Colorado Public Radio (CPR) has added Mario Rivas and William Carman as host/producers for CPR Classical, expanding the station’s efforts to connect with audiences through music, storytelling and community-focused programming. CPR Classical originates on Colorado Public Radio’s KVOD (88.1) Denver and broadcast on a dozen other CPR affiliate stations throughout the state.
Rivas and Carman bring creative backgrounds that span filmmaking, music performance, education and arts engagement. The pair will contribute to CPR Classical’s broadcast and digital platforms, bringing new perspectives and approaches to making classical music more accessible and meaningful for listeners throughout Colorado.
“Both Mario and William are natural storytellers whose creativity, curiosity and love of music shine through,” CPR Classical Program Director Monika Vischer said. “They each bring unique experiences that will inspire new perspectives and discoveries for our listeners. We’re thrilled to welcome them to the CPR Classical team.”
Originally from Mexico City, Rivas earned a film production degree from the University of Southern California and spent more than 20 years working as a writer, producer, host and video editor. Before joining CPR Classical, he served as manager of marketing and media for Denver nonprofit Servicios de La Raza. His new role marks a return to his arts-focused background, combining his storytelling experience with his longtime passion for music.
Carman joins CPR Classical after a decade operating his own music business, where he worked as a performer, audio engineer, transcriptionist, private instructor and commissioned arranger. A composer and multi-instrumentalist with a foundation in percussion, Carman brings experience in both music creation and technical production.
Beyond his professional work, Carman has focused on building community through the arts, transforming the former Local 46 stage into a backyard performance venue featuring live music, spoken word and theater events designed to connect artists and neighbors.
Rivas and Carman began their new roles this month and will be featured across CPR Classical’s radio and digital offerings.