Welcome to another week of inspiring music on Classical KING! From the delicate beauty of cherry blossoms to dynamic local performances and operatic adventures, we’ve got a rich variety of sounds for your week ahead. Whether you’re tuning in live or streaming online, here’s what’s coming up.

Music Feature inspired by the Seattle Cherry Blossom & Japanese Cultural Festival

Monday, April 7 – Friday, April 11 | Throughout the Classical KING Playlist

Cherry blossoms are in full bloom, and we’re marking the season with music that reflects its gentle beauty. Throughout the week, Classical KING will feature selections from Japanese composers, performers, and conductors to honor the spirit of renewal, peace, and community that cherry blossoms represent. This musical tribute aligns with the Seattle Cherry Blossom & Japanese Cultural Festival, part of Seattle Center’s Festál series, happening April 11–13 at the Armory Food & Event Hall and Fisher Pavilion. It’s our way of celebrating spring—and the vibrant contributions of Japanese culture to the world of classical music.

 

Northwest Focus Live

Friday, April 11 | 7pm

Host: Dave Beck

This week’s Northwest Focus Live features two remarkable musicians and educators from the University of Washington: violinist Rachel Lee Priday and pianist Craig Sheppard. Together, they’ll perform a program that weaves together the familiar and the adventurous—from Beethoven’s bright and spirited early violin sonata, to Gabriella Smith’s vibrant 2022 work Entangled on a Rotating Planet, to Paul Wiancko’s flowing and inventive Waterworks. They’ll also offer the lush romanticism of Fauré’s Nocturne No. 6. It’s a wide-ranging, expressive evening of music—don’t miss it!

 

Northwest Focus Concert Calendar

Trinity Artists at the Organ: Katelyn Emerson

Sunday, April 13 | 3pm | Trinity Lutheran Church, Lynnwood

Celebrate the grand finale of a 30-year tradition! Trinity Lutheran Church in Lynnwood is concluding its 30th Anniversary Year of the Artists at the Organ series with a performance by acclaimed organist Katelyn Emerson. Known for her technical brilliance and expressive interpretations, Emerson will take listeners on a journey through 700 years of music. If you’ve never experienced the full power of a live pipe organ, this is the perfect time.

 

Westerlies Fest 2025

Wednesday–Friday, April 9–11 | Various locations in Puget Sound

The Seattle-born brass quartet The Westerlies returns home for their annual festival—and they’re bringing a genre-blending lineup with them. Known for fusing jazz, classical, and folk traditions, The Westerlies will showcase music from their recent ballet The Past Delivers, selections from their new Songbook Vol. 3, and a tribute to the one and only Bill Frisell.

 

Seattle Opera: Earth to Kenzie

Saturday, April 12 | 1pm & 3pm | Postmark Center for the Arts, Auburn

Seattle Opera invites families and young audiences to two free performances of Earth to Kenzie, a heartfelt one-act opera that tells the story of a fifth grader facing big changes in her life. When Kenzie and her mom must leave their home and navigate an uncertain future, Kenzie turns to her imagination—and the strength she didn’t know she had.

Visit the Classical KING Northwest Focus Concert Calendar to learn more about all of these performances and more in your community.

 

Metropolitan Opera Broadcast

Mozart’s Die Zauberflöte | The Magic Flute

Saturday, April 12 | 10am (Live)

Get ready for magic, mystery, and music! Mozart’s The Magic Flute returns to the Met stage in a colorful and whimsical production featuring puppetry, dazzling effects, and unforgettable characters. From the bumbling bird catcher Papageno to the soaring Queen of the Night, this is an opera that delights all ages.

Learn more about the MET Opera Radio Broadcasts

The Score with Edmund Stone

Hope Springs Eternal

Saturday, April 12 | 4pm

Looking for a bit of optimism? This week on The Score, Edmund Stone shares a musical bouquet of films that celebrate hope and the human spirit. With music from The Martian, Mr. Holland’s Opus, Miracle, and more, these film scores remind us that resilience and kindness can shine even in the darkest moments.

 

Take a Chance

Sunday, April 13 | 4pm

Feeling lucky? Tune in as Edmund explores the thrill of games, gambling, and risk-taking in film. From James Bond’s poker table in Casino Royale to the small-town luck of Waking Ned Devine and the slick strategy of Ocean’s Eleven.

 

Second Inversion

Episode: Strange Birds

Saturday, April 12 | 9pm

Ever feel like a misfit, a dreamer, or a strange bird among the flock? This week on Second Inversion, host Maggie Molloy invites you to spread your wings and soar through music inspired by flight and freedom. Featuring Takashi Yoshimatsu’s dazzling Cyber Bird Saxophone Concerto and other avian-inspired works.

 

Explore More on ClassicalKING.org

Looking for details about what you hear online, on our app, or on 98.1 FM? Visit our playlist for comprehensive information on every piece and performer.

Stay inspired and enjoy another week of incredible music on Classical KING!