WNYC presents concerts from the Wordless Music Series, hosted by Radio Lab's Jad Abumrad. Devoted to the desegregation of musical boundaries, Wordless Music pairs rock and electronic musicians with more traditional chamber and new music performers, to create an entirley new concert experience.

This program is supported, in part, by the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.

visit the Wordless Music website

Special One-Hour Episodes: the Best of Wordless Music on WNYC

itsnotyouitsme; Face the Music; Stars of the Lid 

May 02, 2008

This Wordless Music concert was recorded at the Good Shepard Faith Church and features the ensembles itsnotyouitsme, Face the Music -- which is made up of students from the Kaufman Center -- and the "sound scape" artists Stars of the Lid.

Gavin Bryars, John Adams, and Jonny Greenwood

January 16, 2008

This concert recorded live at the Church of St. Paul the Apostle features Brad Lubman conducting the Wordless Muisc Orchestra performing Gavin Bryars's "The Sinking of the Titanic," John Adams's "Christian Zeal and Activity," and Radiohead lead guitartis Jonny Greenwood's "Popcorn Superhet Receiver for String Orchestra." Hosted by Radiolab's Jad Abumrad.

Hauschka; David Moore with Bing and Ruth; Múm

Wordless Music

November 10, 2007

German pianist/composer Volker Bertelman (a.k.a. "Hauschka") plays the prepared piano, and David Moore morphs Bach into a set of his own songs with the group Bing and Ruth. Also, Icelandic band Múm invites the other performers to the stage of the New York Society for Ethical Culture for a grand finale. Hosted by Radiolab's Jad Abumrad.

Torngat; Jihyun kim and Múm

November 9, 2007

This concert recorded live at the Church of St. Paul the Apostle features the Montreal band Torngat, cellist Jihyun Kim (performing Bach and Ligeti), and the Icelandic band Múm. Hosted by Radiolab's Jad Abumrad.

Sandro Perri; Muhly and Sigurðsson; Sigur Rós

October 05, 2007

In this Wordless Music concert recorded live at the Good Shepard Faith Church, we hear original music from Toronto-based songwriter/producer Sandro Perri (a.k.a. "Polmo Polpo"), and Icelandic producer (and frequent Björk collaborator) Valgeir Sigurðsson with New York-based composer Nico Muhly. Also on the program: Icelandic post-rock band Sigur Rós. Hosted by Radiolab's Jad Abumrad.

Colleen; Katya Mihailova and Colin Jacobsen' Beirut

Wordless Music

September 24, 2007

In this concert recorded live at the New York Society for Ethical Culture, French musician Colleen performs her naturalistic electro-acoustic mix; Piano/Violin duo Katya Mihailova and Colin Jacobsen take on Chopin, Scriabin, Arvo Pärt, and Bela Bartok, while indie band Beirut makes an encore appearance with selections from some of their recent albums. Hosted by Radiolab's Jad Abumrad.

Fifith Veil and Beirut

September 20, 2007

Bard College quartet Fifth Veil perform Osvaldo Golijov's "The Dreams and Prayers of Isaac the Blind" for klezmer clarinet and string quartet, while indie rock band Beirut  follows with their own gypsy-inspired set, in this concert recorded live at the Brooklyn Masonic Temple. Hosted by Radiolab's Jad Abumrad.

Do Make Say Think and Electric Kompany

Wordless Music

September 14, 2007

Toronto-based indie band Do Make Say Think bring their own brand of eclectic music to the stage of the New York Society for Ethical Culture, while Rock quartet Electric Kompany performs works by Nick Didkovsky, Jacob TV, and Marc Mellits. Hosted by Radiolab's Jad Abumrad.