Something Special

It's a month to celebrate on 91FM
Compiled by Jennifer Fletcher

Throughout the month, WHYY 91FM is airing the following special programs, which commemorate just some of March's many celebrations:

Gail Williams Women's History Month
In the four-part series Instrumental Women, host Lauren Rico analyzes the history of women in symphony orchestras. Sundays from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

On March 2, "Orchestrating Change" follows the rise of female artists in classical music over the course of the 20th century through the personal experiences of musicians, conductors and composers and performances.

In "Conducting Business" on March 9, Rico explores the trials and triumphs of female conductors through stories and interviews with Marin Alsop, Kate Tamarkin and other renowned musicians and features musical performances by all-female ensembles.

On March 16, "Comparing Notes" examines the impact the untold histories of women composers have on female composers today. Libby Larsen, Augusta Read Thomas and other composers discuss questions facing the industry.

On March 23, "On Record" unearths the little-known artists and the musical scores they created, from 18th-century artist Louise Duval to contemporary film composer Rachel Portman.

St. Patrick's Day
The Thistle and Shamrock Each week, host Fiona Ritchie introduces the solo performers and groups from the British Isles, North America and beyond. Saturdays at 9 p.m.

March 1 "Pan Celtic" Ritchie examines the music of Wales, Ireland, Scotland, the Isle of Man, Brittany and Galicia with musicians from across these lands.

March 8 "Irish Ancestral Stories" The stories of Irish figures of myth, legend and romance are told through the music of Maire Breatnach, Anuna, Maurice Lennon, Donal Lunny, Mairtin O'Connor and vocalist Sean Keane.

March 15 "Liz Carroll" The Chicago fiddler, who has long been known as a master of Irish traditional music and is an all-Ireland fiddle champion and National Heritage Award winner, discusses her musical experiences and her acclaimed solo album Lost in the Loop.

March 22 "Brittany" Patrick Molard, Annie Ebrel and Skolvan perform music from France's Celtic region.

March 29 "Tony McManus" The self-taught guitar wizard, considered to be one of the finest acoustic guitarists in the world, talks about his love of traditional music from the islands of his homeland and beyond.

Castles of Gold: Songs and Stories of Irish Emigration Two prominent Irish-American storytellers, Touched By An Angel star Roma Downey and Pulitzer Prize-winning author Frank McCourt, relate Irish-themed stories by award-winning playwright Katerie Morin. Acclaimed vocalist Pan Morigan sings popular Irish songs that reflect on the story of Irish immigrants and honor those left behind. Monday, March 17th at 1 p.m.

The Academy Awards
On the Aisle As film fans anticipate who will win the coveted awards at tonight's annual Academy Award ceremony, Survival Kit host Leonard Lopate takes a behind-the-scenes look at the process writers face when crafting their work to fit an entirely different artistic venue.

The program features conversations with award-winning writers, including Nora Ephron, Steve Martin, Woody Allen and Wendy Wasserstein, who attempt to answer such questions as, "Is it better to adapt the plays themselves for film or leave this task to a seasoned screenwriter?" and "What adjustments need to be made when writing a role for a major motion picture star?" Sunday, March 23 at 1 p.m.