'Fur, Feathers and Flutes'

We know that classical music can calm us and our pets. We also know that we have a special connection with our pets. By that logic, do our pets have a special connection with classical music?

Host Jillene Khan thinks so! Join her as she hosts Fur, Feathers and Flutes, a program that celebrates the love we have for our companions and their connection to classical music.

On the program, Khan will introduce you to her 3-year-old tuxedo cat, Harri (who was named after Harry Potter because of the lightning bolt on her forehead). You’ll hear stories of composers and the pets they love, along with music inspired by their furry friends. Meet an an opera-loving parrot, curious classical-loving cats and find out how classical music helps train service dogs.  

Throughout our journey, you might think of the pets that you’ve loved and lost. Hear stories and music that’ll help you find peace in the midst of grief after saying goodbye to a special companion as we honor pets who’ve left us behind for the “Rainbow Bridge.”

Listen to Fur, Feathers and Flutes and check out cute pictures of the furry and feathered friends who were featured in the show! 

Playlist

• John Williams: Hedwig's Theme from Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

• Edward Elgar: Engima Variations G.R.S. 

• Maurice Ravel: L'Enfant et les Sortileges

• Georges Bizet: Habanera from Carmen

• John Williams: March from Raiders of the Lost Ark

• Ludwig van Beethoven: First Movement from Piano Sonata No. 14 (Moonlight)

• Maurice Ravel: Habanera

• Robert Schumann: Papillons (Butterflies)

• Rachel Fuller: Requiem Aeternam from Animal Requiem  

• Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Piano Concerto No. 17

• Johannes Brahms: Wiegenlied (Lullaby)

• Frederic Chopin: Waltz No. 6 (Minute)

Acknowledgments

Thank you to the all pet parents who shared their stories! A special thanks to these folks who were featured on the show:

• Howard Skillington and his cat, Peaches, from Winston-Salem, N.C.

• Jeff Johnson from Can Do Canines in New Hope, Minn.

• Diane and Paul and their parrot, Rascal, from St. Paul, Minn.

• Caroline Stiles and her dog, Rosie, from Jonesboro, Ark.

• Diane Lusk and her dog, Coco, from Southport, N.C.

• Catherine Lang, in honor of her cat, Boots, from Rockford, Ill.

“And, I’d be remiss if I didn’t give a shout-out to my favorite feline, Miss Harri, who came into my life when I least expected it and just when I needed her. She’s the perfect blend of sweet and sassy and I can’t imagine life without her.” — Jillene Khan

Gallery

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And as a special treat, enjoy Rascal the parrot dancing to an excerpt from W.A. Mozart’s ‘The Marriage of Figaro.’

Does your pet have a special relationship with classical music? Tell us about your dog that “sings” along with the music, or your cat that gets the “zoomies” when they hear a certain piece. Do your chickens lay more eggs for a symphony or a sonata? Have you noticed your horse doing a happy trot when they hear their favorite composer? Let us know!

Send an email to jkhan@mpr.org.