 2016

of historic sites such as Gadsby’s Tavern and Carlyle House.

Discovering Alexandria: The 20th Century also spotlights the growth of the city through development, annexations and post-war urban renewal that would give the city its modern form.

The film also spotlights the city’s people, its diverse neighborhoods and social history, including segregation in the city and the significance of the Barrett Branch Library — site of one of the country’s first civil rights sit-in protests — and Arlandria community. Nostalgic memories of Alexandria from residents fondly recall iconic eateries, stores and theaters past and present, including Hot Shoppes, Bradshaw Shoes and the Reed Theatre.

A year in the making by WETA staff, Discovering Alexandria: The 20th Century is the culmination of research conducted at the Alexandria Library Special Collections, Library of Congress and National Archives — and features archival footage courtesy of those institutions and additional city resources. Featured local historians and experts in the film include Jim Mackay of The Lyceum; Lance Mallamo of the Office of Historic Alexandria; Audrey P. Davis of the Alexandria Black History Museum; Susan Hellman of Carlyle House Historic Park; Gretchen Bulova of Gadsby’s Tavern Museum; local historian George Combs and author Ted Pulliam.

LIBRARYOF CONGRESS

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new film produced by WETA presents the third production in a documentary trilogy exploring the remarkable, vibrant history of Alexandria, Virginia.

Discovering Alexandria: The 20th Century spotlights the community’s evolution during the rapid cultural and technological changes from the 1900s to the present day.

The 90-minute documentary continues the chronicle of Alexandria history begun by WETA in the 2014 film Discovering Alexandria: The Early Years and the early 2016 film Martyrs, Mayhem & Martial Law: Life in Civil War Alexandria.

WETA TV 26/HD December Specials My Music: Rock, Rhythm and Doo Wop

COURTESY TJL PRODUCTIONS

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Saturday, December 3 at 8 p.m. on WETA TV 26/HD, repeating December 5, 7 &17

mpresario TJ Lubinsky presents a concert event that offers a time capsule of musical memories, featuring a historical reunion of ’50s and ’60s pop music icons Little Richard, Frankie Valli, Little Anthony & The Imperials, Fred Parris & The Five Satins, Lou Christie, Lenny Welch and an array Frankie Valli and performers of other stars. Taped at the Benedum Center in Pittsburgh, the performances are hosted by Frankie Valli, Jerry Butler and Lloyd Price. On the songlist are “Keep A-Knockin’ ”; “In the Still of the Night,” the number one oldies single of all time; “Silhouettes”; “A Thousand Stars”; “For Your Love”; “Lightning Strikes”; “Tears on My Pillow”; “Going Out of My Head”; “Hurt So Bad”; “Shimmy Shimmy Ko Ko Bop” and much more. The program repeats December 5, 7 and 17 in primetime. Also watch for other Lubinsky My Music presentations airing this month: Get Down Tonight: The Disco Explosion on December 2 at 10 p.m., and Magic Moments: The Best of ’50s Pop on December 18 at 8 p.m.

Il Volo: Notte Magica

Sunday, December 4 at 5:30 p.m. on WETA TV 26/HD

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©ANGELO TRANI

he young Italian vocal trio Il Volo returns with a new concert special that pays tribute to The Three Tenors and features special guest Plácido Domingo.

Discovered by the manager of tenor superstar Andrea Bocelli, Il Volo has wowed audiences worldwide since 2011. In this new concert, taped beneath the stars in Florence, Italy’s beautiful Santa Croce Square, Piero Barone, Ignazio Boschetto and Gianluca Ginoble pay tribute to the world-famous tenor trio that included José Carreras, the late Luciano Pavarotti, and Domingo, who conducts a symphony orchestra for select pieces in the new special. Receiving intensive classical training in preparation for the event, Il Volo sings in true operatic style. Among the songs on the bill are “Nessun Dorma,” “Granada,” “No puede ser,” “Torna a Surriento,” “Maria” and “O Sole Mio.”

Forever Painless with Miranda Esmonde-White

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COURTESY APT/ESSENTRICS

Monday, December 5 at 8 p.m. on WETA TV 26/HD iranda Esmonde-White, The New York Times best-selling author of “Aging Backwards,” addresses the topic of chronic pain in a new special program. Forever Painless provides an eye-opening education on pain and its causes, and offers a new approach to pain management. Through interviews from world-renowned health professionals attesting to the power of the body to rid itself of pain with the right approach to pain relief and management, the program presents an accessible and widely available solution to the current pain epidemic, inspiring people to take their health into their own hands. In addition, interviews with individuals who have cured their chronic pain through gentle, daily exercise offer stories of those who have suffered and triumphed.

For full schedules and program information, visit weta.org 3

WETA WETATV TV2626&&WETA WETA HD HD

SepDecember tember primetime simulcast listings.

Weeknight primetime simulcast programming.

8:00

8:30

Denotes WETA productions, co-productions and presentations

9:00

9:30

10:00

10:30

1

Thu

Discovering Alexandria: The 20th Century

2

Fri

Washington Week

3

Sat

My Music: Rock, Rhythm and Doo Wop

Last of the Breed (to 11:30pm)

4

Sun

(from 7pm) Black America Since MLK: And Still I Rise

My Music: Ed Sullivan’s Rock and Roll Classics: The ‘60s (to 12m)

5

Mon

Forever Painless with Miranda Esmonde-White

6

Tue

Suze Orman’s Financial Solutions for You

Discovering Alexandria: The 20th Century (to 11:30pm)

7

Wed

My Music: Rock, Rhythm and Doo Wop

Emin: Live from Russia with David Foster (to 11:30pm)

8

Thu

Black America Since MLK: And Still I Rise

9

Fri

Washington Week

10

Sat

WETA Viewer Favorites

11

Sun

WETA Viewer Favorites

12

Mon

Antiques Roadshow: Bismarck, ND (Ep 2)

13

Tue

The Central Park Five

14

Wed

Nature: Legendary White Stallions

15

Thu

Masterpiece Mystery!: The Lady Vanishes

16

Fri

Washington Week

17

Sat

My Music: Rock, Rhythm and Doo Wop

Rick Steves’ European Christmas (to 12m)

18

Sun

My Music: Magic Moments: The Best of ‘50s Pop

Celtic Thunder Christmas (to 11:30pm)

19

Mon

Antiques Roadshow: Best of 20

Christmas with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir Featuring Santino Fontana and the Sesame Street Muppets

20

Tue

The White House: Inside Story

21

Wed

Nature: Snow Chick

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Thu

Great Performances: The Hollow Crown: The Wars of the Roses: Henry VI, Part 1 (to 10pm) & Part 2 (to 12:30am)

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Fri

Washington Week

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Sat

Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries, Series 2: Deadweight

The WETA Movie: That’s Entertainment III

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Sun

(from 7:30pm) Call the Midwife Holiday Special 2016

Great Performances: The Hollow Crown: The Wars of the Roses: Richard III (to 11:30pm)

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Mon

Antiques Roadshow: Birmingham, AL (Ep 1) Independent Lens: Meet the Patels

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Tue

Eero Saarinen: American Masters

28

Wed

Nature: Cold Warriors: Wolves and Buffalo NOVA: Building Pharaoh’s Chariot

29

Thu

The Guilty (Pt 1, 2 & 3 of 3)

30

Fri

Washington Week

31

Sat

Live From Lincoln Center: New York Philharmonic New Year’s Eve

Ric Edelman’s The Truth About Retirement

My Music: Get Down Tonight: The Disco Explosion (to 12m)

My Music: Rock, Rhythm and Doo Wop (to 11:30pm)

Rick Steves’ Guide to Cuba

Celtic Thunder Christmas

Antiques Roadshow: Bismarck, ND (Ep 3)

Washington in the ’60s Frontline: From Jesus to Christ: The First Christians (Pt 1 of 2) (to 12m)

Stuart Davis: In Full Swing

NOVA: Mystery of a Masterpiece The Making of a Lady Joshua Bell’s Seasons of Cuba (PBS Arts Fall Festival)

Christmas with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir Featuring Laura Osnes and Martin Jarvis

Lidia Celebrates America: Holiday for Heroes

Frontline: From Jesus to Christ: The First Christians (Pt 2 of 2) (to 12m) NOVA: Secrets of Noah’s Ark

Christmastime in New Orleans

Secrets of the Dead: Van Gogh’s Ear

Happy Holidays with the Boston Pops

Shakespeare Live! From the RSC

Washington in the ’80s (to 11:30pm)

Frontline: Exodus Egypt’s Treasure Guardians

The Widower (Pts 1, 2 & 3 of 3) (to 11:30pm)

8:30

PBS NewsHour airs weeknights at 7 p.m.

9:00

WETA Movie: Rain Man (to 12:13am)

9:30

10:00

10:30

Charlie Rose airs late weeknights (check listings)

For full schedules and program information, visit weta.org

8:00

Discovering Alexandria: The 20th Century (encore broadcast)

WETA TV 26 & WETA HD

December simulcast primetime listings, plus weekends for WETA TV 26

• Programming on WETA TV 26 and WETA HD is exactly the same — ­simulcast — Monday through Friday from 7 p.m. through Charlie Rose, and weekend evenings, beginning at 6 p.m. Saturdays and 11:30 a.m. Sundays.

• Please note that Saturday daytime listings that follow are for WETA TV 26 only unless otherwise indicated.

For complete 24-hour schedules of programs on WETA TV 26 and WETA HD, visit weta.org/tv.

• The weeknight primetime schedule on WETA TV 26 often repeats the next weekday afternoon on WETA TV 26.

• WETA TV 26 is devoted to children’s programming 5 a.m.–noon weekdays and 6–9 a.m. Sundays. For 24 hours of children’s programming each day, tune in to the WETA Kids channel. See page 12 for schedule information.

DISCOVERING ALEXANDRIA: THE 20TH CENTURY A WETA PRODUCTION

Thursday, December 1 at 8 p.m. on WETA TV 26/HD Discovering Alexandria: The 20th Century explores the people, places and events that defined the remarkable Northern Virginia city during an era of industrial change and social progress.

Above: Alexandria Union Station, circa World War II.

1 Thursday 7:00 PBS NEWSHOUR 8:00 DISCOVERING ALEXANDRIA: THE 20TH CENTURY — A new WETA production, the third in a trilogy of films spotlighting the rich history of the city of Alexandria, Virginia, explores the past century. See page 2 for details. Repeats tonight; Fri 12/2, 4:30pm; Sat 12/3, 6:30pm; Sun 12/4, 2pm; Tue 12/6, 10pm; Wed 12/7, 2:30pm 9:30 DISCOVERING ALEXANDRIA: THE 20TH CENTURY — R 11:00 ON THE PSYCHIATRIST’S COUCH WITH DANIEL AMEN, MD — In this special, Dr. Amen, a double board-certified psychiatrist who has written 10 New York Times bestselling books, relates the most important lessons he has taught thousands of patients over the last 35 years.

Repeats Sun 12/4, 12:30pm; Fri 12/9, 1pm 1AM CHARLIE ROSE — Repeats next weekday, noon

10:00 MY MUSIC: GET DOWN TONIGHT: THE DISCO EXPLOSION — KC and the Sunshine Band, Karen Lynn-Gorney (Saturday Night Fever) and Dance Fever’s Denny Terrio co-host a reunion of superstars of the 1970s disco and dance era in a production mixing vintage performances by the Bee Gees and Donna Summer and more contemporary performances by Irene Cara, Leo Sayer, Tavares, A Taste of Honey, Chic, The Trampps, Martha Wash of the Weather Girls, and others. Repeats Sat 12/3, 2:30pm 12M NATIONAL PARK SYMPHONY–THE MIGHTY FIVE — A program celebrates the grandeur and majesty of Utah’s five national parks, set to glorious music from the Utah Symphony. See stunning iconic images, grand vistas and secret locations in Zion, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef and Arches National Parks.

1AM CHARLIE ROSE — Repeats next weekday, noon

WETA Television

ALEXANDRIA LIBRARY, SPECIAL COLLECTIONS

Program Key n — WETA productions, co-productions or presentations. {DVI} — Descriptive Video Service. R — Aired within the month.

Listings are accurate as of press time. For late-breaking program updates, call 703-998-2724 or visit weta.org/tv.

3 Saturday S IMULCAST ON WETA TV 26 & WETA HD, 6AM-2:30AM: 6AM THE FOREVER WISDOM OF DR. WAYNE DYER — Celebrate the late self-help icon’s wisdom, teachings and unique ability to translate abstract ideas into down-to-earth lessons that can be applied to every­day life. This memorial tribute includes memorable stories, both funny and soulful.

9:00 EASTENDERS — (two episodes) 10:00 SUZE ORMAN’S FINANCIAL SOLUTIONS FOR YOU — In a program taped at American University, the personal finance expert presents advice on a broad set of financial issues, including: how to invest; whether to buy or rent a home; saving for retirement; what kind of life insurance to buy; wills and trusts; student loans and more. Repeats Mon 12/5, 4pm; Tue 12/6, 8pm; Fri 12/9, 2:30pm 12N RICK STEVES’ GUIDE TO CUBA — Travel expert Rick Steves reports on the red tape, frustrations and rewards that come with travel in the home of rumba and rum, romance and revolution. In a spirited slideshow lecture, Steves recaps the highlights of his trip, offering a virtual tour of Havana and much more, delighting a live audience with memorable anecdotes, political insights, and practical travel tips. Repeats Fri 12/9, 8:30pm; Sat 12/17, 3:30pm

7:00 PBS NEWSHOUR 8:00 WASHINGTON WEEK — WETA’s long-running weekly production presents a roundtable discussion with award-winning journalists who provide reporting and analysis of the major news stories of the week emanating from the nation’s capital.

8:30 RIC EDELMAN’S THE TRUTH ABOUT RETIREMENT — Financial advisor Ric Edelman — host of the television series The Truth About Money with Ric Edelman (Tuesday afternoons on WETA TV 26) — provides an action plan that people can use to help ensure a fiscally secure retirement, with a focus on the new Social Security laws that took effect in the beginning of 2016. Repeats Tue 12/6, 11:30pm; Wed 12/7, 4pm

©2007 MICHAEL PLISKIN

2 Friday

Saturday, December 3 at 10 p.m. on WETA TV 26/HD Last of the Breed presents a Chicago concert of honky-tonk classics by Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard and Ray Price.

For full schedules and program information, visit weta.org 5

A WETA CO-PRODUCTION

WETA Television

Sunday, December 4 at 7 p.m. on WETA TV 26/HD Black America Since MLK: And Still I Rise, a documentary from scholar Henry Louis Gates, Jr. (above), explores the past 50 years of African-American history, chronicling the progress made and raising questions about the obstacles and challenges that remain.

1:00 30 DAYS TO A YOUNGER HEART WITH DR. STEVEN MASLEY — Dr. Steven Masley — a board-certified physician, nutritionist, longevity researcher and awardwinning educator who is also a highly acclaimed chef— shares the news that Metabolic Syndrome, also known as pre-diabetes, is the number one cause of cardiovascular disease, not high cholesterol. Masley discusses the impact that food, nutrients and exercise have on making a measurable difference in the reduction of arterial plaque. Repeats Sun 12/4, 7:30am; Mon 12/5, 11:30pm 2:30 MY MUSIC: GET DOWN TONIGHT: THE DISCO EXPLOSION — R 4:30 FOREVER PAINLESS WITH MIRANDA ESMONDE-WHITE — The New York Times best-selling author of “Aging Backwards” addresses the topic of chronic pain in a new special that offers an eye-opening education on pain and its causes — and a new approach to pain management. The program includes compelling interviews from health professionals about the power of the body to rid itself of pain with the right approach to pain relief and management; and interviews with individuals who have cured their chronic pain through gentle, daily exercise.

Repeats tonight; Mon 12/5, 8pm; Tue 12/6, 4:30pm 6:00 PBS NEWSHOUR WEEKEND 6:30 DISCOVERING ALEXANDRIA: THE 20TH CENTURY — R 8:00 MY MUSIC: ROCK, RHYTHM AND DOO WOP — WETA reprises a concert that presents numerous original Top-40 artists from the 1950s and 1960s rock ‘n’ roll and doo wop era, performing their signature songs.

Hosted by Frankie Valli, Jerry Butler and Lloyd Price, the talent list features a wide array of performers from Rock ‘n’ Roll, Rhythm and Blues, and Doo Wop music, including Little Richard, Little Anthony & The Imperials, Lenny Welch, Fred Parris & The Five Satins, Lou Christie and more. Repeats Mon 12/5, 9:30pm; Wed 12/7, 8pm; Thur 12/8, 4pm; Fri 12/9, 11pm; Sat 12/17, 8pm; Sun 12/18, noon, 11:30pm 10:00 LAST OF THE BREED — Savor a once-in-a-lifetime Chicago concert event by legendary musical artists Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard and Ray Price. The treasure trove of honky-tonk hits and Texas swing tunes turned the album Last of the Breed into a major-selling hit.

The threesome, backed by Grammy Award winning “Kings of Texas Swing” Asleep at the Wheel and Ray Price’s Cherokee Cowboys, delivers rousing performances of their greatest hits.

11:30 LANG LANG’S NEW YORK RHAPSODY: LIVE FROM LINCOLN CENTER — Internationally acclaimed pianist Lang Lang performs a love letter to New York in this Live from Lincoln Center special, featuring music from Leonard Bernstein, Aaron Copland, Danny Elfman, Lou Reed, Alicia Keys, Don Henley and more.

1AM FOREVER PAINLESS WITH MIRANDA ESMONDE-WHITE —R

4 Sunday S IMULCAST ON WETA TV 26 & WETA HD, 6AM-2AM: 6AM JJ VIRGIN’S SUGAR IMPACT SECRET — Sugar can be the real cause of inflammation, bloating, metabolic

5 Monday 7:00 PBS NEWSHOUR

SOFA ENTERTAINMENT & TJL PRODUCTIONS

BLACK AMERICA SINCE MLK: AND STILL I RISE

disorders, fatigue and weight gain. JJ Virgin shows how to spot hidden sugars and retrain taste buds, restore sugar sensitivity, heal the digestive tract, and rev up the metabolism, turning sugar burners into fat burners and promoting rapid weight loss.

7:30 30 DAYS TO A YOUNGER HEART WITH DR. STEVEN MASLEY — R 9:00 VISIONS OF ITALY, SOUTHERN STYLE — A highdefinition film soars above the spectacular landscape of southern Italy, with stunning aerial footage accompanied by a poetic narrative and glorious music that includes selections from Rossini, Puccini and Vivaldi, and popular songs from Dean Martin and Michael Amante. Repeats Thur 12/8, 1pm; Sun 12/18, 8:30am 10:30 RICK STEVES’ EUROPEAN CHRISTMAS — Travel expert Rick Steves explores how diverse European cultures celebrate Christmas — in locations from England to Norway, Burgundy to Bavaria, and Rome to the Swiss Alps. Repeats Sat 12/17, 10pm; Sun 12/18, 10am, 6pm 12:30 ON THE PSYCHIATRIST’S COUCH WITH DANIEL AMEN, MD — R 2:00 DISCOVERING ALEXANDRIA: THE 20TH CENTURY — R 3:30 EAT TO LIVE WITH JOEL FUHRMAN, MD — The author and physician offers counsel about how to lose weight and lower blood pressure and cholesterol without drugs. Dr. Fuhrman provides the latest research that offers a path to recovery even for those suffering from diabetes or pre-diabetes. Repeats tonight; Thur 12/8, 2:30pm 5:00 PBS NEWSHOUR WEEKEND 5:30 IL VOLO: NOTTE MAGICA — For Notte Magica, taped beneath the stars in Florence, Italy’s Santa Croce Square, Plácido Domingo joins young tenors Piero Barone, Ignazio Boschetto, and Gianluca Ginoble of vocal ensemble Il Volo in a new concert event that features operatic music. With the support of Domingo, Il Volo once again takes flight in a tribute to the artists that have inspired their craft. Songs range from works such as “Nessun Dorma” to American favorites such as “My Way.” 7:00 BLACK AMERICA SINCE MLK: AND STILL I RISE — In a co-production with WETA, scholar Henry Louis Gates, Jr. spotlights the past 50 years of AfricanAmerican history, charting the remarkable progress made and raising hard questions about the obstacles and challenges that remain. Repeats Mon 12/5, 1pm; Thur 12/8, 8pm 10:00 MY MUSIC: ED SULLIVAN’S ROCK AND ROLL CLASSICS: THE ’60S — From the late 1940s until the early 1970s, millions of viewers of all ages saw great musical acts each Sunday night on The Ed Sullivan Show. This installment in the My Music series presents classic song performances from 1963-1968, from the Beatles’ American television debut to the Doors’ infamous onetime-only appearance, to the Rolling Stones, Petula Clark, the Animals, Herman’s Hermits, the Beach Boys, the Mamas and the Papas and others. Repeats Tue 12/6, 2:30pm; Thur 12/8, 11pm 12M EAT TO LIVE WITH JOEL FUHRMAN, MD — R

Sunday, December 4 at 10 p.m. on WETA TV 26/HD Ed Sullivan’s Rock and Roll Classics: The ’60s presents classic song performances on Sullivan’s television show from 1963 to 1968 by top pop bands of the era, including the Beach Boys (above).

6 DECEMBER 2016 For full schedules and program information, visit weta.org

COURTESY INTERNATIONAL MEDIA

Wednesday, December 7 at 10 p.m. on WETA TV 26/HD Emin: Live from Russia with David Foster features a St. Petersburg concert by the Azerbaijani singer-songwriter and pop music star.

8:00 FOREVER PAINLESS WITH MIRANDA ESMONDE-WHITE — The New York Times best-selling author of “Aging Backwards” addresses the topic of chronic pain in a new special that offers an education on pain and its causes — and a new approach to pain management.

The program includes compelling interviews from health professionals about the power of the body to rid itself of pain with the right approach.

9:30 MY MUSIC: ROCK, RHYTHM AND DOO WOP — See the Saturday, December 3, 8 p.m. listing.

11:30 30 DAYS TO A YOUNGER HEART WITH DR. STEVEN MASLEY — R 1AM CHARLIE ROSE — Repeats next weekday, noon

7:00 PBS NEWSHOUR 8:00 SUZE ORMAN’S FINANCIAL SOLUTIONS FOR YOU — In a program taped at American University, the personal finance expert presents advice on a broad set of financial issues, including: how to invest; whether to buy or rent a home; saving for retirement; what kind of life insurance to buy; wills and trusts; student loans and more.

10:00 DISCOVERING ALEXANDRIA: THE 20TH CENTURY — See the Thursday, December 1, 8 p.m. listing.

11:30 RIC EDELMAN’S THE TRUTH ABOUT RETIREMENT — R 1AM CHARLIE ROSE — Repeats next weekday, noon

7 Wednesday 7:00 PBS NEWSHOUR 8:00 MY MUSIC: ROCK, RHYTHM AND DOO WOP — See the Saturday, December 3, 8 p.m. listing.

10:00 EMIN: LIVE FROM RUSSIA WITH DAVID FOSTER — International recording star Emin and special guests present a spectacular concert taped at the Winter Palace in St. Petersburg, Russia. Emin is joined onstage by Grammy Award-winner David Foster along with singers Ani Lorak and Polina Gagarina. Repeats Fri 12/9, 4:30pm 11:30 THE AGE FIX WITH DR. TONY YOUN — Board-certified plastic surgeon and anti-aging expert Dr. Anthony Youn, named a “Top Doctor” by U.S. News & World Report and Harper’s Bazaar, opens up a world of insider tips, tricks and secrets from the fields of beauty, dermatology and plastic surgery, offering easy home remedies to achieve results without surgery.

1AM CHARLIE ROSE — Repeats next weekday, noon

10 Saturday S IMULCAST ON WETA TV 26 & WETA HD, 6AM-6AM: 6 AM-9AM WETA VIEWER FAVORITES 9AM EASTENDERS — (two episodes) 10AM-5AM WETA VIEWER FAVORITES

11 Sunday S IMULCAST ON WETA TV 26 & WETA HD, 6AM-5AM: 6 AM-5AM WETA VIEWER FAVORITES

WETA Television

6 Tuesday

8:00 WASHINGTON WEEK — WETA’s long-running weekly production presents a roundtable discussion with award-winning journalists who provide reporting and analysis of the major news stories of the week emanating from the nation’s capital.

8:30 RICK STEVES’ GUIDE TO CUBA — Travel expert Rick Steves reports on the red tape, frustrations and rewards that come with travel in the home of rumba and rum, and romance and revolution. In a spirited slideshow lecture, Steves recaps the highlights of his trip, offering a virtual tour of Havana and much more.

9:30 CELTIC THUNDER CHRISTMAS — Irishmen Damian McGinty, Keith Harkin, Paul Byrom, Ryan Kelly and Scotsman George Donaldson of the Celtic Thunder vocal ensemble bring together their affinity for a great popular song with live performances that pay homage to cherished holiday favorites. Repeats Sat 12/17, 4:30pm, midnight; Sun 12/18, 10pm 11:00 MY MUSIC: ROCK, RHYTHM AND DOO WOP — R 1AM CHARLIE ROSE — Repeats next weekday, noon

12 Monday 7:00 PBS NEWSHOUR 8:00 ANTIQUES ROADSHOW: BISMARCK, ND — Episode 2.

Repeats Tue 12/13, 1pm; Thur 12/15, 4pm 9:00 ANTIQUES ROADSHOW: BISMARCK, ND — Episode 3.

Repeats Tue 12/13, 2pm; Thur 12/15, 5pm 10:00 WASHINGTON IN THE ’60S — An Emmy Award-winning WETA TV 26 production explores the political, social and cultural events that make up the history of the Washington, D.C. area during the seminal decade of the 1960s. Connie Chung narrates. Repeats Tue 12/13, 3pm; Wed 12/14, 1pm; Tue 12/27, 3pm; Wed 12/28, 2pm 11:00 CHARLIE ROSE — Repeats next weekday, noon

13 Tuesday 7:00 PBS NEWSHOUR 8:00 THE CENTRAL PARK FIVE — An acclaimed film by Ken Burns, Sarah Burns and David McMahon tells the story of the five Harlem teenagers who were wrongly convicted of a rape in New York City’s Central Park in 1989. The 2013 co-production of Florentine Films and WETA chronicles the Central Park jogger case from the perspective of those whose lives were upended by this miscarriage of justice. {DVI} Repeats Wed 12/14, 4pm

7:00 PBS NEWSHOUR 8:00 BLACK AMERICA SINCE MLK: AND STILL I RISE — In a co-production with WETA, scholar Henry Louis Gates, Jr. spotlights the past 50 years of AfricanAmerican history, charting the remarkable progress made and raising hard questions about the obstacles and challenges that remain. R 11:00 MY MUSIC: ED SULLIVAN’S ROCK AND ROLL CLASSICS: THE ’60S — R 1AM CHARLIE ROSE — Repeats next weekday, noon

9 Friday 7:00 PBS NEWSHOUR

CHRISTINE CORNELL

8 Thursday

THE CENTRAL PARK FIVE A WETA CO-PRODUCTION

Tuesday, December 13 at 8 p.m. on WETA TV 26/HD WETA reprises The Central Park Five, a Ken Burns film co-produced

by WETA and Florentine Films that chronicles the miscarriage of justice that unfolded in the 1989 Central Park jogger case.

For full schedules and program information, visit weta.org 7

10:00 FRONTLINE: FROM JESUS TO CHRIST: THE FIRST CHRISTIANS — A Frontline special examines the story of the rise of Christianity, looking back 2,000 years to the time and place where Jesus of Nazareth lived and preached. The series challenges familiar assumptions and conventional notions about the origins of Christianity. Part 1 of 2. Frontline traces the life of Jesus of Nazareth, exploring the message that helped his ministry grow and the events that led to his crucifixion around 30 C.E. {DVI} 12M CHARLIE ROSE — Repeats next weekday, noon

WETA Television

7:00 PBS NEWSHOUR 8:00 NATURE: LEGENDARY WHITE STALLIONS — Nature goes backstage with the world-famous Lipizzaner stallions and their riders at the Spanish Riding School in Vienna. This ancient “court of kings” trains horses for years to execute supremely difficult artistic and athletic maneuvers that only a very few will master. {DVI} Repeats Thur 12/15, 1pm 9:00 NOVA: MYSTERY OF A MASTERPIECE — NOVA meets a new breed of experts who approach art mysteries as if they were crime scenes, determined to discover “who committed the art,” and follow art sleuths as they combat the criminal market in stolen and fraudulent art. {DVI} Repeats Thur 12/15, 2pm 10:00 SECRETS OF THE DEAD: VAN GOGH’S EAR — The night when Vincent van Gogh cut his own ear may define his turbulent life and art. Generations have theorized about what really happened on December 23, 1888, in the French town of Arles, but no one has been clear on the details until now. {DVI} Repeats Thur 12/15, 3pm 11:00 CHARLIE ROSE — Repeats next weekday, noon

15 Thursday

©STEFAN SEELIG

7:00 PBS NEWSHOUR 8:00 MASTERPIECE MYSTERY!: THE LADY VANISHES — A young socialite (Tuppence Middleton) suspects foul play when a woman inexplicably disappears from a train. This adaptation of the classic thriller, made famous by Alfred Hitchcock and based on Ethel Lina White’s 1936 novel The Wheel Spins, also stars Keeley Hawes (Upstairs Downstairs) and Tom Hughes (Page Eight). Repeats Fri 12/16, 1pm; Mon 12/19, 3pm 9:30 THE MAKING OF A LADY — Based on the novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett (The Secret Garden), a drama features the story of the educated but penniless Emily (Lydia Wilson). A lady’s companion for Lady Maria (Joanna Lumley), she meets her employer’s nephew, Lord James Walderhurst (Linus Roache). Accepting his practical if unromantic marriage proposal, Emily finds solace with Walderhurst’s nephew Alec Osborn (James D’Arcy) and his wife, Hester (Hasina Haque), after Lord James rejoins his regiment. Emily, alone with the Osborns, begins to fear for her life. Repeats Fri 12/16, 2:30pm; Mon 12/19, 4:30pm 11:00 CHARLIE ROSE — Repeats next weekday, noon

Wednesday, December 14 at 8 p.m. on WETA TV 26/HD Nature: Legendary White Stallions spotlights the famous Lipizzaner stallions, focusing on the bond between horse and rider.

©PHIL FISK/BBC FOR MASTERPIECE

14 Wednesday

Thursday, December 15 at 8 p.m. on WETA TV 26/HD Masterpiece Mystery!: The Lady Vanishes stars Tuppence Middleton as a young socialite who suspects foul play when a woman disappears from a train. Tom Hughes (above, with Middleton) and Keeley Hawes co-star in the thriller made famous by Alfred Hitchcock.

16 Friday 7:00 PBS NEWSHOUR 8:00 WASHINGTON WEEK — WETA’s long-running weekly production presents a roundtable discussion with award-winning journalists who provide reporting and analysis of the major news stories of the week emanating from the nation’s capital.

8:30 STUART DAVIS: IN FULL SWING — A film from the National Gallery of Art spotlights the ongoing exhibition of the painter’s jazz-inspired works. As one of the most important American modernists, Stuart Davis (1892–1964) blurred distinctions between text and image, high and low art, and abstraction and figuration, crafting a distinct style that continues to influence art being made today.

9:00 JOSHUA BELL’S SEASONS OF CUBA — Airing as part of the PBS Arts Fall Festival, a concert features awardwinning, world-famous violinist Joshua Bell leading a Live From Lincoln Center event with musicians from America and Cuba, building a bridge between cultures and artistry.

10:00 LIDIA CELEBRATES AMERICA: HOLIDAY FOR HEROES — Join host Lidia Bastianich for an holiday special celebrating veterans, who discuss the importance of family during holidays, the challenges and sacrifices of their work and the pride they take in having defended our country. Repeats Mon 12/19, 2pm; Wed 12/21, 3pm 11:00 CHARLIE ROSE — Repeats next weekday, noon

17 Saturday S IMULCAST ON WETA TV 26 & WETA HD, 6AM-1:30AM: 6AM RICK STEVES’ EUROPE: REMOTE, SACRED AND WILD 6:30 MY MUSIC: CLOSE TO YOU: REMEMBERING THE CARPENTERS + CHRISTMAS — WETA reprises a Carpenters retrospective that includes new segments featuring the duo’s Christmas music. Between 1970 and 1984, the Grammy Award-winning duo achieved an astonishing run of hits with 17 singles in the Billboard Top 20 including three #1 songs and six songs at #2.

Repeats Sun 12/18, 3:30pm 8:30 RICK STEVES’ EUROPE 2016: ITALY — The European travel expert explores Italy, touring Rome, Florence, Venice and Veneto cities of Verona, Padua and Ravenna.

11:30 PATI’S MEXICAN TABLE — New Season 5 episode.

12N CELTIC WOMAN: HOME FOR CHRISTMAS — A Christmas celebration features the Celtic Woman group performing popular holiday classics and several original compositions in concert at Dublin’s Helix Centre.

1:30 MY MUSIC: MAGIC MOMENTS: THE BEST OF ’50S POP — See the Sunday, December 18, 8 p.m. listing.

3:30 RICK STEVES’ GUIDE TO CUBA — R 4:30 CELTIC THUNDER CHRISTMAS — R 6:00 PBS NEWSHOUR WEEKEND 6:30 LIBERA: ANGELS SING CHRISTMAS IN IRELAND — The iconic St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Armagh, Ireland, is

8 DECEMBER 2016 For full schedules and program information, visit weta.org

COURTESY PARTISAN PICTURES

the setting for a performance of traditional Christmas carols by the acclaimed boy choir, Libera, accompanied by a small Irish string and wind ensemble. The unique, pure sound of Libera has its roots in ancient monastic and Celtic tonalities. Repeats Sun 12/18, 2pm 8:00 MY MUSIC: ROCK, RHYTHM AND DOO WOP — A concert presents numerous original Top-40 artists from the 1950s and 1960s rock ‘n’ roll and doo wop era, performing their signature songs. Hosted by Frankie Valli, Jerry Butler and Lloyd Price, the talent list features a wide array of performers from Rock ‘n’ Roll, Rhythm and Blues and Doo Wop music, including Little Richard, Little Anthony & The Imperials, Lenny Welch, Fred Parris & The Five Satins, Lou Christie and more. Repeats Sun 12/18, noon, 11:30pm 10:00 RICK STEVES’ EUROPEAN CHRISTMAS — Travel expert Rick Steves explores how diverse European cultures celebrate Christmas — in locations from England to Norway, Burgundy to Bavaria, and Rome to the Swiss Alps. Repeats Sun 12/18, 10am, 6pm 12M CELTIC THUNDER CHRISTMAS — R

Tuesday, December 20 at 8 p.m. on WETA TV 26/HD The two-hour film The White House: Inside Story explores the 200-year history of the nation’s most iconic residence.

18 Sunday

19 Monday

COURTESY TJL PRODUCTIONS

7:00 PBS NEWSHOUR 8:00 ANTIQUES ROADSHOW: BEST OF 20 — The series presents favorite appraisals from 20 seasons. Repeats Tue 12/20, 1:30pm; Thur 12/22, 3pm 9:00 CHRISTMAS WITH THE MORMON TABERNACLE CHOIR FEATURING LAURA OSNES AND MARTIN JARVIS — Broadway star Laura Osnes, acclaimed British screen actor Martin Jarvis and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra participate in the annual Christmas

Sunday, December 18 at 8 p.m. on WETA TV 26/HD Magic Moments: The Best of ’50s Pop presents live performances and archival footage of pop music classics by acts including the McGuire Sisters (above), Patti Page, Perry Como and others.

concert at Temple Square. Joining Osnes and Jarvis are four distinguished Metropolitan Opera soloists.

Repeats Tue 12/20, 3pm; Sat 12/24, 11pm; Sun 12/25, 12:30pm 10:00 CHRISTMAS WITH THE MORMON TABERNACLE CHOIR FEATURING SANTINO FONTANA AND THE SESAME STREET MUPPETS — Stage and singing star Santino Fontana, the Muppets from Sesame Street and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square perform a concert that includes songs from Sesame Street and inspiring arrangements of sacred Christmas music. Repeats Tue 12/20, 4pm; Sun 12/25, 1:30pm 11:00 CHARLIE ROSE — Repeats next weekday, noon

20 Tuesday 7:00 PBS NEWSHOUR 8:00 THE WHITE HOUSE: INSIDE STORY — A program spotlights America’s most iconic residence — symbol of national history and icon of democracy. From the Oval Office to the family dining room, through crises and world wars, the 200-year story of the White House is the story of America itself. Repeats Wed 12/21, 4pm 10:00 FRONTLINE: FROM JESUS TO CHRIST: THE FIRST CHRISTIANS — A Frontline special continues, examines the epic story of the rise of Christianity. Part 2 of 2. Frontline chronicles the period after the first revolt, including the hostile relationship between Christians and Jews, and the events of the second and third centuries, in which Christianity grew from a small Jewish sect to an official religion of the Roman Empire. {DVI} 12M CHARLIE ROSE — Repeats next weekday, noon

21 Wednesday 7:00 PBS NEWSHOUR 8:00 NATURE: SNOW CHICK — Nature follows the intimate and incredible journey of a tiny Emperor penguin chick from the moment he emerges from the egg to the moment he begins a life on his own. Meet his parents and the rest of the new chicks in the world’s most extreme nursery. {DVI} Repeats Thur 12/22, 1pm 9:00 NOVA: SECRETS OF NOAH’S ARK — A 3,700-year-old inscribed clay tablet reveals a surprising new version of the Biblical flood story, complete with how-to instructions for assembling an ark. Following the directions, expert boat builders assemble and launch a massive reed boat. {DVI} Repeats Thur 12/22, 2pm 10:00 HAPPY HOLIDAYS WITH THE BOSTON POPS — A music special taped at historic Symphony Hall in Boston showcases the best of the New England holiday season, with the Boston Pops and Tanglewood Festival Chorus, under the direction of Keith Lockhart, performing beloved holiday classics that include “Christmas Canticles” and “Hallelujah Chorus” from Handel’s Messiah.

Repeats Thur 12/22, 5pm; Sun 12/25, 11:30am 11:00 CHARLIE ROSE — Repeats next weekday, noon

22 Thursday 7:00 PBS NEWSHOUR

For full schedules and program information, visit weta.org 9

WETA Television

S IMULCAST ON WETA TV 26 & WETA HD, 6AM-1:30AM: 6AM CARPENTERS CHRISTMAS MEMORIES 6:30 RICK STEVES’ SPECIAL: THE HOLY LAND 8:30 VISIONS OF ITALY, SOUTHERN STYLE — R 10:00 RICK STEVES’ EUROPEAN CHRISTMAS — R 12N MY MUSIC: ROCK, RHYTHM AND DOO WOP — R 2:00 LIBERA: ANGELS SING CHRISTMAS IN IRELAND — R 3:30 MY MUSIC: CLOSE TO YOU: REMEMBERING THE CARPENTERS + CHRISTMAS — R 5:30 PBS NEWSHOUR WEEKEND 6:00 RICK STEVES’ EUROPEAN CHRISTMAS — R 8:00 MY MUSIC: MAGIC MOMENTS: THE BEST OF ’50S POP — Join hosts Phyllis McGuire, Pat Boone and Nick Clooney for a nostalgic trip back to the 1950s. Return to the era’s pop music days with a mix of live performance and archival footage, presenting classic songs from favorite artists including the McGuire Sisters, Debbie Reynolds, Patti Page, the Four Lads, Boone and others, who deliver their biggest hits in an Atlantic City concert.

10:00 CELTIC THUNDER CHRISTMAS — Filmed in Poughkeepsie, New York, in front of a live audience, Irishmen Damian McGinty, Keith Harkin, Paul Byrom, Ryan Kelly and Scotsman George Donaldson of the Celtic Thunder vocal ensemble bring together their affinity for a great popular song with live performances that pay homage to cherished holiday favorites.

11:30 MY MUSIC: ROCK, RHYTHM AND DOO WOP — R

9:00 SHAKESPEARE LIVE! FROM THE RSC — On the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death, Great Performances presents the Royal Shakespeare Company’s star-studded gala, with David Tennant, Benedict Cumberbatch, Judi Dench, Joseph Fiennes, John Lithgow, Ian McKellen, Helen Mirren, David Suchet and many other special guests.

11:00 CHARLIE ROSE — Repeats next weekday, noon

Dec. 22 at 8 p.m. & Dec. 25 at 9 p.m. on WETA TV 26/HD Great Performances: The Hollow Crown: The Wars of the Roses presents Shakespeare plays Henry VI and Richard III, spanning rebellion in France, the rise and fall of Joan of Arc, the terror of England’s Civil War and the dynastic murders culminating in the infamous reign of Richard III. Starring are Tom Sturridge (as Henry VI), Sophie Okonedo, Benedict Cumberbatch (as Richard III), Hugh Bonneville, Judi Dench and Keeley Hawes.

8:00 GREAT PERFORMANCES: THE HOLLOW CROWN: THE WARS OF THE ROSES: HENRY VI, PART 1 — In Shakespeare’s play, England is in crisis: War rages and divisions within the English court threaten the crown; young Henry VI causes outrage by marrying Margaret of Anjou; and the scene is set for civil war.

Tom Sturridge, Sophie Okonedo, and Hugh Bonneville star. Repeats Fri 12/23, 1:30pm 10:00 GREAT PERFORMANCES: THE HOLLOW CROWN: THE WARS OF THE ROSES: HENRY VI, PART 2 — The play continues: Bitter rivalries erupt; the feeble King Henry is overshadowed by Queen Margaret; Edward IV takes the throne, but young Richard has his eyes on the crown.

Benedict Cumberbatch, Tom Sturridge, Sophie Okonedo and Keeley Hawes star. Repeats Fri 12/23, 3:30pm 12:30AM CHARLIE ROSE — Repeats next weekday, noon

O N WETA TV 26, 6AM-6PM. See weta.org/hd for WETA HD. 6AM NEW SCANDINAVIAN COOKING 6:30 CHEF JOHN BESH’S NEW ORLEANS 7:00 CIAO ITALIA 7:30 HUBERT KELLER: SECRETS OF A CHEF 8:00 JOANNE WEIR’S COOKING CONFIDENCE 8:30 RICK STEVES’ EUROPE 9:00 EASTENDERS — (two episodes) 10:00 A CHEF’S LIFE HOLIDAY SPECIAL 11:00 A CHEF’S LIFE 11:30 PATI’S MEXICAN TABLE — New Season 5 episodes.

12N THE MIND OF A CHEF 12:30 JACQUES PÉPIN: HEART & SOUL 1:00 ESSENTIAL PÉPIN 1:30 SARA’S WEEKNIGHT MEALS 2:00 BAKING WITH JULIA 2:30 LIDIA’S KITCHEN 3:00 IN JULIA’S KITCHEN WITH MASTER CHEFS 3:30 JACQUES PÉPIN: MORE FAST FOOD MY WAY! 4:00 COOK’S COUNTRY FROM AMERICA’S TEST KITCHEN 4:30 AMERICA’S TEST KITCHEN FROM COOK’S ILLUSTRATED 5:00 MARTHA STEWART’S COOKING SCHOOL 5:30 MARTHA BAKES S IMULCAST ON WETA TV 26 & WETA HD, 6PM-12M: 6:00 PBS NEWSHOUR WEEKEND 6:30 WASHINGTON WEEK — R 7:00 DOC MARTIN, SERIES 7 8:00 MISS FISHER’S MURDER MYSTERIES, SERIES 2: DEADWEIGHT — The gaiety of St. Kilda’s famous Esplanade is marred by the violence of gang warfare and the police who struggle to control it. When a gang leader is found dead outside a traveling boxing tent, Phryne’s investigation leads her into the dangerous world of fight rigging and tribal payback.

9:00 THE WETA MOVIE: THAT’S ENTERTAINMENT III — The 1994 compilation film, the third installment of the That’s Entertainment trilogy spotlighting musical numbers from MGM classics, features film stars introducing clips from more than 100 MGM musicals. (1:48) 11:00 CHRISTMAS WITH THE MORMON TABERNACLE CHOIR FEATURING LAURA OSNES AND MARTIN JARVIS — R

23 Friday 7:00 PBS NEWSHOUR 8:00 WASHINGTON WEEK — WETA’s long-running weekly production presents a roundtable discussion with award-winning journalists who provide reporting and analysis of the major news stories of the week emanating from the nation’s capital. Repeats Sat 12/24, 6:30pm 8:30 CHRISTMASTIME IN NEW ORLEANS — A festive holiday special showcases the music, sights and internationally acclaimed cuisine of New Orleans. Taped in part at the historic Saenger Theatre in downtown New Orleans, the special spotlights a concert celebrating the city’s musical influences. Repeats Sun 12/25, 11:30pm

COURTESY WGBH

WETA Television

ROBERT VIGLASKY ©2015 CARNIVAL FILM & TV LTD

24 Saturday

Wednesday, December 28 at 9 & 10 p.m. on WETA TV 26/HD NOVA: Building Pharaoh’s Chariot (9 p.m.) follows a team of experts who build two accurate replicas of ancient Egyptian chariots.

Then, Egypt’s Treasure Guardians (10 p.m.) follows archaeologists and others who are working to safeguard Egypt’s heritage.

WETA Magazine is published monthly by the Greater Washington Educational Telecommunications Association for its members. Three dollars of each member’s dues are designated for its subscription. WETA occasionally exchanges member names with other organizations. If you wish that your name not be exchanged, please call Audience Services at 703-998-2724. ©2016 by Greater Washington Educational Telecommunications Association.

All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written permission.

Periodical postage paid at Arlington, VA 22210 and additional offices. Send address changes to WETA, 3939 Campbell Avenue, Arlington, Virginia 22206. Volume 29, Number 12. ISSN No. 1041-2700.

PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER

10 DECEMBER 2016 For full schedules and program information, visit weta.org

Publisher Mary Stewart Editor Jeff Giese Art Director Kerry Layton Design MANIFEST LLC Editorial and Advertising Offices 3939 Campbell Ave Arlington, VA 22206

26 Monday 7:00 PBS NEWSHOUR 8:00 ANTIQUES ROADSHOW: BIRMINGHAM, AL — Episode 1 of 3. Repeats Tue 12/27, 1:30pm; Wed 12/28, 1pm

Monday, December 26 at 9 p.m. on WETA TV 26/HD Independent Lens: Meet the Patels follows Ravi and Geeta Patel’s poignant comic-documentary about Ravi’s experience with the tradition-minded semi-arranged Hindu marriage system in the USA.

9:00 INDEPENDENT LENS: MEET THE PATELS — In this documentary film, Ravi Patel, whose tradition-minded Hindu family is not happy that he’s single at almost 30, enters the semi-arranged marriage system in America.

Explore the influence of culture and identity on an intense, personal, important part of one’s life — love.

10:30 WASHINGTON IN THE ’80S — An acclaimed WETA TV 26 production explores the decade of Reagan and Barry, the Wall and the Quilt, Go-Go and DC punk, the Air Florida crash, crack, and a golden age for local media and sports. Twenty prominent local figures — including Kojo Nnamdi, Joe Gibbs, Maureen Bunyan, Arch Campbell, Pat Buchanan and the late Marion Barry — reflect on the disorderly years of the 1980s in Washington.

Repeats Tue 12/27, 5pm; Wed 12/28, 4pm 11:30 CHARLIE ROSE — Repeats next weekday, noon

27 Tuesday 7:00 PBS NEWSHOUR 8:00 EERO SAARINEN: AMERICAN MASTERS — The biography series explores the life of the modernist architect behind visionary buildings such as St. Louis’ Gateway Arch. Travel with his son, cinematographer Eric Saarinen, as he visits his father’s work on a cathartic journey, shot with the latest in drone technology. Repeats Thur 12/29, 5pm 9:00 FRONTLINE: EXODUS — A Frontline special presents first-person stories of refugees and migrants fleeing war and persecution for Europe, told through cameraphone footage filmed by the families themselves as they leave their homes on dangerous journeys seeking safety and refuge.

11:00 CHARLIE ROSE — Repeats next weekday, noon

©HARTSWOOD 2013

28 Wednesday

Thursday, December 29 at 8 p.m. on WETA TV 26/HD The three-part drama The Guilty, starring Tamsin Greig (left), follows a cold-case investigation into a young boy’s disappearance.

7:00 PBS NEWSHOUR 8:00 NATURE: COLD WARRIORS: WOLVES AND BUFFALO — A film spotlights the epic life-and-death relationship of wolves and buffalo in Wood Buffalo National Park, where wolf packs hunt the largest land mammals on the continent. The animals’ story is captured by a filmmaker who has followed them for more than 20 years. {DVI} Repeats Thur 12/29, 1pm 9:00 NOVA: BUILDING PHARAOH’S CHARIOT — Did the Egyptian chariot mark a crucial turning point in ancient military history, aiding Egypt’s greatest era of conquest known as the New Kingdom? A team of archaeologists, engineers, woodworkers and horse trainers builds and tests two accurate replicas of Egyptian royal chariots, driving them in the desert outside Cairo. {DVI} Repeats Thur 12/29, 2pm 10:00 EGYPT’S TREASURE GUARDIANS — A program follows a select group of individuals determined to bring Egypt back from the brink: to discover more of the country’s history, keep its heritage safe and persuade tourists to visit the country again. Repeats Thur 12/29, 3pm 11:00 CHARLIE ROSE — Repeats next weekday, noon

For full schedules and program information, visit weta.org 11

WETA Television

O N WETA TV 26, 6AM-11:30AM. See weta.org/hd for WETA HD. 6 AM-9AM WETA KIDS PROGRAMMING 9:00 WHITE HOUSE CHRONICLE 9:30 TO THE CONTRARY WITH BONNIE ERBE 10:00 THIS IS AMERICA & THE WORLD WITH DENNIS WHOLEY 10:30 RELIGION AND ETHICS NEWSWEEKLY 11:00 THE OPEN MIND S IMULCAST ON WETA TV 26 & WETA HD, 11:30AM-12M: 11:30 HAPPY HOLIDAYS WITH THE BOSTON POPS — R 12:30 CHRISTMAS WITH THE MORMON TABERNACLE CHOIR FEATURING LAURA OSNES AND MARTIN JARVIS — R 1:30 CHRISTMAS WITH THE MORMON TABERNACLE CHOIR FEATURING SANTINO FONTANA AND THE SESAME STREET MUPPETS — R 2:30 CHRISTMAS WITH THE MORMON TABERNACLE CHOIR FEATURING ALFIE BOE AND TOM BROKAW — Journalist Tom Brokaw and Tony Award-winning Les Misérables tenor Alfie Boe headline a concert of holiday favorites with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square.

3:30 CHRISTMAS WITH THE MORMON TABERNACLE CHOIR FEATURING DEBORAH VOIGT AND JOHN RHYS-DAVIES — Soprano Deborah Voigt and British actor John Rhys-Davies join the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square for a concert of holiday favorites.

4:30 A CHEF’S LIFE HOLIDAY SPECIAL — Chef Vivian serves up the best of her Southern heritage and the Chanukah traditions her husband Ben grew up with.

5:30 PBS NEWSHOUR WEEKEND 6:00 CALL THE MIDWIFE HOLIDAY SPECIAL 2015 — The Poplar neighborhood readies itself for Christmas 1960.

An unexpected surprise for a grieving mother brings the holiday magic home, while Nonnatus is rocked when one of its own disappears.

7:30 CALL THE MIDWIFE HOLIDAY SPECIAL 2016 — Follow the Nonnatus House family to South Africa after they receive an SOS call from a mission hospital that’s understaffed, underfunded and threatened with closure.

Repeats Mon 12/26, 2pm 9:00 GREAT PERFORMANCES: THE HOLLOW CROWN: THE WARS OF THE ROSES: RICHARD III — In Shakespeare’s play, Richard plans the murder of his brother George in his quest for the English crown. After the death of Edward IV, Richard’s path to the throne is clear —except for the princes in the tower. Benedict Cumberbatch, Judi Dench and Phoebe Fox star. Repeats Mon 12/26, 3:30pm 11:30 CHRISTMASTIME IN NEW ORLEANS — R

COURTESY FOUR IN A BILLION PICTURES

25 Sunday

29 Thursday 7:00 PBS NEWSHOUR 8:00 THE GUILTY — A three-part crime drama, airing as back-to-back episodes, follows DCI Maggie Brand (Tamsin Greig) as she leads a new investigation into the five-year-old case of a boy’s disappearance during a neighborhood cookout. Driven by her obsession to discover what happened, she risks her own happy family life. As she begins to piece together the case, she finds herself deeply conflicted about the investigation.

Repeats Fri 12/30, 3-6pm 11:00 CHARLIE ROSE — Repeats next weekday, noon

30 Friday 7:00 PBS NEWSHOUR 8:00 WASHINGTON WEEK — WETA’s long-running weekly production presents a roundtable discussion with award-winning journalists who provide reporting and analysis of the major news stories of the week emanating from the nation’s capital. Repeats Sat 12/31, 6:30pm 8:30 THE WIDOWER — A drama, airing in three back-to-back hour-long parts, presents the true story of Malcolm Webster, a nurse, apparent gentleman, and spendthrift who marries a succession of women and then attempts to kill each to cash in their life insurance policies. Reece

Shearsmith stars, and the cast includes Archie Panjabi (The Good Wife) as Simone. John Hannah (Four Weddings and a Funeral) portrays DS Charlie Henry, investigating Webster and trying to prevent the next murder.

11:30 CHARLIE ROSE — Repeats next weekday, noon

31 Saturday O N WETA TV 26, 6AM-6PM. See weta.org/hd for WETA HD. 6 AM-6PM See the Saturday, December 24 listings S IMULCAST ON WETA TV 26 & WETA HD, 6PM-12:13AM: 6:00 PBS NEWSHOUR WEEKEND 6:30 WASHINGTON WEEK — R 7:00 DOC MARTIN, SERIES 7 8:00 LIVE FROM LINCOLN CENTER: NEW YORK PHILHARMONIC NEW YEAR’S EVE — Lincoln Center rings in the New Year with a night of American classics, including beloved works by Rodgers & Hammerstein, featuring renowned mezzo-soprano Joyce DiDonato in performance with the New York Philharmonic.

10:00 THE WETA MOVIE: RAIN MAN — In Barry Levinson’s 1998 film, a wheeler-dealer meets his brother, an institutionalized autistic-savant who is heir to $3 million, and the two travel across the country. Tom Cruise and Dustin Hoffman star. The film won Oscars for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor (Hoffman) and Best Screenplay. (2:13)

26.3 Over the Air Via Antenna Cox 801 Comcast 266 FiOS 472 RCN 38

The WETA Kids channel offers a safe haven for young viewers, presenting educational broadcasts 24 hours each day, 7 days a week.

Peg + Cat + Holidays

©2013, FELINE FEATURES LLC

airs Dec. 13 at 11:30 a.m. on the WETA Kids channel, 11 a.m. on TV 26

Mathematics series Peg + Cat features a one-hour holiday special, Peg + Cat + Holidays, that includes stories for Hanukkah and Christmas. Also watch the WETA Kids channel for Wild Kratts: A Creature Christmas (Dec. 5 & 23, 7:30 a.m.), Curious George: A Very Monkey Christmas (Dec. 16, 9 a.m.), The Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot About Christmas (Dec. 26 & 30, 8:30 a.m.), new Thomas & Friends episodes (Dec. 15-16) and new Ready Jet Go! episodes (Dec. 26-30).

WETA KIDS ON WEEKDAYS WETA KIDS AIRINGS IN BLACK; WETA TV 26 IN BLUE • Sesame Street, 6am • Sesame Street, 6:30am • Odd Squad, 7am • Wild Kratts, 7:30am (7am) • Ready Jet Go!, 8am (7:30am) • Nature Cat, 8:30am (8am) • Curious George, 9am (8:30am) • Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, 9:30am, 10am (9am, 9:30am) • Sesame Street, 10:30am (10:30am) • Sesame Street, 11am • Peg + Cat, 11:30am (11:30am) • Dinosaur Train, noon (11am) • WordWorld, 12:30pm, Mon-Thur • Ruby’s Studio, 12:30pm, Fridays • Cyberchase, 1pm • The Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot About That, 1:30pm (6am) • Super WHY!, 2pm • Arthur, 2:30pm (6:30am) • Thomas & Friends, 3pm • Bob the Builder, 3:30pm • Mack & Moxy, 4pm, Mon-Thur • Roey’s Paintbox, 4pm, Fridays • Splash and Bubbles, 4:30pm (10am) • WordGirl, 5pm • Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, 5:30pm • Nature Cat, 6pm • The Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot About That, 6:30pm • Arthur, 7pm • Ready Jet Go!, 7:30pm

Visit weta.org/kids for full listings of children’s programs on WETA Kids & WETA TV 26

12 DECEMBER 2016 For full schedules and program information, visit weta.org

26.2 Over the Air Via Antenna Cox 800 Comcast 265 FiOS 474 RCN 39

British Television at Its Best The WETA UK channel is devoted to presenting the best in British television programming, broadcasting beloved classics and contemporary series around the clock, seven days a week. WETA UK offers a full schedule of great entertainment programming — featuring drama, mystery, comedy and documentary series — all delivered with an accent from the Isles. Visit wetauk.org for a complete schedule and program descriptions.

P.M. PROGRAMMING ON WETA UK IN DECEMBER SUNDAY

12pm

Globe Trekker

12:30pm

1pm

Hinterland

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

Are You Being Served?

MONDAY

Are You Being Served?

TUESDAY

Are You Being Served?

WEDNESDAY

Are You Being Served?

THURSDAY

Are You Being Served?

Agatha Christie’s Poirot

As Time Goes By

As Time Goes By

As Time Goes By

As Time Goes By

As Time Goes By

New Tricks

New Tricks

New Tricks

New Tricks

New Tricks

Wolf Hall on Masterpiece

1:30pm

2pm

Rosemary & Thyme, MI-5 Series I

MI-5

MI-5

MI-5

MI-5 Sherlock Holmes

2:30pm

3pm 3:30pm

4pm

• Queen’s Palaces (12/4) • P. Keith’s Hidden Villages

Waking the Dead

Foyle’s War, Series I

Globe Trekker

Waking the Dead

Waking the Dead

Midsomer Murders, Death in Paradise, Series IX Season V

4:30pm

5pm 5:30pm

6pm

• BBC Antiques Roadshow • Doctor Blake Mysteries, Series IV (Starts 12/11)

Masterpiece: Mr. Selfridge, Series III

Priceless Antiques Roadshow

Penelope Keith’s Hidden Villages

Doctor Blake Mysteries, Series IV

Are You Being Masterpiece: Mr. Selfridge, Series III Served?

As Time Goes By

7:30pm

8pm 8:30pm

9pm

Penelope Keith’s Pie in the Sky, Hidden Villages, Series III Season I (Season II starts (12/25) Priceless Antiques Roadshow

9:30pm

10pm

Father Brown, Series III

10:30pm

11pm

Doctor Who

SUNDAY

MONDAY

•Q ueen’s Palaces (12/1) •P . Keith’s Hidden Villages

Father Brown, Series III

•Q ueen’s Palaces (12/3) •P . Keith’s Hidden Villages Pie in the Sky, Series II

EastEnders Are You Being Served?

As Time Goes By (two episodes)

Priceless Antiques Roadshow

Are You Being Served?

Are You Being Served?

Are You Being Served?

Are You Being Served?

As Time Goes By

As Time Goes By

As Time Goes By

As Time Goes By

Father Brown, Series III

Call the Midwife, Series II

Rosemary & Thyme, Series I

Hinterland

Foyle’s War, Series I

Inspector Lynley Mysteries, Series I (Series II starts 12/10)

DCI Banks, Series IV (Series V starts 12/15)

•W hite Chapel, Series III • T he Driver (Starts Vera, Season III 12/16) (Season IV starts 12/31) • New Tricks • T he Body Farm (Starts 12/16)

Doctor Blake Inspector Morse, Mysteries, Series IV Series IV (NEW)

•P oldark, Series II (12/6) • T he Body Farm (NEW) (10-11pm, starts 12/13) •H ustle (Starts 12/13, 11pm)

Penelope Keith’s Hidden Villages

11:30pm

BBC Antiques Roadshow

Waking the Dead

Pie in the Sky, Series III

Midsomer Murders, Death in Paradise, Series IX Season V (NEW)

Globe Trekker

Waking the Dead

• Masterpiece: Endeavour, Series III (12/1) oc Martin, •W allander, Series • D Series VII (12/2) I/II (Starts 12/8) •B lack Work (Starts 12/9) • Last Morse (12/30)

BBC Antiques Roadshow

6:30pm

7pm

BBC Antiques Roadshow

Wallander, Series I (Series II starts 12/28)

• Black Work (NEW) • Brokenwood Mysteries (to 12m; Starts 12/28) Hustle (to 11/21)

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

Waking the Dead

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

Doc Martin, Series VI

SATURDAY

VISIT WETAUK.ORG FOR A PRINTABLE FULL-DAY SCHEDULE. For full schedules and program information, visit weta.org 13

WETA UK Highlights Penelope Keith’s Hidden Villages

©REEF TV

I

Sundays at 8 p.m. starting December 4 on WETA UK

n a delightful six-part series, renowned British actress Dame Penelope Keith (The Good Life, To the Manor Born) leads a tour of Britain’s most charming villages to discover what makes each one unique. Armed with her vintage “Batsford” travel books, Keith explores the rich artistic, literary and royal histories of each region; discovers how time has changed village communities; and seeks out quirky traditions that continue to this day. From county shows and village fairs to fertility dances and ancient ceremonies, Keith looks for the community heartbeat of each village she visits.

Death in Paradise, Season 5

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Tuesdays at 9 p.m. starting December 6 on WETA UK

Black Work

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Wednesdays at 10:30 p.m. starting Dec. 7 on WETA UK

n this three-part police thriller, Police Constable Jo Gillespie (Sheridan Smith) is devastated when her detective husband, Ryan, is shot dead working undercover. Although the police brass urges her to stay out of the investigation, Jo begins to doubt her fellow officers and searches for the killer with the help of her colleague (Matthew McNulty, The Paradise). The cast includes Geraldine James (Sherlock Holmes), Douglas Henshall (Primeval, Shetland), Phil Davis (Whitechapel), Ace Bhatti (EastEnders) and Andrew Knott (The History Boys).

ACORN MEDIA/ RLJ ENTERTAINMENT, INC

©BBC

mmediately following the 8 p.m. premiere of a new season of The Doctor Blake Mysteries on December 6, WETA UK presents a new season of Death in Paradise, featuring Kris Marshall as DI Humphrey Goodman, joined now by Joséphine Jobert as DS Florence Cassell. With a new team in place, the ever-analytical detective is finally making himself at home on the Caribbean island of Saint Marie but enters a midlife crisis surrounding love. On the job, his intellect and experience are tested as he investigates some of the island’s most perplexing murders yet.

DCI Banks, Series V

A

Thursdays at 10 p.m. starting December 15 on WETA UK

©LEFT BANK PICTURES/ITV/BBC

fter Series IV of the crime drama DCI Banks concludes in early December, WETA UK presents new 2016 Series V episodes, with Stephen Tompkinson reprising his role as police inspector Alan Banks in three new cases set against the backdrop of rural and urban Yorkshire.

Andrea Lowe returns as DS Annie Cabbot, as does Caroline Catz as DI Helen Morton. Banks is pushed to the brink as the team investigates the link between a woodland murder victim and a local crime boss, a missing-persons case and more.

Beginning December 13; Waking the Dead spin-off The Body Farm premieres, with Tara Fitzgerald and Keith Allen, airing Tuesdays at 10 p.m. Also in December: The Doctor Blake Mysteries, Series IV features new 2016 episodes, Tuesdays at 8 p.m., beginning December 6; Wallander, Series I, with Kenneth Branagh, airs Wednesdays at 9 p.m. beginning December 7; The Driver airs Fridays at 10 p.m. beginning December 16; and The Inspector Lynley Mysteries continues into Series II on December 10, Saturdays at 9 p.m.

The Body Farm

14 DECEMBER 2016

ABC TELEVISION

©BBC

The Body Farm — and More

Doctor Blake Mysteries IV

Mondays at 9 p.m.

I

By Deborah Lamberton, Senior Producer

Pianist Ingolf Wunder

COURTESY MUSIC PACIFICA

December NSO Showcase Highlights Orchestral Favorites Wednesday, December 7 at 9 p.m.

T

By Nicole Lacroix, Evening On-Air Host

his month, Classical WETA’s NSO Showcase unwraps a festive program of light classics featuring six conductors, eight delightful orchestral favorites, and, as soloist, Paul Jacobs, the Paul Jacobs first organist to ever win a Grammy Award. National Symphony Orchestra Music Director Christoph Eschenbach opens the festivities with the Overture to Wagner’s Tannhäuser. In turn spiritual and seductive, the Overture tells the story of a young knight who struggles to stay true to his saintly girlfriend in spite of the erotic allure of the Venusburg, home of the goddess of love. Maestro Eschenbach closes the concert with the bubbly Fledermaus Overture, essentially one big champagne-filled party. In between, NSO Guest Conductor Ludovic Morlot recreates the disastrous housekeeping of Dukas’ Sorcerer’s Apprentice (visions of Mickey Mouse in a pointed hat), and the NSO shows off its international flair with a trio of colorful works. Pops conductor Steven Reineke leads the orchestra in Gershwin’s Cuban Overture, complete with exotic instruments; Christoph Eschenbach conducts Chabrier’s rhapsodic España; and Vassily Sinaisky joins the NSO for a performance of Borodin’s panoramic Prince Igor Overture. The jam-packed program continues with renowned Bach expert Helmuth Rilling conducting the Orchestral Suite No. 3, and, as an added bonus, Grammy Award-winning organist Paul Jacobs plays the rollicking Poulenc Concerto on the Kennedy Center’s magnificent Rubenstein Family Organ, with conductor Matthew Halls. Sound like fun? Join the party on Classical WETA’s December broadcast of NSO Showcase, Wednesday, December 7 at 9 p.m.

Classical WETA: 90.9 FM Greater Washington; 88.9 FM Frederick; WGMS 89.1 FM Hagerstown

Classical WETA 90.9 FM

magine starting violin lessons at age four, and after 10 years of study — by which time you’ve become a really fine player — a teacher from another conservatory suggests your real talent lies at the piano. So you switch schools, and within six months win first prize at a piano competition in Italy! Such was the path of Austrian pianist Ingolf Wunder, who has evolved from competitions to concert hall stages and an exclusive recording Musica Pacifica contract with Deutsche Grammophon. Hear him on the David Greenberg December 12 broadcast of Front Row Washington on Classical WETA 90.9 FM in a Phillips Collection recital, performing Franz Schubert’s last piano sonata, a piece about which pianist Stephen Hough writes, “...the pen has to be set down on the desk, the body rested against the back of a chair, and a listener’s whole being surrendered to another sphere.”

We begin the month on the December 6 broadcast with another iconic work — Bach’s famous Chaconne in d minor arranged for four celli. The National Chamber Players’ quartet, comprised of three NSO cellists and Avery Fisher grantee Sophie Shao, also perform Arvo Pärt’s signature Fratres. In another broadcast, the National Gallery of Art’s Beethoven Trio Festival last February celebrated the composer’s music for three instruments. On Front Row Washington on December 19, the North Carolina Symphony String Trio plays Beethoven’s first string trio, Op. 3 and the Serenade in D Major, Op. 8. Then we close out the year on December 26 with Musica Pacifica’s A Scottish Christmas Celebration at Dumbarton Oaks. The ensemble was joined by Baroque violinist David Greenberg, a 10-year alum of Tafelmusik and an expert on Cape Breton fiddling. Join us for local performances by world-class artists each Monday night at 9 p.m. on Classical WETA 90.9 FM on Front Row Washington.

COURTESY THE ARTIST

Schubert, Beethoven, Bach and More on Front Row Washington

PATRICK WALTER/DEUTSCHE GRAMMOPHON

Classical WETA 90.9 FM

Classical WETA 90.9 FM Handel and Haydn Society

Concerts from the Library of Congress

JAMES DOYLE

The December 10 broadcast, Ensemble Intercontemporain, spotlights the French chamber ensemble, a major force in the music world. A highlight of the Library’s 90th anniversary celebration, Ensemble Intercontemporain’s November 2015 appearance exhibited a virtuosic command of style and the tradition of uncompromising artistry established by founder Pierre Boulez. The centerpiece of this hour is Alban Berg’s Chamber Concerto for piano, violin and 13 winds. Then, on December 17, Calefax: In the Reeds features the engaging Dutch reed quintet Calefax, which presents its own transcriptions of a range of music, from Renaissance polyphony to an irresistible rendition of a favorite orchestral classic: Richard Strauss’s Till Eulenspiegel’s Merry Pranks. Also on the bill are works by Ockeghem, Franck, Nancarrow Calefax and Shostakovich.

Ryba’s Czech Christmas Mass on Choral Showcase Sunday, December 18 at 9 p.m.

I

By David Ginder, Morning On-Air Host

n the Czech lands in the 18th century, music was very important, and it started with the young people in small local schools. There, notes received as much attention as numbers and letters. The idea was that music was a stepping stone. It encouraged study of both the sacred and the secular; it made it easier for students to pursue a higher education; and, for some, it became a career. The key was the teacher — music needed to be among their vast repertoire.

In the midst of this tradition was Jakub Jan Ryba (1765-1815). His father, a teacher Jakub Jan Ryba and musician, encouraged his obviously talented son. Young Jakub learned the cello and organ, and earned money by working with church choirs and selling his early compositions. As a teen, though, Jakub abandoned his blossoming music career (in and near Prague) to accept a general teaching position near his hometown and so became ensconced in the Czech music-in-schools tradition. He continued writing music while he taught, and his pieces were very much in the spirit of his chosen livelihood, evincing a commitment to inclusion. His Mass settings, for example, brought the message closer to listeners by using not just the Latin text, but also Czech words too, and by including familiar folk songs and dances.

The Czech Christmas Mass, which airs on the December 18 broadcast of Choral Showcase, is a brilliant example of this accessibility. The piece tells the Christmas story, and you’ll enjoy the shepherds’ lively discussion on the varied explanations of the nighttime spectacle (in the Kyrie), the Offertory paying home to the Christ child, the songs of celebration in the Sanctus and Benedictus, and a prayer for peace on earth in the Agnus Dei.

VivaLaVoce on vivalavoce.org

Stream Audio at classicalweta.org

MEDAL BY MARIE UCHYTILOVÁ-KUČOVÁ

Classical WETA 90.9 FM

oncerts from the Library of Congress, a series featuring classical music artists recorded live at the Library’s Coolidge Auditorium in Washington, D.C., continues on Classical WETA 90.9 FM. The series airs through the first three weeks of December and concludes its current season on January 7 after a hiatus during the holidays. The hour-long programs, funded in part by WETA members, are coproduced by WETA, the Library of Congress and Classic Digital Syndication. Bill McGlaughlin is series host.

For the concert featured on the December 3 program, Handel and Haydn Society at 200, the musicians of Boston’s famed Handel and Haydn Society traveled to Washington as part of a celebration honoring 200 years of excellence. Founded in 1815, the Society is the nation’s oldest continuously performing arts organization, with a storied history that has seen the U.S. premieres of masterworks such as Handel’s Messiah and Mendelssohn’s Elijah. On the program, artistic director Harry Christophers conducts a 26-voice choir and chamber ensemble in works by William Byrd, Thomas Linley and J.S. Bach, along with a new work co-commissioned by the Society and the Library: Gabriela Lena Frank’s My angel, his name is freedom.

ROB MARINISSEN

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Saturdays at 9 p.m.

Classical for Washington 2016-2017 Season of Met Opera Broadcasts Saturdays on Classical WETA 90.9 FM, starting December 3

Rossini’s L’Italiana in Algeri, December 31

MARTY SOHL/METROPOLITAN OPERA

Strauss’s Salome, December 17

KEN HOWARD/METROPOLITAN OPERA

Anna Netrebko will star in season-opening Manon Lescaut, December 3

The 2016-17 Metropolitan Opera Saturday matinee radio broadcast season is sponsored by Toll Brothers, America’s luxury homebuilder®, with generous long-term support from The Annenberg Foundation, The Neubauer Family Foundation, and the Vincent A. Stabile Endowment for Broadcast Media, and through contributions from listeners worldwide. Local support for the broadcasts is provided by the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

Classical WETA: 90.9 FM Greater Washington; 88.9 FM Frederick; WGMS 89.1 FM Hagerstown

Classical WETA 90.9 FM

he 86th season of the Metropolitan Opera Radio Broadcasts begins December 3 on the weekly program Classical WETA Opera House with an exciting performance of Puccini’s Manon Lescaut featuring Anna Netrebko in the title role, appearing alongside Marcelo Álvarez and Christopher Maltman. The season’s 24 performances air Saturday afternoons at 1 p.m. (with rare 12:30 p.m. exceptions) through the May 13 performance of R. Strauss’s Der Rosenkavalier, the season finale. The radio broadcasts, each a Saturday matinee airing live (with an occasional archival exception) from New York’s Lincoln Center feature the world’s greatest contemporary opera vocalists and present a varied repertory. Mary Jo Heath returns for her second season as Met host, alongside commentator Ira Siff.

The composer most prominently represented this season is Giuseppe Verdi: Nabucco (January 7), conducted by Met Music Director Emeritus James Levine, features Plácido Domingo in a new Met role as the title character; Rigoletto (February 4), stars Željko Lučić; La Traviata (March 11), features Sonya Yoncheva and Thomas Hampson; and Aida (April 15) stars Krassimira Stoyanova. Among other composers represented most often this season are Rossini (3 operas), Puccini (2), R. Strauss (2), and Wagner (2).

After this month’s opening broadcast, Manon Lescaut (December 3, 12:30 p.m.), Finnish composer Kaija Saariaho’s 2000 opera L’Amour de Loin (December 10, 1 p.m.), a meditation on idealized love set in the medieval era, has its Met premiere with Susana Phillips, Eric Owens and Tamara Mumford. Richard Strauss’s Salome (December 17, 1 p.m.), stars American soprano Catherine Naglestad as the title character; Gerhard Siegel and Željko Lučić also star. The Met then presents an archival performance of Humperdinck’s Hansel and Gretel (December 24, 1 p.m.), a favorite around the holidays, and James Levine leads a revival of Rossini’s lighthearted L’Italiana in Algeri (December 31, 1 p.m., from Fall 2016).

Among other season highlights are a performance of Gounod’s Roméo et Juliette (January 21), with Diana Damrau and Vittorio Grigolo as the star-crossed lovers; and Rossini’s Il Barbiere di Siviglia (January 28), with Peter Mattei opposite Pretty Yende as Rosina. The following month, Damrau and Javier Camarena team up in Bellini’s I Puritani (February 18). Dvořák’s fairy-tale opera Rusalka (February 25), stars Kristine Opolais in the title role of a water nymph who falls in love with a human prince. Then, Rossini’s Guillaume Tell (March 18, from Fall 2016), is staged by the Met for the first time since 1931; and a rare revival of Mozart’s Idomeno (March 25), stars Matthew Polenzani.

Next is Beethoven’s only opera, Fidelio (April 1); and Wagner’s Tristan und Isolde (April 8, from Fall 2016) stars the world’s preeminent Isolde, Nina Stemme. Also in April, Anna Netrebko reprises one of her greatest successes, the heroine Tatiana in Tchaikovsky’s Eugene Onegin (April 22), paired with Dimitri Hvorostovsky as Onegin. The company wraps up the season with presentations of Alfano’s Cyrano de Bergerac (May 6), with Roberto Alagna and Patricia Racette; and Richard Strauss’s wistful comedy Der Rosenkavalier (May 13), with Renée Fleming and Elīna Garanča. For monthly opera details, visit classicalweta.org.

IL TROVATORE, MARTY SOHL/METROPOLITAN OPERA

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CPAA Productions Ltd. presents the China National Opera & Dance Drama Theater

Teacher . Philosopher .

Man who shaped a nation. the 2017 U.S. Premiere of the acclaimed dance drama

3 performances only!

January 13 & 14 | 7:30 pm

january 15 | 1:30 pm

THE JOHN F. KENNEDY CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS • OPERA HOUSE

TICKETS: $30-$150 | 202/467-4600 | kennedy-center.org

NYC Appearances January 5–8 | DAVID H. KOCH THEATER • LINCOLN CENTER

212-496-0600 | DavidHKochTheater.com