Classical: BTS
There's more to classical than meets the ear.
Returning for an all new season, it’s Classical:BTS—our popular docuseries devoted to revealing the lesser-seen and -heard stories around classical music in central Illinois. For this new season, the series is focusing on each performer's personal journey and elevating the beauty of their music with in-depth portraits of six very different performers and classical craftspeople.
New episodes will drop monthly right here. You will also be able to catch them in between your favorite programs on WILL-TV and streaming anytime on the PBS Video App. Join the discussion online on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram any time using the hashtag #WILLclassicalbts.
Classical:BTS is produced by Illinois Public Media. Production was made possible with funding from the Barbara E. Barnes Fund for Illinois Public Media.
Season 2
Charmian Bulley, youth choral educator
Follow Charmian Bulley’s remarkable journey as one of the longest serving youth choral educators in Central Illinois.
John Paul Buzard, pipe organ maker
Follow John Paul Buzard’s remarkable journey in becoming one of the premier organ makers in the United States – building each instrument right here in downtown Champaign.
Tonina Saputo, bass player and guitarist
Follow Tonina Saputo’s remarkable journey as a bass player and guitarist who is known for her unique sounds combining classical, folk, R&B, Spanish, and Latin styles.
Dr. William McClain, conductor
Follow Dr. William McClain's journey conducting across the country and performing at renowned venues such as Carnegie Hall and Sheremetev Palace in Russia.
Richard Bruné, luthier
Follow Richard Bruné’s journey—a local luthier who is almost entirely self-taught, both as a craftsman and as a guitarist.
Nomin Zolzaya, cellist
Follow the journey, inspiration, and music of Acting Principal Cello for the Illinois Symphony Orchestra, Nomin Zolzaya.Season 1
Stephen Taylor, professor and composer
University of Illinois professor Stephen Taylor can trace everything back to hearing Stravinsky for the first time.
Sam Walder, innovator and violinist
Sam Walder felt the difficulty and stress sometimes associated with learning the violin firsthand.
Joseph Baldwin, conductor
Conductor Joseph Baldwin has worked with orchestras, choirs, and many indivduals as a teacher on his path to conducting. He's also a yogi.
Charles Joseph Smith, pianist and composer
Pianist and composer Dr. Charles Joseph Smith was diagnosed with autism at the age of 4.
Julia Kay Jamieson, harpist and composer
Music has always been an integral part of harpist/composer/teacher Julia Kay Jamieson's life.