George Daugherty

From 1936 to 1958, composer Carl Stalling wrote about 600 musical scores for Merrie Melodies and Looney Toons shorts. The arsenal at his command was impressive, including a 60-piece orchestra and his own encyclopedic knowledge of music history. Cartoons – and kids – were never the same. We discuss Stalling’s life and legacy with conductor George Daugherty of the “Bugs Bunny on Broadway” concerts. Plus: WQXR host Jeff Spurgeon highlights classical moments in Stalling’s work. 

Orchestras across the country are trying to find new ways to boost ticket sales in a bad economy. Conductor George Daugherty describes how he's introducing new audiences to live classical music, with the help of an unusual ally: Bugs Bunny. The Bugs Bunny at the Symphony program tours the world with the Sydney Symphony; audiences get to see and hear a live orchestral performance while the Looney Tunes gang plays on a screen above.