A primary goal of this column, which will run occasionally in The Herald-Dispatch, is to identify classical music being offered in our very midst, some at no cost -- repeat, no cost. The idea is to discuss the music on the program in advance. Prospectively, for example, what is it in a given piece to that extols the human spirit? What is there to savor, to experience, to be lifted in mind and body?

Most of the time, this column will discuss the music, not necessarily the performance. However, some times the performance is so extraordinary that it has to be reported on.

If the discussion in this column whets your appetite to attend, hallelujah! Audience development on a modest, ongoing basis could be a worthy outcome. Another hallelujah!

A fine array of recorded classical music is available on broadcasts by Public Radio and Public Television in Kentucky, Ohio and West Virginia. The Public Broadcasting Act of 1967 provided an infrastructure for noncommercial television and radio. News information and cultural programming were the mainstays for public radio. It has almost gotten to the point that we take public radio for granted when it comes to classical music.

On the TV side we get the occasional and superb offering of a particularly appealing symphony, oratorio or opera. It is public radio that delivers classical music every day -- yes, every day.

What is notable on the local scene, in this writer's opinion is the offering of Classical Arts Showcase. It comes free to Marshall via 24 hours a day satellite and to us via Comcast Channel 25 every day. The array features much classical music but also offers other performing and visual arts content.

When I talked with Classical Arts Showcase executive Charlie Mount in Los Angeles, I asked about the "schedule." There is none, he explained. They beam their signal via satellite 24 hours a day. What you see it what you get. It is almost impossible to tune in the Showcase and not get some jewels in classical music. Lloyd E. Rigler (1915-2003) surmised that our partaking of classical content on a sampling basis might entice us to attend locally offered classical events.

When it comes to orchestras, one can hear not only the best of American orchestras but also those of other countries. Which are regarded in the U.S. as the best of the best symphony orchestras? My subjective list, alphabetically are Boston, Chicago, Cleveland, New York, Philadelphia. Los Angeles and Atlanta certainly are not far behind. All do great justice to great classical music. There are fine orchestras abroad who do great justice to great music: Berlin, Leipzig, London, Vienna and more. They also make great music come alive, alive, alive.

Tune in to Marshall University's Education Channel, which is Comcast Channel 25 in Huntington. Eric Himes at the university is director of Digital Media production. In a recent visit with him, I was advised that the schedule for Classical Arts Showcase is Monday through Friday noon to 6 a.m. and 2 to 5 p.m., 6 to 7 p.m., 8 to 10 p.m. Saturday all day, Sunday except 1 to 1:30 a.m. and 3-3:30 a.m. and 11 to 11:59 p.m.

It is good to learn that Marshall President Stephen Kopp is an active supporter of the channel, including the Classical Arts Showcase. Thank you, President Kopp. Be sure to tell him if/when you meet him. If you want to talk with Eric Himes, he can be reached by phone 304-696-2974 or e-mail itvs@marshall.edu.

In a future column, we hope to cover how teachers in the arts use the Showcase in a creative and effective way. Also to be discussed is how jazz and folk music work in classical music.

Louis A. Capaldini is a retired businessman who recently completed studies for a master's degree in music.

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