Highlights Archive

“Voces American Historia” Virtual Discussion with John Leguizamo & Ben DeJesus • Watch On-Demand

On the heels of Voces American Historia: The Untold History of Latinos’ successful run on PBS, WXXI hosted a special virtual discussion with the series’ director Ben DeJesus and creator/host John Leguizamo. On December 10, 2024, the two joined us via Zoom to share how the series came about, their creative approach, what they have learned, and more.

Tras el éxito de Voces American Historia: La historia no contada de los latinos en PBS, WXXI se complace en organizar un debate virtual especial con el director de la serie, Ben DeJesus, y el creador y presentador, John Leguizamo. Los dos se unirán a nosotros a través de Zoom para compartir cómo surgió la serie, su enfoque creativo, lo que han aprendido, y mucho más.

Voces American Historia: The Untold History of Latinos is available on PBS Passport Don’t have Passport? Click here to become A WXXI Member today.

WXXI Classical Presents… Amadeus

Milos Forman’s 1984 biography of Mozart celebrates its 40th Anniversary with a luminous new 4K restoration of the original theatrical cut, courtesy The Academy Film Archive!

WXXI Classical Presents… Amadeus screens Saturday, January 11 at 3 p.m. at The Little Theatre.

Winner of 8 Academy Awards, including “Best Picture,” this special anniversary screening as part of the WXXI Classical Presents film series will also feature a post-film Q&A with local classical luminaries. Click here to order you tickets online!

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (Tom Hulce) is a remarkably talented young Viennese composer who unwittingly finds a fierce rival in the disciplined and determined Antonio Salieri (F. Murray Abraham). Resenting Mozart for both his hedonistic lifestyle and his undeniable talent, the highly religious Salieri is gradually consumed by his jealousy and becomes obsessed with Mozart’s downfall, leading to a devious scheme that has dire consequences for both men.

WXXI Classical Presents is a series of films that are related to classical music in some way, co-produced by WXXI Classical and The Little Theatre. Selected by classical music hosts Brenda Tremblay, Mona Seghatoleslami, and Steve Johnson each film chosen exemplifies the power of music in an exciting or non-traditional narrative way. More details about the WXXI Classical Presents Series

Cultural Expressions: Kwanzaa • WXXI-TV

This WXXI production explores the seven principles that are the foundation of Kwanzaa by sharing seven real-life stories of impact.

Cultural Expressions: Kwanzaa airs Friday, December 26 at 10 p.m. on WXXI-TV and streaming on the WXXI and PBS apps.

Honoring the heritage, unity, culture, and rich contributions of African Americans, Kwanzaa is more than just a celebration; it’s a way of life. Cultural Expressions: Kwanzaa explores the seven principles that are the foundation of Kwanzaa by sharing seven real-life stories of impact. These stories reveal how each principle plays a role in the Black community, illustrated through cultural elements of dance, storytelling, music, and spoken word.

Cultural Expressions: Kwanzaa features interviews with Dr. David A. Anderson/Sankofa, Rochester Kwanzaa Coalition; Ms. Melba Ayco, Artistic Director and Owner, Northwest Tap Connection; Delores Jackson Radney, Rochester Kwanzaa Coalition; Melanie Funchess, Principal & CEO, Ubuntu Village Works LLC; Reenah Golden, Founder and Artistic Director, Avenue Blackbox Theatre; Anthony and Zakiya King, Owners of Cerebral Kingdom Bookstore; Dr. Shaun Nelms, EPO Superintendent, East High School; Shawn Dunwoody, Digital Designer Dunwoodē Designs; Terrie Ajile Axam, Founder Artistic Director, Total Dance/Dancical Productions Inc., and Terry Chaka, Rochester Kwanzaa Coalition.

Cultural Expressions: Kwanzaa is a WXXI Public Media production from 2022. The production team includes: Teej Jenkins-Routier, producer/director; Joanne V. Gordon, editor/producer; and Rhonda Austin, associate producer.

Happy 50th Anniversary WXXI-FM 91.5

On December 23, 1974 WXXI-FM 91.5 hit the air as a holiday present to the Rochester community. With a mixed service that included local programming, music, and some NPR offerings, it was the first public media radio station in the city. Now, 50 years later, classical music dominates FM 91.5, providing the region with its only full-time classical music station. We invite you to take a trip down memory lane with WXXI Classical Program Director Ruth Phinney, who captures special moments from the past five decades in her blog. Click here to check it out.

Spiritual Audacity: The Abraham Joshua Heschel Story • WXXI-WORLD

The life and legacy of Jewish theologian and philosopher Abraham Joshua Heschel.

Spiritual Audacity: The Abraham Joshua Heschel Story airs Saturday, December 21 at 11 p.m. on WXXI-WORLD.

Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel fled Nazi Germany to became “an authoritative voice not only in the Jewish community but in the religious life of America.” His book, “The Prophets” inspired Martin Luther King, Jr. to invite him to take a roll in the Civil Rights Movement. Heschel was an outspoken critic of the Vietnam War, an advocate for Soviet Jewry and a pioneer of interfaith dialogue.

Call The Midwife Holiday Special 2024 • WXXI-TV

It’s Christmas 1969, and the funfair and carol concert add color to frosty Poplar.

Call The Midwife Holiday Special 2024 airs Wednesday, December 25 at 8 p.m. on WXXI-TV.

Yet, the festive spirit at Nonnatus House is dampened by the spread of influenza alongside growing fears of an escaped prisoner after a spate of break-ins.

Too Hot to Handel: The Gospel Messiah • WXXI-TV

Handel’s 18th-century masterpiece “The Messiah” is reimagined and infused with Gospel, Jazz, and R&B.

Too Hot to Handel: The Gospel Messiah airs Sunday, December 22 at 1 p.m. on WXXI-TV

Handel’s 18th-century masterpiece “The Messiah” is reimagined by Conductor Marin Alsop and colleagues Bob Christianson and Gary Anderson. Handel’s arias, choruses, and orchestration are infused with Gospel, Jazz, and R&B, creating an uplifting reinterpretation of this seasonal favorite. “Too Hot To Handel: The Gospel Messiah” has been seen regularly across the United States since its premiere in New York in 1993. This performance in front of nearly 5,000 people at London’s Royal Albert Hall marks its European premiere. Presented by choirmaster and broadcaster Gareth Malone, the program sees The BBC Concert Orchestra joined by The BBC Symphony Chorus and The London Adventist Chorale, along with soloists Vanessa Haynes and Zwakele Tshabalala.

Photo: Singer Vanessa Haynes on stage/Credit: Michael O’Halloran, BBC Studios

A Classic Christmas with the Bach Festival Society • WXXI-TV

The Bach Festival Choir and Orchestra performs a beloved Central Florida Tradition.

A Classic Christmas with the Bach Festival Society airs Tuesday, December 24 at 9 p.m. on WXXI-TV.

A Classic Christmas is a beloved Central Florida tradition. From the beautiful Knowles Memorial Chapel on the campus of Rollins College, the Bach Festival Choir and Orchestra, along with guest soloists Mary Wilson and Stephen Mumbert, as well as the Bach Festival Children’s Choir, perform custom arrangements of treasured holiday classics created specifically for this joyous celebration.