WCPE Releases “Ave Maria” CD

USA (SANEPR.com) March 13, 2008 -- “Great Sacred Music” host Ken Hoover of WCPE, TheClassicalStation.Org, announces today the release of the station’s CD “Ave Maria: Gregorian Chants to Today’s Favorites.” It includes vocal, ensemble and instrumental interpretations. The poetic music ranges from Gregorian and Russian chants to late twentieth century favorites by Rachmaninov and Biebl.

“It is a collection of inspirational beauty from beginning to end,” says Hoover. “The well-known version by Schubert is performed by a flute and harp duo while the Bach-Gounod setting is a stunning soprano solo with orchestra.”

To highlight the debut, on Sunday, March 23, WCPE will feature excerpts during its “Preview!” show that runs from 6 – 9 p.m. "Preview!" host Deana Vassar and Hoover will discuss the compilation CD’s development by Naxos, a classical music recording label with more than 2,500 titles in its repertoire. It is based on various performances of “Ave Maria” that have aired on the “Great Sacred Music” program during the past 12 years.

“Ave Maria” is available as a “Thank You” gift for WCPE donors. WCPE is a 100 percent listener-supported, not-for-profit, independent station dedicated to excellence in Great Classical Music broadcasting. Receiving no tax-derived support, the station raises needed operating funds through the generosity and appreciation of its loyal listenership.

WCPE’s 24/7 live broadcast of Great Classical Music can be accessed around the globe in several ways; on-line streaming in multiple formats, including IPv6, local cable television systems and traditional radio broadcasting. A complete list of the ways WCPE is available can be found at TheClassicalStation.Org/internet.shtml.

About WCPE:
With a 30-year history, WCPE is committed to provide excellence in Great Classical Music broadcasting. General Manager Deborah S. Proctor’s leadership has enabled the WCPE community to expand beyond central North Carolina to include regional, national and worldwide listeners. WCPE is one of the first public broadcasters to stream on the Internet and is heard worldwide in multiple formats, including the next generation IPv6. Other radio stations and cable television systems are able to rebroadcast Great Classical Music, 24 Hours A Day without compensatory requirements. Community-minded business underwriters and foundations are among the 150,000 listeners in the North Carolina broadcast area. Because WCPE receives no tax-derived support, the station conducts two on-air fundraising campaigns and two major mail-out campaigns per year to raise needed operating funds. Quarter Notes, the WCPE Program Guide, is published four times a year as a means to enhance appreciation and understanding of classical music. It is distributed to station supporters and is also available online at TheClassicalStation.org/guide. For more information, visit TheClassicalStation.Org or call 1-800-556-5178.
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