Classical 89/KBYU-FM will air "The Christmas Chronicles," a family-friendly radio series that captures the magic and mystery of everyone's favorite Yuletide character, Santa Claus. This series of eight half-hour episodes, written by Utah playwright Tim Slover, was commissioned and produced by KBYU-FM.
The Chronicles are broadcast both on KBYU-FM (Classical 89 at 89.1 FM) as well as streamed on BYU Radio (available worldwide at www.byuradio.org). The broadcast times on the BYU Radio stream are twice daily, Monday through Friday, at noon and 7 p.m. They began December 6, with the final shows to air on Christmas Day
The series originated in accounts of the astonishing life and adventures of Santa, told by Tim Slover, to his children over the years.
“When my children were young,” Slover said, “they were curious. They asked questions like: ‘How can one man go all around the world in one night? How can he fit into the chimney? How can he carry so many toys?’”
Tim says his boys were interested in facts and figures. So, he gave them answers. And those answers (which are very useful to anyone pressed with similar questions) became what is now "The Christmas Chronicles."
The radio series is unique because of the uncommon number of original musical themes and motives composed for it. Composer Robert Rowberry created more than 35 for the program, including motives for characters like Klaus, the carpenter; Anna, the racer; the great-hearted reindeer Dasher; and the malevolent Rolf Eckhof.
The eight-part series will air:
On Classical 89 at 89.1 FM and 89.5 FM and online at classical89.org/streaming.
1. Dec. 6-13 at 6 p.m. (one episode each evening)
2. Dec. 21-24 at 11am and 8pm (two episodes each day and evening)
3. Nov. 26, 2010 - January 2, 2011
On-demand at www.classical89.org/programs/christmaschronicles/episodes/.
In 2010 KBYU-FM is distributing the series on public radio stations across the USA. This broadcast coincides with the publication of "The Christmas Chronicles" as a novel by Random House, Inc.
For more information, visit www.classical89.org/programs/christmaschronicles/episodes/.
