Happy Birthday, Kathleen Battle!

Blue Lake Public Radio | By Foley Schuler

Published August 12, 2026 at 6:21 PM EDT

As the celebrated diva turns 78, Foley will mark the occasion with a wide array of her vocal artistsry Thursday afternoon.

Our celebration of the birthday of Kathleen Battle on Thursday's Classical Music With Foley Schuler will take the form of three of the singers most memorable collaborations from over the years—including triuphant team-ups with violinist Itzhak Perlman, guitarist Christopher Parkening and trumpeter Wynton Marsalis.

You can hear Foley Schuler's musical selections—and stories behind the music—every weekday afternoon 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”.

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