WVPB Classical’s Matt Jackfert Talks Holiday Arrangement With WQED

Editor’s Note: For some time now, I’ve been wanting to connect with fellow Classical radio host, Jim Cunningham, of WQED in Pittsburgh. Recently, I was able to do so when taking a trip up to Pittsburgh to see a performance of my arrangement of “I Saw Three Ships” with Daniel Meyer leading the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. Jim was very warm in his welcome and offered to do an interview about the PSO performance, while touching on other topics like WVPB and Classical listenership. 

Jim also gave me a full tour of WQED, showing me places like the studio where Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood was filmed. He also showed me the famous castle and tree from Mr. Rogers’ productions and introduced me to fellow WQED staff members and radio hosts. It was great to connect with another Appalachian public radio station as we are all bound by many of the same things geographically and culturally.

While we are in uncharted territory for public radio stations alike, I think it’s important to unite and strengthen our public radio relationships, and so, in the Fred Rogers fashion, it was nice to make a friend in the neighborhood in WQED.

— Matt Jackfert

The story below was originally published by WQED.

Matthew Jackfert’s I Saw Three Ships At Holiday Pops

Included on this year’s PSO Holiday Pops program is an arrangement of I Saw Three Ships by West Virginia-based composer and radio host Matthew Jackfert. Matt joined Jim Cunningham live on the QED Morning Show to chat.

Matt talks about his arrangement, teaching composition at Marshall University, and writing music for Sesame Street. His arrangement of I Saw Three Ships draws inspiration from other Christmas carols, as well as music like Ottorino Respighi’s “The Pines of Rome.” Jim also asks about Matt’s work with West Virginia Public Radio.

Jim and Matt also listen to some of Matt’s original compositions during the interview, including music inspired by Qingdao, China and West Virginia’s Appalachian history.

There’s one weekend left to hear Matt’s arrangement of I Saw Three Ships at a Holiday Pops concert! Visit the PSO’s website for concert information and to get tickets.

Playlist

Music by Matt Jackfert

1. On the Shores of Qingdao – WVU Symphony Orchestra,  Mitchell Arnold, conductor 

2. Appalachian Impressions – Misa Mead, Euphonium; Benjamin Powell, Piano.

• I. Autumn at Grist Mill 
• II. A Train Through Snowy Thurmond
• III. Hootenanny

3.  Satori from “Canaan Valley Suite” – Steven and Misa Mead, Euphoniums; Benjamin Powell, Piano