Don’t Be Late for a Very Musical Date: Alice in Wonderland Takes Over Classic 107’s 9 AM Hour

Don’t Be Late for a Very Musical Date: Alice in Wonderland Takes Over Classic 107’s 9 AM Hour!

“Curiouser and curiouser!” That’s how things will be sounding this Saturday morning in the 9 o’clock hour, as Classic 107 tumbles down the rabbit hole into a whimsical world of music inspired by Alice in Wonderland! Why, you ask? Because it was on this very day—July 26, 1951—that Walt Disney’s animated adaptation of Lewis Carroll’s beloved tale premiered in theatres.

To celebrate, we’ve brewed up a fantastical, slightly mad playlist filled with magical melodies, curious characters, and even a bit of jazz—all spinning out during our 9 AM hour. So whether you're just waking up or already enjoying your second cup of tea (with or without a dormouse), join us for a trip to Wonderland like no other.

🎬 9:00 AM – Selections from the 1951 Walt Disney Score

Main Title / “I’m Late” / “The Garden” / “All in the Golden Afternoon”
Performed by the Jud Conlon Chorus, Bill Thompson, Kathryn Beaumont

We begin, of course, with Disney’s classic soundtrack. Though the film wasn’t initially a smash hit, it’s since become a cult favourite, known for its trippy animation and quirky musical numbers. These opening selections set the scene, featuring the flustered White Rabbit (“I’m Late!”), the floral serenade “All in the Golden Afternoon,” and the dreamy garden theme that draws Alice deeper into Wonderland.

🪞 9:07 AM – Through the Looking Glass Suite

Composer: Taylor Deems | Performed by the Seattle Symphony under Gerard Schwarz

Next, we head through the mirror with modern composer Taylor Deems. His orchestral suite takes inspiration from Carroll’s sequel and imagines Alice’s journey across a chessboard kingdom. Under Gerard Schwarz’s baton, the Seattle Symphony brings out every fantastical flourish—from regal pageantry to playful oddities.

🎹 9:41 AM – Alice in Wonderland Suite for Piano: Introduction & The White Rabbit

Composer: Edgar Stillman Kelley | Performed by pianist Brian Kovach

Before Disney, American composer Edgar Stillman Kelley took his own musical journey through Wonderland. His 1910 suite for solo piano is lush, imaginative, and a little dramatic—just like the story itself. “The White Rabbit” is a delightful flurry of notes that captures all the rabbit’s anxious energy (and possibly his caffeine intake).

🎶 9:48 AM – More Music from the 1951 Disney Score

“The Sailor’s Hornpipe / The Caucus Race” & “Painting the Roses Red / March of the Cards”
Performed by The Rhythmaires, Jud Conlon Chorus, Bill Thompson, The Mello Men, and Kathryn Beaumont

Back to Disney’s soundtrack we go, this time with some of its zanier scenes: the never-ending “Caucus Race,” the floral felony that is “Painting the Roses Red,” and the Queen’s card soldiers on parade. If Wonderland had a musical theatre revue, it would probably sound a lot like this.

🎹 9:53 AM – Bill Evans Trio – Alice in Wonderland

We end our 9 AM adventure with a cool and contemplative take on “Alice in Wonderland” by jazz legend Bill Evans. Originally a Disney tune by Sammy Fain, Evans transformed it into a dreamy jazz standard in the 1960s. It’s moody, mellow, and the perfect soundtrack for floating back to reality.

So set your alarm (don’t be late!) and join us Saturday morning at 9 AM for a magical hour of music that’s as curious and captivating as Wonderland itself. Who says mornings can’t be mad in the best possible way?