In Baltimore and beyond

Keeping Classical Music Alive

Friends of Baltimore Classical Radio Inc. is a nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring the future vitality and excellence of classical music broadcasting through WBJC-FM and throughout our community.

Support Our Mission Become a Friend

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Preserve

Safeguarding classical music broadcasting for future generations.

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Promote

Expanding access and appreciation through education and outreach.

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Support

Providing resources that strengthen and enhance WBJC-FM.

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Connect

Bringing our community together through the power of music.

24/7 Classical Music

WBJC-FM remains one of the region's essential sources of curated classical programming.

Six States & D.C.

The station reaches listeners across Maryland and the surrounding Mid-Atlantic region.

Community Focused

We support education, live performances, and meaningful community engagement.

A Secure Future

We work to ensure classical broadcasting remains trusted, independent, and accessible.

Our Story

Classical radio is worth protecting.

Once, Baltimore listeners could choose from several classical music stations. Today, very few remain. WBJC-FM continues to offer classical music around the clock, curated by an experienced professional staff.

WBJC-FM began broadcasting in 1951 and is licensed to Baltimore City Community College. Over time, institutional uncertainty and complex purchasing requirements created challenges that inspired Theodore Manekin to establish Friends of WBJC, Inc. in 2020.

The organization is now known as Friends of Baltimore Classical Radio Inc., reflecting a broader commitment to preserving classical music broadcasting throughout Maryland and the Mid-Atlantic.

Our Mission

Preserve, promote, and strengthen classical music broadcasting.

Preserve Classical Broadcasting

Increase audiences through educational outreach.
Guard against format changes that diminish classical programming.
Support appropriate staffing and station stability.
Explore operational or licensing solutions when needed.

Support Maryland and the Mid-Atlantic

Help provide essential equipment.
Support adequate funding for station operations.
Promote off-site recording and community engagement.
Encourage new programming and broader access.

Leadership

A board united by music, service, education, and advocacy.

Friends of Baltimore Classical Radio Inc. is guided by leaders whose experience spans public radio, nonprofit service, law, education, and internationally acclaimed musical performance.

Theodore ManekinFounder

Stephen R. Elville, J.D., LL.M.President
Attorney & Arts Advocate

Jed GaylinConductor

Qing LiViolinist & Educator

Irina Kaplan LandeConcert Pianist

Theodore Manekin

Nonprofit leader, fundraiser, public radio professional, and performing arts advocate with more than four decades of experience.

Stephen R. Elville, J.D., LL.M.

Principal Attorney and CEO of Elville and Associates, P.C., and founder of the Elville Center for the Creative Arts.

Jed Gaylin

Internationally recognized conductor and music director whose work spans orchestras, festivals, and educational institutions.

Qing Li

Principal Second Violinist of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra and Professor of Violin at the Peabody Institute.

Irina Kaplan Lande

Award-winning concert pianist trained in the renowned piano tradition of the St. Petersburg Conservatory.

Become a Friend

Join a community dedicated to preserving classical music.

Stay connected with Friends of Baltimore Classical Radio Inc. and receive occasional news about our work, concerts, educational programs, volunteer opportunities, and ways to support the mission.

We respect your privacy. Your information will never be sold or shared.

Stay Connected

Become a Friend.

Receive occasional updates about our work, concerts, educational programs, and opportunities to become involved.

Become a Friend

Support Our Mission

Make a gift.

Help preserve classical music broadcasting with a tax-deductible contribution to the organization.

Donate

Important notice: Friends of Baltimore Classical Radio Inc. and WBJC-FM and its licensee, Baltimore City Community College, are separate and independent organizations.