Classical music’s influence in today’s culture is frequently heard in pop music, television, film and even sports.  In fact, it’s become such a part of our day-to-day activities that it’s easily overlooked. 

You’re invited to discover Classical Connections, a new monthly series on Radio Kansas highlighting the relevance of classical music in today’s world.  The series will explore a different facet of classical music’s influence each month by offering a bit of trivia and a sampling of great works “in tune” with current trends.|

This week's trivia question:

What Classical piece has been spun off in over 30 different pop music hits?
    a) The Pachelbel Canon
    b) The Minute Waltz by Chopin
    c) The Stoned Guest by P.D.Q. Bach

Click the link below to test your classical IQ and enter the current prize drawing! You’ll also find the answer to this week’s trivia question.

Classical Connections Contest Page

Classical Connections Schedule:

Crossover Classics
Tuesday, July 13, 2010 from 7-9 p.m.
Original source material for melodies borrowed by popular music acts

Classroom Classics
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Classical pieces written by or for students

Carnival Classics
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Briggs Fair, Roman Carnival Overture, Dvorak's Carnival Overature, Scheherezade Festival at Baghdad

Creepy Classics
Date to be announced

Classical Countdown
Friday, November 26, 2010 (Morning of Friday after Thanksgiving)
Top requests from the year as compiled from our weekly request show
(re-runs the Friday morning between Christmas and New Year)

Beginner's Luck
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Early successes by well-known Composers includingTchaikovsky's First Symphony and Piano Concerto #1

Cupid's Classics
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Simultaneously a Valentine's Day and Wedding Music Show with Wedding Marches by Mendelssohn and Wagner, Romeo and Juliet

Celtic Classics
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Hardy's Irish Symphony, Bantock's Celtic symphony, Orchestration of Danny Boy, Mendelssohn's Third

Cartoon Classics
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Music by Wagner, Rossini, Mendelssohn as popularized by Warner Brother's classical cartoons

Classical Travelogue
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Harold in Italy, Italian Girl in Algiers, Calm Sea and Prosperous Voyage

Young Person' Guide
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Britten's Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra, Peter and the Wolf, Album for the Young

Popular Classics/Jukebox Classics/Crossover Classics
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Original source material for melodies borrowed by popular music acts