Viva Voce!, Saturdays, 6 - 7 p.m.

Luther Wade is retired from a university teaching career in Louisiana (he's Professor Emeritus of Speech and Theatre at Southeastern Louisiana University) and at UNC-Charlotte.  He holds degrees in music, English literature, and theatre from Louisiana State University, including the Ph.D.  He first became interested in classical music at about age 12 when his parents gave him a Christmas present of a then high tech 45 rpm phono player, along with a recording of Beethoven's 5th Symphony.  He later performed in operas and musicals.  He is a contributor of reviews to Opera News magazine published by the Metropolitan Opera Guild.

Luther first became involved in radio in Louisiana when he did a 3-year series of programs on J.S. Bach for the Southeastern Louisiana University public radio station.  He joined WDAV in 1992 to do Viva Voce!

As for favorite composers, he usually answers that question like the famous conductor who, when asked his favorite Beethoven symphony, responded, "The one I played last."   However, among his favorites are Mozart, Verdi, Bach, and Schubert.  He likes all types of classical music but is particularly interested, of course, in vocal music.

Luther and his wife Marylyn frequently travel to Europe, especially the British Isles, and often lead groups on trips to various destinations there.  He teaches classes in music history and European history at churches and senior citizens' groups since his retirement from full-time university employment.