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Calland, Fred (Calland, Frederick Fremont) (October 25, 1923-October 22, 1999)

 Person

Dates

  • Existence: October 25, 1923 - October 22, 1999

Biography

Fred Calland was a record collector, teacher and broadcaster with a long professional background in radio music programming, and a national reputation as an opera expert. He entertained National Public Radio listeners from the inception of NPR with many of the most popular music shows broadcast by the system.

Born October 25, 1923, in Columbus, Ohio, Calland began collecting records as a teenager. He served in Germany during World War II. After graduating from Ohio State University in 1949, he taught German and worked as the music director for radio stations WSCU-FM in Columbus and WFCR-FM in Amherst, Mass. At WFCR he inaugurated a daily three-hour program called "Fred Calland Presents," which included everything from classical to bluegrass.

In 1970, Calland joined National Public Radio as its only music producer. His personal collection often served as the principal resource for recorded music broadcasts. He hosted many live events including the first performances of new musical works. In1989, he retired from NPR as a senior producer. He then served as an occasional commentator on NPR and continued to host his "World of Opera" program on WETA-FM for several years.

Calland also taught opera appreciation at American and George Mason universities. His musical interests and knowledge were wide ranging, but his particular love was for opera and classical vocal music. He was witty, articulate, and opinionated, but without any hint of condescension toward his listeners. He attracted a large circle of friends with his conviviality, hearty sense of humor, and passionate love of music. Calland served as President of the Association for Recorded Sound Collections and Washington Metropolitan Area Chapter in 1988-89. He was also a noted quilt designer and quilt maker, and a member of the board of the Quilters Hall of Fame.

Fred Calland passed away October 22, 1999, at his home in Fairfax, Virginia.

Found in 1 Collection or Record:

Fred Calland Collection

 Collection
Identifier: MS-0074
Scope and Contents The Fred Calland Collection was donated to the Miller Nichols Library at the University of Missouri-Kansas City by Calland’s sister, Ann Calland, in 2000. The manuscript collection is housed in LaBudde Special Collections and holds material related to Calland’s radio career and is divided into seven series: biographical/personal, correspondence, radio material, opera material, opera programs, miscellaneous and photographs. The audiovisual collection is housed in the Marr Sound Archives and...
Dates: 1899 - 1995