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Dyana Neal

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About Dyana

Dyana is WBJC's midday host. Her full bio can be read here.

May. 14 2020

Feeding Baltimore In A Time Of Crisis

By Dyana Neal | Posted in Host Blogs | Comments Off on Feeding Baltimore In A Time Of Crisis

The coronavirus pandemic has cost nearly 40 million Americans their jobs and many families are struggling to afford basic necessities, including food. I spoke with Nate Mook, CEO of World Central Kitchen, about his organization’s effort to help households across the country during this stressful time. World Central Kitchen is hosting “Meals for Baltimore” at […]

Apr. 09 2020

Mask maker, mask maker…

By Dyana Neal | Posted in Host Blogs | 4 Comments

You’re probably seeing a lot of people wearing masks these days. Some are using paper ones, others are improvising with bandanas or ski masks, and those of us who sew are rejoicing because we finally have a legitimate use for all that scrap fabric that’s been driving our spouses crazy for years! Last week, Jonathan […]

Mar. 25 2020

Meet My New Colleagues!

By Dyana Neal | Posted in Host Blogs | 2 Comments

Okay, OUR new colleagues. WBJC’s on-air personnel are the only humans coming to work at this point, but we have some exciting new staff members who have been working super hard to keep us all safe. Aren’t they photogenic? They get quite a workout several times a day disinfecting countertops, door handles, the sound board, […]

Jan. 27 2020

So two Norwegians walk into a radio station…

By Dyana Neal | Posted in Host Blogs, Interviews, WBJC Programs | Comments Off on So two Norwegians walk into a radio station…

Well, one of us (Yours Truly) was already here. When I set up my recent interview with Tim Holtan, Artistic Director of the Maryland Winds, I had no idea I’d be meeting someone who’d grown up just two hours from my childhood hometown. That may not sound like a big deal unless you consider that […]

Nov. 22 2019

A Musical Message of Peace

By Dyana Neal | Posted in Host Blogs, Interviews, WBJC Programs | Comments Off on A Musical Message of Peace

The holiday season is almost upon us, so of course that means choral concerts, especially Handel’s Messiah. Recently, I spoke with Columbia Pro Cantare’s Executive Director, Elladean Brigham, about the group’s upcoming performance of the famous work as well as their Chamber Chorus seasonal offering, A Christmas Noel.

Oct. 25 2019

All About Monty (no, Not Python)

By Dyana Neal | Posted in Host Blogs, Interviews, WBJC Programs | Comments Off on All About Monty (no, Not Python)

However, that famous comedy troupe’s influence can definitely be felt in A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder, Dundalk Community Theatre’s current production. The show won the Tony award for Best Musical in 2014 and also nods to Gilbert and Sullivan, Charles Dickens, and perhaps even Downton Abbey. Earlier this week, I spoke with director […]

Sep. 30 2019

Taking a stand against that phone in your hand, or, thank you, Ms. Mutter!

By Dyana Neal | Posted in Host Blogs | 1 Comment

It’s very difficult to keep an arts organization afloat these days. From the largest concert halls and opera houses to “small theater” companies and chamber music ensembles that perform in schools or churches, everyone worries about how to attract and retain audiences. Then there’s the fact that ticket prices cover only a portion of operating […]

May. 14 2019

Growing up Bernstein: What was it like?

By Dyana Neal | Posted in Host Blogs, Interviews, WBJC Programs | Comments Off on Growing up Bernstein: What was it like?

NOTE: Alas, I’ve been informed that the event referred to in this interview has been canceled. I still highly recommend reading Ms.Bernstein’s book and checking out the Soulful Symphony! Last year, en route to my high school reunion, I read – no, devoured – “Famous Father Girl: A Memoir of Growing up Bernstein,” Jamie Bernstein’s […]

Apr. 25 2019

Sounds of Freedom

By Dyana Neal | Posted in Host Blogs | Comments Off on Sounds of Freedom

On Sunday, May 12, Baltimore Choral Arts will present “Captivity to Liberty”, featuring Mendelssohn’s Die erste Walpurgisnacht and Jonathan Dove’s The Monster in the Maze. Recently, I spoke with Maestro Blake Clark and artist Chuck Nesci about the program and the theme that unites the two works.       

Sep. 21 2018

Are new violins easier to fiddle with?

By Dyana Neal | Posted in Host Blogs, Interviews, WBJC Programs | Comments Off on Are new violins easier to fiddle with?

Sorry, I couldn’t resist that one. In all seriousness, violinist Netanel Draiblate has some very interesting reasons for preferring to play a new instrument rather than an antique. We chatted about new vs. old, cadenzas, and more recently. Mr. Draiblate will be the Baltimore Chamber Orchestra’s featured soloist on Sunday, September 30.       […]

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