CAITRIONA BOLSTER Arts Line —A Turnabout by J Thibeau.

Listeners to any of the three University of Oregon classical music stations (Eugene, Redmond, Florence) or five translators (Salem, Bend, Newport, Reedsport and Sun River) or, indeed, listeners all over the world who are tuned in on the internet, are very familiar with the clear sound and distinctive accent of Caitriona Bolster. Every week-day from 9 AM to 1PM (or, from 6PM until 10PM if you are in Stockholm), Caitriona guides the listener through a selection of classical music recordings that somehow helps to make the day a bit more pleasant, a bit more civilized and a bit more complete. Her daily Arts Line interviews of artists, dancers, directors, conductors, musicians, actors and other permanent or visiting contributors to the region’s vibrant cultural calendar not only let us know what performances are coming up but provide an always interesting insight into those who will be performing. The personal touch. With that in mind, Quarterly turns the tables and devotes this column to an interview of Caitriona — perhaps not done with the deft skill she always displays in such matters but with at least the hope of giving our readers a bit of a clue to just who is behind that immediately identifiable voice.

First, tell us a bit about early times, that very formative period before you left to get your university education. Does anyone in your family share your interest in music?

“I grew up in Ireland in a family which loved music. My mother was the classical music fan; my father preferred lighter fare, Irish music and brass bands. I loved it all. In those days, we spent a lot of time listening to the radio together and I couldn’t wait to learn the piano. My younger brother is also a music lover and has a huge record collection - - much bigger than mine!”

Now, what about your education? It is obvious that there are strong credentials as well as a sensitive ear behind the comments you offer on the music you play.

“I went to University in Dublin and took degrees in Modern Languages and Music. I came to the U.S. in 1966 to pursue graduate studies in Music History at Yale.”

How did radio become the canvas for your interest in music

“I had always been mad about radio as a kid and had spent hours listening to concerts, recitals, radio plays, early rock’n roll - you name it. I actually stumbled into radio in Dallas, Texas, when I approached the local NPR station, KERA, to see if they wanted someone to work behind the scenes. It turned out that they wanted me on the air. It was a baptism of fire, I can tell you, since I had no training in radio whatsoever!”

How did you wind up in Eugene?

“I came to Eugene in 1983 when my former spouse was hired by the University. I now call Eugene home.”

Classical radio stations are few in number (and that number is constantly shrinking). Yet, KWAX (and its several outlets) seems to be very healthy. Why is that?

“I think, first of all, that KWAX resides in the midst of a very special community which welcomes an all-classical radio station and supports it very generously, along with two other non-commercial stations. Also, this music is timeless and very powerful. If you present it honestly and with integrity, it really speaks to people.”

Arts Line is certainly one of the best sources of information around about what’s going on in the arts. How do you schedule your interviews? In short, how come you know so much about what’s happening?

“The various arts groups (performing and otherwise) keep me posted. It’s an embarrassment of riches and there is far more going on than I can fit into our limited schedule.”

Finally, a very unfair question. (Something to start a little controversy and force you to tip your hand.) Name a few recordings that you believe are absolute musts for a classical music library.
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“Yes, it is a bit unfair; only because I find it almost impossible. I’ll mention a few recordings I would take along to a desert island: Bach’s Bist du bei Mir, the duet from Bach’s Cantata 78; Dinu Lipatti playing Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring and anything by Chopin.. And, for something less spiritual, I’d pack the William Tell Overture which I have loved since I was four.

“My personal hobbies are reading, listening to music and silence.” - - Dame Edith Sitwell