Happy birthday, Jacqueline du Pré!

Blue Lake Public Radio | By Foley Schuler

Published January 26, 2026 at 3:00 PM EST

This afternoon, host Foley Schuler will remember the legendary cellist—who would have turned 81 today—with several of her soul-stirring performances...

Highlights include du Pré's performance of the Cello Sonata No. 5 by Beethoven, and, in our final (3 o'clock) hour, the iconic work with which her name has become synonymous and her musical signature—the Cello Concerto by Sir Edward Elgar.

You can hear Foley Schuler's musical selections—and stories behind the music—every weekday afternoon from 1 until 4 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 4 p.m. and “Sunday on Blue Lake”.

See stories by Foley Schuler