The new album includes works by 20th century icons such as John Cage, Stefan Wolpe, and Frank Zappa, as well as Marc’s friends John Oswald and Yehudi Wyner. The album concludes with a work by Marc himself, titled Hexensabbat, which is German for Witches’ Sabbath.

In their conversation, Marc gives insight into these fascinating, challenging and also charming 20th and 21st century works for piano.

Hear the conversation below:

Marc-André Hamelin’s Found Objects / Sound Objects is available now on Hyperion Records.

Sonata in G Minor, “Devil’s Trill” by Giuseppe Tartini

To start our list, we have a deceptively beautiful piece, Sonata in G minor “Devil’s Trill.” No one would blame you if you didn’t know the tale behind its creation. Legend tells of a long, restless night, in which Giuseppe Tartini dreamt of the devil himself appearing at his bedside. The devil offered to be his servant and teacher, and Tartini sagely handed the devil a violin to test his skill. Tartini claims that the devil played so passionately and with such intensity that when he awoke, he couldn’t help but rush to the table to try to transcribe it.

It is said that what we’re left with is but a shadow of the devil’s piece, but it’s hard to imagine how it could be improved upon. Each of the sonata’s four movements has a distinct sound, and transitions from long languid lines to fiendishly difficult arpeggiated triads.

“Dream of a Witches’ Sabbath” from Symphonie Fantastique by Hector Berlioz

A superb example of programmatic music , (music used to tell a story or depict an idea) Symphonie Fantastique tells the story of an artist tortured by unrequited love. In the depths of his despair, he attempts to poison himself with opium. What ensues is a transcendental nightmare as the artist journeys through his own drug-fueled hallucinations, coming to an end with this masterful scene. The artist can only watch as his beloved joins the witches in their vulgar display and dances to Berlioz’s parody of the “Dies Irae.” Incandescently beautiful and frighteningly hellish, Berlioz’s final movement is the perfect backdrop for a ghostly October evening.

“Catacombs” from Pictures at an Exhibition by Modest Mussorgsky

In 1868, composer Modest Mussorgsky was introduced to Victor Hartmann, a Russian architect and painter. Mussorgsky was inspired by one of his exhibitions to create a piano suite in ten movements, aptly titled Pictures at an Exhibition. The eighth movement, “Catacombs,” had a note scrawled in the margins, “cum mortuis in lingua mortua.” Translated from Latin, it means “With the dead in a dead language.”

A haunting and somber piece, it features a sparse accompaniment, largely alternating between block chords, that help evoke the grand stillness of the Paris catacombs. The striking dynamic contrasts throughout echo with a melancholy that leaves the listener holding their breath, wondering what will come next.

Mephisto Waltz No. 1 by Franz Liszt

The Mephisto Waltzes are four waltzes composed by Franz Liszt. “Waltz No. 1” is the most popular of the four, and it’s not hard to see why. Another wonderful example of programmatic music, it tells of a wedding feast at a village inn. Faust, from Nikolaus Lenau’s 1836 verse drama Faust, is tempted by Mephistopheles to join in the festivities. Throughout the night, Faust gets carried away dancing with the village beauty, and together they dance away into the night. This vibrant piece features dramatic, syncopated lines contrasted with relaxed, sensual passages. For those of us who don’t mind a midnight tryst, this waltz is sure to have you on your feet.

Toccata and Fugue in D Minor by Johann Sebastian Bach

Of course, no monster music list is ever complete without the addition of Bach’s iconic Toccata and Fugue in D Minor. While its origins may be disputed, the profound cultural effect it has had can’t be argued. Its first use in film was in Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1931). Since then, it has been played in countless other films, such as Disney’s Fantasia, the 1962 version of The Phantom of the Opera, and even comedies such as Zoolander 2. Long associated with the horror genre, this piece is truly the only way to welcome the Halloween season and invite all the monsters to come and play.

More Spooky Tunes and Tales:

• Monster Music (on icanradio.org)
• The Sounds of Fear: 10 Scary Horror Film Scores
• Boo! A Halloween Special

John Pitman and Tomás Cotik at the All Classical Radio studios

Hear their conversation and some exclusive previews from the new album below:

Tomás Cotik’s Paganini: Capriccio is available October 23, 2025, on Centaur Records.

Each artist profile was crafted by a team of prominent local writers and photographers who transformed their research and interactions with the artists into gorgeous storytelling and portraits. Two years into this project, we continue to witness the impact that these groundbreaking artists have on our regional communities and beyond.

Keep reading to learn more about the project’s impact, as well as read exciting updates shared directly by some of the Anthology’s featured artists.

Project Stats

• 42 artist profiles published online and in the limited-edition book
• 34 local contributors who crafted each artist profile: 21 writers; 13 photographers
• Over 425 miles of the Pacific Northwest region represented
• 50,266 words written; 1,176 photos submitted
• Over 26,000 visits to anthology.allclassical.org as of October 10, 2025
• 460 pages comprising the extraordinary limited-edition book

Book Release

In May 2025, All Classical released its debut published book: the stunning, limited-edition Artist Anthology. With expanded biographical features, plus additional exclusive content available only in the book, you won’t want to miss out on this collectible snapshot of regional contemporary art. There’s nothing else like it in the world.

Order your copy of the All Classical Radio Artist Anthology at shop.allclassical.org.

Artist Updates

Since their profiles were first published online between 2023-2024, we’ve heard from several of the Anthology’s featured artists on recent updates and exciting milestones around their work.

Joe Cantrell

Joe Cantrell continues to be a pillar of the community, not only by sharing his time and wisdom with local arts organizations, but also through his astounding images.

In honor of the Artist Anthology’s second anniversary, Joe writes, “I felt the need to work up a commemorative image of my own as Bolero plays on the air. I AM TEAM BOLERO if they’ll have me, and this 225,000,000-year-old Ammonite child’s name is ‘Bolero’ too.”

Darrell Grant

Darrell Grant will be making his symphony soloist debut at the end of October, performing the world premiere of David Schiff’s Uptown/Downtown: Concerto for Piano & Orchestra with the Oregon Symphony.

Please enjoy this exclusive sneak peek at Darrell’s upcoming performance of Uptown/Downtown:

Hunter Noack

Hunter Noack’s IN A LANDSCAPE celebrated its tenth anniversary season with 49 concerts across Oregon, Washington, California, Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming. 

The New York Times traveled to Oregon’s Alvord Desert and Ketchum, Idaho to highlight IN A LANDSCAPE in a feature published online and in both national and international printed papers. Other recent press includes a segment aired on PBS’ Backroads of Montana, and stories in Fox Weather, Flaunt, Success, Airmail, and C Magazine. 

Forbes Magazine highlighted this season’s work with farmers, ranchers, and two culinary collaborators: An IN A LANDSCAPE ice cream flavor created in partnership with Salt & Straw’s Tyler Malek to be eaten with Scriabin’s Nocturne No. 9, available only at the Rose Garden Amphitheater concert; and picnic baskets curated by the James Beard Award–winning restaurant Kann for all Portland concerts.

In June, Hunter released his second album, IN A LANDSCAPE: LIVE, featuring eleven live recordings from the past decade of IN A LANDSCAPE concerts. Special guest artists include James Edmund Greeley and May Arden.

Corinna Luyken

Corinna Luyken’s latest picture book, The Arguers, is a delightfully preposterous fairy tale about a community that forgets how to get along. Called “A charming illustrated parable about the absurdity of self-righteousness” by Maria Popova of The Marginalian, “Thoroughly enchanting, without argument” by Kirkus, and “Stangely beautiful [with] art that can be pored over time and time again” by Booklist, it was published this past summer by Rocky Pond Books of Penguin Random House.

Get a special preview of the book in the animated trailer for The Arguers on Corinna’s Instagram!

Myriam Marcela

“Two years ago, I was in a very different place. I had come through a season of loss and depression, and I remember wanting to share that truth openly—because even as artists, surrounded by beauty and creativity, we can still face moments of deep struggle. I wanted others to know they weren’t alone, and that healing is possible, even when it feels far away.

“Today, I’m creating again from a place of joy and purpose. I’ve moved into a larger studio where I continue to create one-of-a-kind couture pieces. Each garment feels like a collaboration, a shared story told through fabric and form.

“I’ve also begun offering private fashion design and couture lessons, sharing the craft and techniques that have shaped my career. It’s been rewarding to connect with students who are eager to learn the art of creating with intention and excellence.

“My hope is that my story reminds others that even after the hardest seasons, beauty and purpose can return in richer, more unexpected ways. Much like the vintage pieces I take apart and bring back to life, I’ve done the same with myself—transforming what once felt broken into something entirely new and beautiful.”

Sankar Raman

“Two years ago, I wasn’t expecting much when I saw an email from All Classical Radio — Portland’s KQAC — in my inbox. I remember opening it, not realizing that it would lead to being included in their ‘Artist Anthology’ — a project celebrating groundbreaking voices from across the Pacific Northwest. What began as a simple invitation soon unfolded into a collaboration that built bridges between communities and amplified voices not often heard in classical music spaces.

“All Classical Radio launched the ‘Artist Anthology’ to highlight 40 remarkable creatives whose work shapes the cultural landscape of the Pacific Northwest. It wasn’t until the profiles began rolling out that I realized the magnitude of the company I was keeping — artists, writers, and visionaries whose contributions define the region’s creative spirit.

“There I was, featured as No. 25, humbled and a little astonished to find myself among them, wondering if I truly belonged.

“Yet being included in this collection felt like both an affirmation and an invitation — a reminder that the creative community here is broader, braver, and more inclusive than even I ever imagined. As with all of All Classical Radio’s endeavors, the project was carried out with deep intentionality, transforming recognition into an act of artistry in itself.

“On October 14 and 15, 2025, we were invited back into All Classical Radio’s brand-new, world-class studio in Portland’s iconic KOIN Tower as part of their Access Recording Project 2025. It was an incredible honor, and we were absolutely thrilled to record at All Classical’s Irving Levin Performance Hall and the James DePreist Recording Studio.

“Over the course of two full days — 10 hours in total — we enjoyed professional recording time complete with every resource a musician could dream of — all at no cost to us. The experience was made even more special by working with Portland legend Justin Phelps of The Hallowed Halls recording studio, who served as our recording engineer.

“Many of you may not know that The Immigrant Story has been collaborating for years with local artists, musicians, and composers to create some of the most heartfelt and innovative world music fusion projects. This new work is no exception, and we can’t wait for you to hear it!

“Having spent time in the James DePreist Recording Studio, I can honestly say it’s one of Portland’s finest: spacious, state-of-the-art, and staffed by some of the most talented, welcoming, and knowledgeable engineers around.

“Our upcoming album will be released soon under the recording label ‘I Am An American Live.’ Stay tuned to hear world-class music produced right here in Portland!”

Gabriel Rucker

The wonderful team at Chef Gabriel Rucker’s restaurant, Le Pigeon, will be opening a new outpost of Canard in Beaverton, Oregon in mid-October. The new location have all the Canard staples—oysters, oeufs, steam burgers, and the duck stack—alongside playful new, west side specific creations like a smoked s’more icebox cake. Dustin Cavin will be the chef de cuisine. 

Learn more at canardrestaurant.com.

Kim Stafford

Kim Stafford co-edited a book that contains fifty translations of his poem, “A Proclamation for Peace,” into Yoruba, Tagalog, Zapotec, Tamil, Nepali, Roma, and other languages. The book contains QR codes that empower readers to hear translations read aloud. 

Takeshi Yonezawa

Takeshi Yonezawa is currently working on pieces for his first solo exhibition, which will be held in 2028 at a museum in Wyoming and will run for several months. He has been creating a new war bonnet, as well as new bonsai and skateboard pieces, and each day feels full of challenges and discoveries for the artist.

Revisit all of the profiles at anthology.allclassical.org and order the stunning book for your shelf at shop.allclassical.org.

2025 YOUNG ARTIST AMBASSADORS

Dana will be joined by All Classical Radio’s new cohort of Young Artist Ambassadors for 2025-2026:

• 16-year-old cellist Kristen Kim from Portland, OR

• 16-year-old clarinetist Kaden Prichard from Oak Grove, OR

Meet our 2025-2026 Young Artist in Residence and Ambassadors.

First launched in 2019, All Classical Radio’s Young Artist in Residence program has continued to grow and flourish since its inception. In 2022, the station expanded its youth residency program with the first-of-its-kind Young Artist Ambassadors, building upon its commitment to serving youth regionally and across the country.

2025 COMPOSER IN RESIDENCE

All Classical has also named Kirsten Volness as the station’s 2025-2026 Composer in Residence. She is known for her emotive soundscapes which integrate electronics and modern composition techniques with jazz and pop influences.

Kirsten takes inspiration from nature, myths, spirituality, and environmental and sociopolitical issues. She will help the station helm the Recording Inclusivity Initiative’s third album. Her original work, little tiny stone, full of blue fire, will be included on All Classical Radio’s third RII album in 2026.

Learn more about All Classical Radio’s award-winning Recording Inclusivity Initiative at recordinginclusivity.allclassical.org.

ABOUT

The Artists in Residence program provides young and professional musicians with opportunities for career advancement, creative development, and audience exposure. The program is a part of All Classical Radio’s initiatives dedicated to equity and inclusivity in the arts.

All Classical Radio is committed to supporting our Artists in Residence by providing them with new resources and opportunities to connect with audiences, expand their musical portfolio, and reach new creative heights as our partners, including:

• Access to All Classical Radio’s recording facilities
• Access to the station’s digital music archives for research and development
• Encouragement and support for professional development as artists
• A financial award to assist with projects and performances

We believe All Classical Radio’s Artists in Residence program is a truly unique and all-encompassing opportunity for musicians to learn and grow. Learn more at allclassical.org/artists-in-residence.

PAST ARTISTS IN RESIDENCE

Previous Young Artists in Residence include composer, trombonist, and vocalist Elaina Stuppler (2024); pianist and violinist Amir Avsker (2023); double bass player Maggie Carter (2022); pianist Natalie Tan (2020); and cellist Taylor Yoon (2019). The station named its first-ever Young Artist Ambassadors in 2022.

All Classical Radio’s current Artists in Residence are violinist Emily Cole and clarinetist James Shields. Previous professional Artists in Residence include pianist María García (2022-2023); flutist Adam Eccleston (2020-2021); and concert pianist Hunter Noack (2019).

Meet all of All Classical Radio’s Artists in Residence.

Hear the conversation below:

Ember will release its debut album Birds of Paradise on Azica Records in September 2025. Learn more at emilylevinharp.com/ensembles.

Read on to meet the visionary participating creatives and learn about their projects, in their own words. Find out more about the Access Recording Project in the official press release.

All Classical Radio’s Access Recording Project is made possible by a generous grant from the Oregon Cultural Trust.

The Immigrant Story

Known for documenting and sharing stories about immigrants living in the Pacific Northwest to promote empathy and advance inclusivity in our communities, the Immigrant Story will use the station’s studios to produce a high-quality recording of an inspiring commission. Fusing traditional sounds of South West Asia with Western Classical music, their still unnamed groundbreaking 45-minute work is a powerful cross-cultural expression of community and creativity.

“At The Immigrant Story, we ask: what becomes of the traditions immigrants carry with them? Do they remain unchanged, quietly preserved? Do they fade away? Or do they evolve—fusing with new influences, passed to the next generation, and reimagined into something profoundly original? In this work, we witness that transformation: where Indian classical and Western classical traditions meet, not to replace one another, but to create something entirely new—something born of many cultures, yet rooted here. It is a shared creation, uniquely ours, and deeply worth cherishing,” says Sankar Raman, Founder and Board President of the Immigrant Story.

Nikita Istratov

18-year-old award-winning instrumentalist Nikita Istratov has been playing the piano since the age of 6. Now in his first year of college, he will perform and record a recital in All Classical’s Irving Levin Performance Hall, showcasing the music of Sofia Gubaidulina. He aims to draw greater attention to the achievements of women composers in classical music. The program will explore Gubaidulina’s innovative harmonic language and traditional musical forms, and how 19th-century romantic Slavic cultural elements influenced her music. Nikita’s recital will showcase Gubaidulina’s Chaconne (1962), her most significant work for solo piano and her first commissioned work.

Nikita shares: “As a young musician, collaborating with a major arts organization like All Classical Radio is an exciting opportunity to amplify my artistic voice. This project allows me to bring greater attention to an intriguing composer I’ve recently discovered, and to generally advocate for broader recognition of female classical composers. I’m grateful to All Classical Radio for helping me to realize my vision. The Access Recording Project supports my mission of connecting with larger audiences and sharing, through musical performance, perspectives that I believe deserve to be heard.”

nonesuch.reedquintet

Based in Eugene, OR, the nonesuch.reedquintet is a professional chamber ensemble dedicated to inspiring the next generation of music students. Studio time will be used to record music for a new children’s book designed to stimulate curiosity and participation in their music and arts education efforts. Jimbo’s Dreamland includes narration set to music by beloved composers including George Gershwin and Claude Debussy, performed by the quintet. The book will feature words and artwork by a commissioned children’s book author and illustrator based in the Pacific Northwest.

“The resources provided by All Classical Radio’s Access Recording Project offer us a valuable opportunity to realize a core component of our project, Jimbo’s Dreamland,” says David Kwek, founding member and Board Secretary of nonesuch.reedquintet.

“Our mission to provide accessible music education is strengthened by the work we’ve done—and will continue to do—in schools across the Pacific Northwest and beyond. The publication of Jimbo’s Dreamland will enable nonesuch.reedquintet to expand our reach to classrooms around the world.”

Stay tuned for more updates on these projects and behind-the-scenes looks as these talented creatives bring their ideas to life using All Classical Radio’s Hall and studios.

Learn more about the Access Recording Project at allclassical.org/access-recording-project.