NPR widens ‘Sacred Classics’

National Public Radio will offer three hours of choral music to all its 815 stations every Sunday, beginning with a sample program Christmas morning.

“Sacred Classics” will explore music for choirs and choruses through the centuries, from medieval chants through 21st century gospel singing.

The program is already available to 51 NPR stations that belong to the Classic Public Radio Network, including KUSC-FM (91.5) in Los Angeles, where it runs 7 to 10 a.m.

The Christmas program will include familiar carols as well as motets and cantatas, with singing by Chanticleer, the Cambridge Singers, the choir of King’s College and the group Anonymous 4. Old and new Jewish music will be included. This year, Dec. 25 is the first day of Hanukkah.