Remembering Abbado

Blue Lake Public Radio | By Foley Schuler

Published June 26, 2025 at 2:05 PM EDT

This afternoon Foley celebrates what would have been the legendary maestro's 92nd birthday...

This afternoon's Classical Music with Foley Schuler, will feature several special musical selections in honor Claudio Abbado, who was born in Milan, June 26, 1933. Included will be his classic recording with the Berlin Philharmonic of highlights from Prokofiev's ballet Romeo and Juliet (specially selected by the conductor himself). The program will also spotlight music made under the baton of one of today's leading conductors, Gustavo Dudamel, who considered Abbado one of his great mentors.

You can hear Foley Schuler's musical selections—and stories behind the music—every weekday afternoon from 1 until 5 on Blue Lake Public Radio.

Foley Schuler

Encouraged by creative parents, Foley began his music career at age 7, studying violin with Jean Manning at North Muskegon Public Schools. As a Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp camper, he became Blue Lake Public Radio’s first high school intern. Foley earned an English Literature degree from Hope College, and Masters in Fine Arts degree in Creative Writing from the Warren Wilson College. He has performed with the West Michigan (formerly West Shore) Symphony; served on the English Department faculty at Muskegon Community College, and been the Music, Art & Theatre reviewer for the Muskegon Chronicle. He follows his love of the arts around the globe, but says, “There is no place like the Blue Lake setting, sharing extraordinary music with our listeners.” Foley hosts Blue Lake Public Radio’s weekday classical music from 1 to 5 p.m. and “Sunday on Blue Lake”.

See stories by Foley Schuler