WGUC's on-going commitment to new music is unique in the public radio industry. Cincinnati's Classical Public Radio is the only station in the country with an ongoing music commissioning program. This creative effort began in 1980 under the leadership of Ann Santen. WGUC has since commissioned 22 new works; John Harbison's Six American Painters was premiered by the Linton Chamber Music Series in 2002. The most recent commission was granted to Maestro Carmon DeLeone, music director for the Cincinnati Ballet in commemoration of WGUC's 40th anniversary.

DeLeone's Fanfare, Funk & Fandango (An American Dance Set) premiered as part of the Cincinnati Ballet's 35th Anniversary Tribute to its Music Director April 30 – May 2, 2004.

"Our work is much greater than growing an audience of listeners," notes WGUC General Manager Richard Eiswerth. "It is also our mission to foster the growth of great new classical music. We are very honored to have such a good friend, Maestro Carmon DeLeone, compose and present this special commission marking the station's 40th anniversary. His new dance set adds a festive and celebratory tone to WGUC's library of commissioned works."

WGUC Commission Premiered by Cincinnati Ballet

Cincinnati Ballet premiered Fanfare, Funk & Fandango (An American Dance Set) by Carmon DeLeone as part of the 35th Anniversary tribute to its Music Director April 30 - May 2, 2004. Fanfare, Funk & Fandango was commissioned by WGUC in honor of its 40th Anniversary.

DeLeone describes his Fanfare, Funk & Fandango as "a colorful overture-like work which includes a double fanfare, a waltz, a funky blues segment (inspired by the late Johnny "Guitar" Watson), a ballad, a Spanish-flavored fandango and a blazing finale."

WGUC congratulates Maestro DeLeone on his 35th Anniversary and is thrilled that the work's premiere was included in his special celebration.

"Our work is much greater than growing an audience of listeners," notes WGUC General Manager Richard Eiswerth. "It is also our mission to foster the growth of great new classical music. We are very honored to have such a good friend, Maestro Carmon DeLeone, compose and present this special commission. His new dance set adds a festive and celebratory tone to WGUC's library of commissioned works."

The tribute's featured performance was Princess and the Pea, a collaboration between composer Carmon Deleone and choreographer Victoria Morgan. Also on the program were excerpts from Peter Pan and Frevo—also written by DeLeone.

Carmon DeLeone and the Cincinnati Ballet Orchestra record "Fanfare, Funk and Fandango" on the Music Hall stage. The recording will be part of an all-DeLeone CD that will be available in the Fall.

A peek into WGUC's Corbett Studio in Music Hall during the recording session.