For years there has been a gem in the world of public broadcasting in the form of a splendid annual series of broadcasts of live performances by the mighty Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra of Amsterdam distributed by WCLV and called Live! At The Concertgebouw. This series is treasured as one of the remaining examples of quality live (although recorded) performance broadcasts. With the high cost of production, recording, rights and other expenses involved in live broadcasts, many orchestras that once had regular weekly broadcasts have ceased doing so. There was a time when the classical listener could count on regular broadcasts by orchestras of Boston, Chicago, Cleveland, Detroit, New York, Philadelphia and Baltimore, others as well, but many of these have disappeared - to the dismay of the vast audience that enjoys hearing them.

For years Radio Nederland has produced many recordings for distribution to radio stations throughout the world, often on a monthly basis, as well as special programming and festivals. In earlier decades these were on LP record transcriptions, later open-reel tape was the more common format. Now all that is in the past; programs are now distributed either via satellite to stations or on special CDs for stations that might not have satellite technology. Of course the quality is far superior to what was heard in the past - pure digital all the way - to the delight of listeners and stations.

About 300 stations carry the series, which is produced by Radio Nederland in cooperation with the Orchestra and a Dutch domestic radio partner, AVRO.  Check with your local station to see when they will carry the broadcasts.  For information about stations in your area that carry the programs, check with WCLV for schedule information. WCLV also produces many other quality programs, all of which you can investigate by visiting their website. 

Hans Haffmans, Host of Live! at the Concertgebouw

Hans Haffmans, host of Live! at the Concertgebouw, has been active as a producer and presenter of classical music programs for Dutch and international radio broadcasters since 1991. He has hosted a wide variety of radio programs in both Dutch and English covering early music, contemporary repertoire, symphonic and chamber music and has also presented live opera productions from the opera house in Amsterdam. Over the years, Hans has also presented a variety of live programs from the Concertgebouw. His passion for the hall is evident in his delivery, and he brings informed, relevant and personable introductions to each concert.

For more information and complete program information, check out the WCLV-FM website WCLV.com.  If you'd like to visit the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra's website (which is quite comprehensive and lists all concerts this season), their address is:

http:www.concertgebouworkest.nl

R.E.B.