On Saturday, Nov. 7, Wisconsin Public Radio’s WPR Music service will launch a new world music program, “The River Flows with Ava Kuredjian,” bringing listeners four hours of music from across cultures and traditions each Saturday from 5 to 9 p.m.
Created and hosted by WPR Music producer Ava Kuredjian, “The River Flows” will draw from WPR’s extensive music collection to share world, folk, classical music, and more. Each week, Kuredjian plans to let the sound of the music lead the way, following connections in rhythm, instrumentation and style from one part of the world to another.
“I want people to hear songs and sounds they may already know, but also discover something new they can get excited about,” Kuredjian said. “I hope for a sense of discovery for some people, and a sense of recognition for others.”
That sense of discovery has been part of Kuredjian’s relationship with radio since college. Born and raised in Southern California, she attended the University of California-Santa Barbara. There she got involved with student station KCSB, starting out producing and hosting a Middle Eastern music program before expanding into broader programming featuring music from around the world. That experience helped shape her interest in using radio not just to play music, but to give listeners context about why a recording or tradition is worth exploring.
Kuredjian joined WPR in July 2025 and works as a producer for WPR Music, creating and editing digital content, working with hosts on video projects and hosting classical programs. She has also spent much of the past year exploring WPR’s physical music library, highlighting recordings through a digital series that introduces audiences to albums from the collection. That exploration and the discoveries she has made were an inspiration for “The River Flows” and will carry into the new program.
“Music is such a powerful connector, especially music from around the world,” Kuredjian said. “It’s very exciting that I get to share that with people.”
Kuredjian said she hopes listeners will hear something unfamiliar, follow their curiosity and perhaps go looking for more. Her own discoveries in WPR’s library have often sent her down similar musical paths, finding new artists, genres and connections between traditions.
“The River Flows with Ava Kuredjian” will air Saturdays from 5 to 9 p.m. starting Nov. 7 on WPR Music stations across Wisconsin and online at wpr.org and in the WPR App. Listeners will also be able to find each week’s playlist online.
