Libby Larsen began her studies in music at the University of Minnesota receiving her undergraduate, master’s and doctoral degrees there. For her doctoral dissertation, she composed a one-act opera Words Upon the Windowpane based on a play of the same name by W. B. Yeats. She co-founded the Minnesota Composers Forum with composer Stephen Paulus, later renamed the American Composers Forum, which has proved an invaluable tool for composers across the country practicing in many different genres.

Larsen’s compositions include works for voice, chamber ensemble, and orchestra. As the artist-in-residence at the Minnesota Orchestra, she composed Symphony No 1: Water Music and Ghosts of an Old Ceremony, a work for orchestra, ten dancers, and video. She has also held this position with the Charlotte and Colorado Symphonies. Many of her vocal works deal with female subjects including pioneering women from early America, to Virginia Woolf, to the six wives of Henry VIII. She received a Grammy Award for her production work on the album The Art of Arleen Auger which featured her song cycle Sonnets from the Portuguese.

“Clear and accessible” and “musically current” are terms that have been used to describe Larsen’s music. Fanfare magazine says “her ability to write memorable new music completely within the confines of traditional harmonic language is most impressive” while USA Today called her “the only English-speaking composer since Benjamin Britten who matches great verse with fine music so intelligently and expressively.”

WFIU will feature music composed by Libby Larsen throughout the month of March.

After receiving his Artist Diploma in Violin from Accademia Chigiana in 1983, Agostini developed a reputation for his solo performances and his work in chamber ensembles. He regularly performs with the chamber orchestra I Virtuosi di Roma, and has led I Musici, which Toscanini described as “Twelve very capable lads of eighteen, a perfect chamber orchestra.” He also founded the D’Amici String Quartet, which released an album including Haydn’s String Quartet no. 6, a quartet by Ravel, and Beethoven’s String Quartet no. 3 in C major.

Agostini has recorded Bach and Vivaldi’s violin concertos for the Philips label, and for the Claves label he recorded Faure’s piano quartets along with the Quintetto Fauré di Roma. With Live Notes he has also recorded a selection of favorite virtuoso violin pieces. He has performed duo recitals with French pianist Claude Cymerman, a professor of music at DePauw University, and is a promoter and organizer of Open Chamber Music; an annual ten-day festival at Prussia Cove in England.
He has also served as a guest artist at Sarasota’s La Musica International Chamber Music Festival, and has collaborated with Bruno Giuranna, Jaime Laredo, Joseph Silverstein, Janos Starker and with the American, Emerson, Fine Arts and Guarneri quartets.

Agostini has taught at the Staatliche Hochshule für Musik in Trossigen, Germany, a school known for its collaboration and cooperation on a national and international level. He has taught numerous master classes in Japan, Sweden, and Italy. He currently is associate professor of Music at IU’s Jacobs School of Music. He has taught many emerging musicians, such as Hebe de Champeaux, who is making a name for herself both as a solo violinist and instrumental conductor.

WFIU will feature music performed by Federico Agostini throughout the month of March.

The president will play his favorite rock songs from his days as a college student. All of the music will be from groups formed and famous before 1970.

“At a time when the arts are facing cuts, it’s particularly encouraging to hear Indiana University President McRobbie on-air promoting cultural programming on WFIU,” said WFIU Station Manager Christina Kuzmych. “It’s a testament to the WFIU/Indiana University partnership, and to President McRobbie’s personal enjoyment of music and radio.”

McRobbie plans to spin his favorite tunes from the U.K. — the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, Jethro Tull, the Who and Cream — and groups from the U.S. such as Jimi Hendrix, Jefferson Airplane, the Doors, Janis Joplin and Neil Young.

All music will be selected only from live recordings “to give listeners a sense of the energy, power and musicianship of all these great groups and artists at their peak,” McRobbie said.

President McRobbie will be the solo host of the March 5 show.

Last spring, on April 24, he co-hosted a jazz show with Bourne. McRobbie’s musical selections for that show were “Ascenseur pour L’Echafaud,” Miles Davis; “Kind of Blue,” Miles Davis; “Miles & Quincy Live at Montreux,” Miles Davis, Quincy Jones; “Stratusphunk,” George Russell Sextet; “Fleur Carnivore,” Carla Bley; “The Colours of Chlo,” Eberhard Weber; “In a Silent Way,” Miles Davis; and “A Love Supreme,” John Coltrane.

McRobbie has said that of all the rock concerts he has seen, Led Zepplin was his favorite by far.

We invite you to add your contribution to the Fund—and we’ve got a special way to thank you for it. The Lilly Library has arranged a private viewing of musical treasures—rare manuscripts, scores, books, and letters from their collection.

For a donation of $50 or more per person, we will reserve your spot for this exceptional opportunity. Attendance is limited, so reserve your place early. The viewing takes place on Tuesday, March 9th from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Lilly Library. Light refreshments and music will be provided.

Please make check payable to IU Foundation/Classical and mail to:
WFIU
1229 E. Seventh St. Room 120
Bloomington, Indiana
47405

Questions?

Call Scott Witzke at 812-855-0198 or send an e-mail.

Listening Guide

With your gift of $40 or more ($25 for students) you’ll receive our monthly members-only listening guide Directions In Sound. Each issue tells you about the programs airing that month and informs you of upcoming events. Become a member today!

Did you know that we now offer an e-guide? Let us e-mail you a link to a PDF version of the guide to you each month. This option saves money on printing and postage and enables more of your contribution to go towards programming. Send us an E-mail to sign up for the E-guide.

MemberCard

With your gift of $75 or more you’ll receive the MemberCard—good for 2-for-1 savings at more than 200 local restaurants, concerts, museums, and more.

Use your MemberCard once a month and it will more than pay for the contribution you make to WFIU. For a complete list of benefits call 1-800-423-7645 during business hours or visit the MemberCard website.

How it works: Generally, order two or more entrees and the least expensive is deducted from your bill. Inform your server at the time you order that you will be using your MemberCard, then present your card when paying your bill. The MemberCard is good for one visit to each participating restaurant therefore each restaurant will mark out the corresponding number on the back of the card. Some benefits use a different number than that on your Card; to redeem these benefits you must present your MemberCard Directory of Benefits as well as your MemberCard. Please check specific details for attractions and bed & breakfast offers.

Check out these other videos:

How Do I Use My MemberCard?
What Is The MemberCard?
How Does The MemberCard Benefit My Community?
How Do I Use The MemberCard Website?
What Are Travel Benefits?

When you use your MemberCard, please remember to thank the business for their participation in the program. And don’t forget to base your tip on the cost before discount. No more than 3 cards may be used in any one group; a different card must be presented for each free entrée.

The MemberCard is valid for one year. The MemberCard is not valid on major holidays or in conjunction with other specials, discount offers or coupons.

Your MemberCard benefits extend across the US and into Canada. Travel cards may be ordered online or by phoning 800-423-7645. You may order Travel Cards for up to 3 areas on your itinerary, 1 card per destination. Duplicate orders for the same city will not be honored. There is a $6.75 USD postage/handling fee per order, payable by Visa or Mastercard. If departing in fewer than three days, please order by phone. Express delivery charges may apply.

WFIU MemberCard FAQs

Thank You Gifts

With your gift of $90 or more WFIU offer a number of gifts—our way of saying “Thank You” for becoming a member. Popular items include Tote bags, water bottles and the Day of Dedication. View a complete list of Thank You gifts.

You may also choose the “No Gift” option and have your entire contribution go to support WFIU programming.

Tax Benefits

If you itemize on your taxes, your contribution to WFIU will make you eligible for a federal tax deduction to the extent permitted by law. And, because WFIU is affiliated with Indiana University, you are also eligible to receive a state tax credit for supporting education. In many cases, this tax credit can be as much as 50% of a contribution to WFIU (up to $100 for individuals and up to $200 for couples).

The MemberCard is a great benefit for anyone who contributes $75 or more in support of WFIU. Make a donation online to request yours today!

A small plastic card that looks like a credit card, it can be used for two-for-one dining at participating local restaurants as well as thousands more restaurants nationwide, including many in the Indianapolis area.

The MemberCard is also good for two-for-one admission to a different arts or entertainment attraction each month and two-for-one lodging at participating bed and breakfast inns.

In addition, the MemberCard can be used as you travel throughout the United States and parts of Canada to show your support of Public Broadcasting and receive great discounts on dining, lodging, and entertainment.

How does it work?

You will receive the MemberCard and directory of participating restaurants, lodging venues, and events in the mail.

When placing an order for two or more entrées at a participating restaurant, just present the MemberCard to the server. When the check arrives, the cost of the least expensive entrée is deducted from the bill. Beverages, appetizers, and gratuity are not included—only the cost of the least expensive entrée.

The server will then mark out the number on the back of the MemberCard that represents that establishment. The card is only good for one visit to each restaurant. (The process is similar for events and lodging. Present the card when purchasing your admission tickets or checking in at the B&B. For two-for-one lodging savings, reservations are required. We recommend you mention the MemberCard when making your reservation at the participating B&B.)

Can I use it any time?

Very few MemberCard participants have restrictions, but we encourage you to refer to the brochure for details.

For Benefit of the Month attractions, check each offer for specific details.

The MemberCard is not valid on major holidays.

Members can also call toll-free (888) 727-4411 for updates or refer to the web site.

How can I get a MemberCard?

By making an annual membership contribution of $75 or more, the MemberCard can be yours as a gift from us. Use our secure web form to Make a donation online and request your MemberCard today!

What if I’ve already contributed?

Call the Membership office at (812) 855-6114 or (800) 662-3311 to see if you qualify to receive the MemberCard.

When does the card expire?

The card is valid for one year from the date of your contribution.

What are the travel benefits of the Membercard?

There are 10,000 restaurants, museums, arts and cultural attractions, and lodging venues in the United States and Canada where the Public Broadcasting MemberCard is honored. As a MemberCard-holder, you are welcome to enjoy 2-for-1 privileges at all of these establishments.

Just visit the MemberCard web site and click on “Travel Benefits” to find out more, or call (800) 423-7645. Within two business days, a brand new MemberCard and directory for that area will be mailed to you.

There is a $6.75 fee to cover postage and handling.

On Just You & Me, host Joe Bourne puts on his epic Valentine’s Day Request program, playing dedications sent in by YOU!

Send us your request

Listen on Thursday, February 11th and Friday, February 12 from 3:30 to 5 pm.

“Suite History: Duke Ellington, Oliver Nelson, John Carter, Wynton Marsalis, and the African-American Odyssey,” airing February 6, looks at extended works by those composers depicting the black experience from Africa to slavery in the American South and the difficulties of life after the end of the Civil War. Indiana University professor and historian Michael McGerr is a guest on this program.

On February 27, “Portraits of Harlem” highlights jazz works about the country’s most famous African-American urban area from Ellington, James P. Johnson, Benny Carter, and others, with John Howland (author of the recent book Ellington Uptown: Duke Ellington, James P. Johnson and the Birth of Concert Jazz) joining the show.

Finally, Thelonious Monk biographer Robin D.G. Kelley provides his expertise for a two-part program about the pianist’s life and music, airing February 13 and 20.

For more information and links visit the Night Lights website.

Chief Justice of Indiana, Randall T. Shepard, will address a joint session of the Indiana General Assembly for the annual State of the Judiciary. The formal update on the accomplishments and challenges facing the judicial branch will be held on Wednesday, January 20 at 2 p.m. E.S.T.

“Dealing With The Recession: A Court System That Won’t Roll Over,” will focus on how the economic pressures affect the judicial branch.

Chief Justice Shepard will highlight the courts’ technology improvements despite the economic downturn. He will describe court programs designed to protect children and families in need and provide Lawmakers with a report on a pledge he made one year ago to help homeowners facing foreclosure.

The Chief Justice is required to provide Indiana lawmakers with an update on the “condition of the courts” according to Article 7, Section 3 of the Indiana Constitution.

The 2010 address will be Chief Justice Shepard’s twenty-third State of the Judiciary.

• Charity Navigator: Help Survivors of the Earthquake in Haiti
• NPR: How To Help (Resources)
• American Institute of Philanthropy: The Best Way To Support Relief Efforts

Sadly, there have been reports of scams asking people to donate money that will never be received by aid agencies. WFIU does not directly endorse any of the above organizations and we encourage you to do your own due diligence before selecting a charity to support.