CENTENNIAL, Colo., Aug. 16, 2016 – Colorado Public Radio's classical service (CPR Classical) today announced that host David Rutherford will become the new voice of “Colorado Spotlight” starting Monday, Aug. 22. Heard weeknights at 7, “Colorado Spotlight” explores the state’s vibrant classical community, featuring performances, interviews and broadcasts from Colorado’s classical organizations, ensembles and soloists.
Rutherford is a familiar voice on CPR Classical, having spent more than a decade as a music host, connecting the classical audience to favorites like “Sacred Classics.” Rutherford will take over “Colorado Spotlight” as Charley Samson retires this month after hosting the program since its inception in 2003.
“David is the perfect fit for ‘Colorado Spotlight’ given his extensive experience and passion for classical music, along with his keen interest in Colorado’s music community,” said CPR Classical Program Director Monika Vischer. “You’ll hear him provide a full range of breadth and context that’s based not only on his expertise in the studio, but also from his career as a classical performer, conductor and music teacher. David is a master of his craft, and we’re delighted to welcome him into this new role.”
Rutherford joined CPR as skilled musician, having played Principal Bass for the Cheyenne Symphony Orchestra and Assistant Principal Bass for the Greeley Philharmonic Orchestra. He is the Music Director and Conductor for Stratus Chamber Orchestra and Valor Symphonics Youth Orchestra, previously holding the same position for the Pikes Peak Philharmonic in Colorado Springs and the Snake River Chamber Orchestra in Idaho Falls, Idaho. He is also an experienced music educator, recognized by the National Symphony Orchestra/John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts as a National Teacher Fellow.
“Colorado Spotlight’ is a wonderful reflection of the incredible depth and range of the state’s classical community,” said Rutherford. “I’m excited to join the exploration, connecting people to what’s happening in classical music up and down the Front Range, on the Western Slope and everything in between. There are so many summer music festivals growing and expanding across Colorado, including in Aspen, Vail, Breckenridge and Crested Butte.”
Learn more at www.cprclassical.org and stay up to date by following CPR Classical on Facebook and Twitter.
Colorado Public Radio is a non-profit 501(c) (3) organization that produces and curates in-depth and meaningful news and music, establishing thoughtful connections to Colorado for listeners seeking to be informed, enlightened and entertained. Roughly 95 percent of CPR’s funds come from the private support of listeners, businesses and foundations.
CPR News delivers in-depth, insightful and impartial news and information from around the world, across the nation and throughout Colorado, examining its relevance to our state and connecting it to our community.
CPR Classical takes listeners on an in-depth exploration of thoughtfully curated music – with an emphasis on Colorado’s classical community – providing context to a broad range of meaningful and compelling works from past to present.
CPR’s OpenAir takes listeners inside the world of new and independent music – exposing them to up-and-coming artists and highlighting Colorado’s local music scene.
