Holiday Programming on Western Reserve Public Media’s Western Reserve PBS and Fusion Channels

Western Reserve Public Media presents its 2009 holiday programming schedule. WNEO/WEAO channels Western Reserve PBS 45.1/49.1 and Fusion 45.2/49.2 ring in the holiday season with a variety of specials featuring music, dance and children’s programming. Shows that are new to the schedule are marked with an asterisk (*).

Western Reserve PBS (WNEO/WEAO 45.1/49.1)

Wednesday, Dec. 2

Cantors: A Faith in Song — 10 p.m.

This special features three of the world’s most acclaimed Jewish cantors: Naftali Hershtik, Benzion Millerand Alberto Mizrahi.

 

Sunday, Dec. 6

*Great Performances, Andrea Bocelli and David Foster: My Christmas — 9 p.m.

David Foster, everyone’s favorite "hitman," joins superstar Andrea Bocelli for a new Christmas concert of holiday classics.

 

Wednesday, Dec. 9

The Three Tenors Christmas — 9:30 p.m.

PBS reprises a holiday favorite with The Three Tenors — José Carreras, Plácido Domingo and the late Luciano Pavarotti.

 

Thursday, Dec. 10

*Great Performances, Andrea Bocelli and David Foster: My Christmas — 8 p.m.

David Foster, everyone’s favorite "hitman," joins superstar Andrea Bocelli for a new Christmas concert of holiday classics.

 

Saturday, Dec. 12

*Great Performances, Andrea Bocelli and David Foster: My Christmas — 9 p.m.

David Foster, everyone’s favorite "hitman," joins superstar Andrea Bocelli for a new Christmas concert of holiday classics.

 

Sunday, Dec. 13

*Straight No Chaser — Live in New York: Holiday Edition — 10:30a.m.

The a cappella phenomenon Straight No Chaser presents an entertaining evening that includes performance of their hit “The Twelve Days of Christmas.”

   

Cantors: A Faith in Song — Noon

This special features three of the world’s most acclaimed Jewish cantors: Naftali Hershtik, Benzion Millerand Alberto Mizrahi.

   

The Priests in Concert at Armagh Cathedral — 1:30 p.m.

The Priests — three Roman Catholic clergymen from Northern Ireland — are trained vocalists brought together by their faith and passion for music.

   

Rick Steves’ European Christmas — 3 p.m.

Performances include the Nonsuch Singers of London and the Norwegian Girls Choir of Norway.

   

The Three Tenors Christmas — 10 p.m.

PBS reprises a holiday favorite with The Three Tenors — José Carreras, Plácido Domingo and the late Luciano Pavarotti.

 

Monday, Dec. 14

Cantors: A Faith in Song — 8 p.m.

This special features three of the world’s most acclaimed Jewish cantors: Naftali Hershtik, Benzion Millerand Alberto Mizrahi.

 

Tuesday , Dec. 15

Rick Steves’ European Christmas — 8 p.m.

Performances include the Nonsuch Singers of London and the Norwegian Girls Choir of Norway.

   

The Priests in Concert at Armagh Cathedral — 10 p.m.

The Priests — three Roman Catholic clergymen from Northern Ireland — are trained vocalists brought together by their faith and passion for music.

 

Wednesday , Dec. 16

Celtic Woman: The Greatest Journey Holiday Special — 10 p.m.

Showcases the group’s most beloved and memorable songs intertwined with stunning images of Ireland.

 

Thursday, Dec. 17

*Radio City Christmas Spectacular Starring the Rockettes — 10 p.m.

Enjoy the Rockettes, the Parade of the Wooden Soldiers and the awe-inspiring Living Nativity.

 

Sunday, Dec. 20

*Michael McDonald — This Christmas: A Soundstage Special Event — 7 p.m.

Singer Michael McDonald combines yuletide favorites and some of his signature hits for a perfect blend of holiday cheer.

   

Nature, Christmas in Yellowstone — 8 p.m.

From the unique crystals of individual snowflakes to the grand sweep of Yellowstone’s Hayden Valley, this is a Christmas like no other.

 

 

Monday, Dec. 21

Great Performances, Dance in America: San Francisco Ballet’s Nutcracker — 10 p.m.

A dazzling interpretation of the holiday story, set during the city’s 1915 Pan-Pacific Exposition.

 

Tuesday, Dec. 22

Nature, Christmas in Yellowstone — 2 a.m.

From the unique crystals of individual snowflakes to the grand sweep of Yellowstone’s Hayden Valley, this is a Christmas like no other.

   

Downe in Yon Forrest: Christmas From the Middle Ages — 4 a.m.

A Christmas concert is performed and in between each selection, Kemper Crabb gives background history of the song and history surrounding the time the song was written.

   

NewsNight NewsMaker: Sugar Plum Tour — 9 p.m.

Host Jody Miller takes viewers on Akron’s 2008 Sugar Plum Tour of gracious holiday homes.

   

Anúna: Christmas Memories — 10 p.m.

The Celtic Irish choral group performs its emotional music and reminisces about holiday memories.

 

Wednesday, Dec. 23

*Great Performances, Sting: A Winter’s Tale — 8 p.m.

Rock and pop superstar Sting welcomes the holidays with an atmospheric musical celebration of wintertime.

 

Thursday, Dec. 24

Great Performances, Dance in America: San Francisco Ballet’s Nutcracker — 3 a.m.

A dazzling interpretation of the holiday story, set during the city’s 1915 Pan-Pacific Exposition.

   

Arthur’s Perfect Christmas — 6 a.m.

Arthur’s family and friends make preparations for perfect gifts, perfect parties and perfect family traditions for Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and even "Baxter Day."

   

*Michael McDonald — This Christmas: A Soundstage Special Event— 10 p.m.

Singer Michael McDonald combines yuletide favorites and some of his signature hits for a perfect blend of holiday cheer.

   

Faith Hill, Joy to the World: A Soundstage Special Event — 11 p.m.

Faith Hill sings favorites from her holiday album, "Joy to the World," a collection of standards amped up with challenging vocals and ambitious melodic structure.

 

Friday, Dec. 25

Arthur’s Perfect Christmas — 7 a.m.

Arthur's family and friends make preparations for perfect gifts, perfect parties and perfect family traditions for Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and even "Baxter Day."

   

*Curious George: A Very Monkey Christmas — 8 a.m.

George and the Man With the Yellow Hat have a great time preparing for Christmas.

   

Great Performances, Dance in America: San Francisco Ballet's Nutcracker — 10 a.m.

A dazzling interpretation of the holiday story, set during the city's 1915 Pan-Pacific Exposition.

   

*Curious George: A Very Monkey Christmas — 4 p.m.

George and the Man With the Yellow Hat have a great time preparing for Christmas.

   

*Christmas With the Mormon Tabernacle Choir Featuring Brian Stokes Mitchell and Ed Herrmann8 p.m.

Singer Brian Stokes Mitchell joins the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra in a magnificent Christmas celebration. The program also features a reading of “A Christmas Story” by actor Ed Herrmann.

 

Saturday, Dec. 26

Nature, Christmas in Yellowstone — 4 p.m.

From the unique crystals of individual snowflakes to the grand sweep of Yellowstone's Hayden Valley, this is a Christmas like no other.

 

Thursday, Dec. 31

*Live From Lincoln Center, New York Philharmonic New Year's Eve: Hampson, Gershwin, Copland and Broadway — 10 p.m.

The New York Philharmonic's New Year's Eve gala celebrates all-American music.

 

Friday, Jan. 1

*Great Performances, From Vienna: The New Year's Celebration 2010— 10 p.m.

The annual New Year’s Day celebration with the Vienna Philharmonic, led by Georges Prêtre, in Vienna’s Musikverein. Julie Andrews hosts.

 

 

Fusion (WNEO/WEAO 45.2/49.2)

Tuesday, Dec. 1

*Great Performances, Sting: A Winter’s Tale— 8 p.m.

Rock and pop superstar Sting welcomes the holidays with an atmospheric musical celebration of wintertime.

 

Monday, Dec. 14

*Michael McDonald — This Christmas: A Soundstage Special Event — 9 p.m.

Singer Michael McDonald combines yuletide favorites and some of his signature hits for a perfect blend of holiday cheer.

 

Thursday, Dec. 17

NewsNight NewsMaker: Sugar Plum Tour — 9 p.m.

Host Jody Miller takes viewers on Akron’s 2008 Sugar Plum Tour of gracious holiday homes.

 

Saturday, Dec. 19

NewsNight NewsMaker: Sugar Plum Tour — 6 p.m.

Host Jody Miller takes viewers on Akron’s 2008 Sugar Plum Tour of gracious holiday homes.

 

Sunday, Dec. 20

The Three Tenors Christmas — Noon

PBS reprises a holiday favorite with The Three Tenors — José Carreras, Plácido Domingo and the late Luciano Pavarotti.

   

Holly Jolly Pops Holiday With Barenaked Ladies — 1 p.m.

Get into the spirit with the wonderful sounds of the Boston Pops and special guests Barenaked Ladies, the Canadian alternative rock band.

 

Monday, Dec. 21

Holly Jolly Pops Holiday With Barenaked Ladies — 9 p.m.

Get into the spirit with the wonderful sounds of the Boston Pops and special guests Barenaked Ladies, the Canadian alternative rock band.

 

Tuesday, Dec. 22

Great Performances, Dance in America: San Francisco Ballet's Nutcracker — 8:15 p.m.

A dazzling interpretation of the holiday story, set during the city's 1915 Pan-Pacific Exposition.

   

*Christmas With the Mormon Tabernacle Choir Featuring Brian Stokes Mitchell and Ed Herrmann10:10 p.m.

Singer Brian Stokes Mitchell joins the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra in a magnificent Christmas celebration. The program also features a reading of “A Christmas Story” by actor Ed Herrmann.

 

 

 

Thursday, Dec. 24

*A Renaissance Christmas — 8 p.m.

Chicago’s Music of the Baroque Chorus and Brass ensemble celebrates the holidays with a live concert.

   

*Christmas With the Mormon Tabernacle Choir Featuring Brian Stokes Mitchell and Ed Herrmann9 p.m.

Singer Brian Stokes Mitchell joins the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra in a magnificent Christmas celebration. The program also features a reading of “A Christmas Story” by actor Ed Herrmann.

   

*Christmas at Belmont — 10 p.m.

Trisha Yearwood hosts a holiday program of traditional carols, classical masterworks, world music and light-hearted seasonal favorites.

   

Downe in Yon Forrest: Christmas From the Middle Ages — 11 p.m.

A Christmas concert is performed and in between each selection, Kemper Crabb gives background history of the song and history surrounding the time the song was written.

 

Friday, Dec. 25

Anúna: Christmas Memories — Midnight

The Celtic Irish choral group performs its emotional music and reminisces about holiday memories.

   

Celtic Woman: A Christmas Celebration— 1 a.m.

Popular Christmas classics are embodied by beautiful, ethereal and angelic harmonies and voices.

   

The Three Tenors Christmas — 2 a.m.

PBS reprises a holiday favorite with The Three Tenors — José Carreras, Plácido Domingo and the late Luciano Pavarotti.

   

Holly Jolly Pops Holiday With Barenaked Ladies — 3 a.m.

Get into the spirit with the wonderful sounds of the Boston Pops and special guests Barenaked Ladies, the Canadian alternative rock band.

   

*Michael McDonald — This Christmas: A Soundstage Special Event — 4 a.m.

Singer Michael McDonald combines yuletide favorites and some of his signature hits for a perfect blend of holiday cheer.

   

A Pops Holiday Party — 5 a.m.

Festive holiday standards and sing-along favorites from 35 years of the Boston Pops Orchestra.

   

*L.A. Holiday Celebration 20096 a.m.

A music and dance show featuring performers with African, Asian, European and Latino backgrounds.

   

Great Performances, Dance in America: San Francisco Ballet's Nutcracker — 7 a.m.

A dazzling interpretation of the holiday story, set during the city's 1915 Pan-Pacific Exposition.

 
 

Funding for Holiday Programming is provided by

Christopher Pop-In-Kins Playhouse Square

 

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